25 Years Ago, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Predicted Gaming’s Future Better Than We Realized

When the anticipated sequel to Metal Gear Solid came out, it was unexpectedly controversial. The marketing had promised more Solid Snake. However, in classic Hideo Kojima fashion, the sequel completely subverted players’ expectations. Instead of Solid Snake, brand-new protagonist Raiden took most of the spotlight. Some were frustrated, but others saw it as genius. It’s fun to think about one of gaming’s most iconic bait-and-switch moments, but the most compelling part of all is how the game reflects many of the things being faced in the modern world. Metal Gear Solid 2 covers everything from digital surveillance to “fake news,” but it also made predictions that we’re seeing unfold in the gaming industry.