There's a new Platinum game hidden in the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake that's actually a remake of a reworked Zone of the Enders 3 prototype
When it comes to gaming, few franchises are as beloved and revered as Metal Gear Solid. The series has been a staple of gaming culture for decades, with its intricate storylines, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. But did you know that one of the most fascinating secrets in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is actually a hidden game within a game? It's called "Guy Savage," a barebones hack-and-slasher featuring hook swords, bestial transformations, and zombie coppers.
Guy Savage was originally part of a reworked Zone of the Enders 3 prototype that was directed by long-time Metal Gear Solid writer Shuyo Murata. The game is framed as a dream sequence triggered by Naked Snake's torture and an unhelpful reference to Dracula from a codec conversation with Para-Medic before saving.
The original Guy Savage has returned in the upcoming Unreal Engine remake, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which launches next week. However, this time around, the game has been contracted out to Bayonetta studio PlatinumGames. The result is a significantly improved version of the minigame, with glossy visuals and the same spinning and gouging mechanics as before.
But what's even more fascinating about Guy Savage is its connection to Hideo Kojima's own brand of eccentricity. The game feels like a tribute to Kojima himself, with all sorts of wonky fossilized organs and quirks that have become hallmarks of his style. It's as if Kojima has extracted every one of his beloved designer's asides and sent them off to be rehydrated and plumped up before grafting on new skin.
In the case of Guy Savage, the fossilized organ is also the aborted stub of another game that was cancelled in 2013: the Zone of the Enders threequel. Apparently, Kojima wanted the minigame to be Gradius initially, but decided an original game would be better. The result is a game that feels both nostalgic and strange, like a haunted house that's been locked away for years.
As we await the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater on August 28th, one thing is clear: this game is going to be an event. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – we'll be keeping a close eye on it.
Footage and Video Links
Watch the original PS2 version of Guy Savage here! And for those interested in seeing what PlatinumGames has done with the game, check out this footage from Gamespot: