Yet another MGS4 thread

[qubit]

I'm worried about the locale: the Middle East.  Speaking as a Jew who wants to see a completely bias-free media covering elements there (for me a pro-Israel report is just as bad as a pro-Palestine report) I'm afraid that Konami is going to take some fire.  If Konami is taking any kind of bias (pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine) there is going to be conflict.  I will refuse to buy the game if it takes any kind of slant and I hope this remains a fictional universe not dealing with real issues (well I couldn't buy it anyway considering I don't have a PS3, but if I did...)

What are your thoughts?  Do you think games are trying too hard to tackle real issues (any Ghost Recon game - the future but same Mexico-USA border issues, Chili Con Carnage)?

[Edward M]

Refuse to buy a game if it has any kind of slant?   What do you mean?   Do you want it to not be controversial?  I hope it is very controversial, and presents new ideas.  On politics, I like to read material written by people who have a completely different ideas than I have, as I believe that helps make my opinion more whole. If its a quality story and thesis, then I will definitely want to play MGS4, even if it something I strongly disagree with.   Infact I think a lot of the problems in the middle east could be solved if people would read the alternate viewpoints more often.   I'm not suggesting everyone playing MGS4 will solve the middle eastern conflicts, but I believe this concept of not playing it if it has a slant, is part of a bigger problem of "sticking to your own", and not reaching out and finding other viewpoints.  If games are to be considered art, sometimes they will have to be controversial.

[Superjay]

I agree with qubit I feel that the game should not take any positions as not to offend prospective buyers. I understand your point of view Edward but I don't think they should do that with this game. I think the media should incorporate some of your ideas. I do think they should have different positions though because having the same ideas only is propaganda and I hate that.

[feilong801]

Well, this sort of stuff is why I think the games industry should remember that their primary job is to entertain. I am not saying that this precludes games from being artistic or topical, as I think games can be both that and entertaining. But what hurts Hollywood IMO is that a certain number of films seem to be made purely to push certain positions.

Metal Gear has always gotten way too odd for me anyway, especially when they went with that (SPOILERS!) Solidus Snake as President plot thread.

Give me a created world, as opposed to anything based on ours. Then you can tackle topical issues of our own world much easier.

-Rob

[qubit]

feilong's right.  The best way to tackle major issues is to exaggerate them in a fictional world and drop the bomb: "hey, this could happen to us!"  Tolkien brought up some incredibly relevant and brilliant points about modern warfare through Middle-Earth, a universe which, while based on various elements of mythology and ancient history (Rohan as the Norse with horses), is still relatively fictional.

[JustLikeHeaven1]

While the game might take place in the middle east, I highly doubt it wil feature a realistic story line.  Most Metal Gear games take place during real wars except they alter reality with story elements.  Metal Gear Solid 3 does this quite a bit.

Kojima is all about storytelling and strong character interaction in his games.  I personally don't think he would directly talk/reference about something that is going to raise alot of red flags.

[wur1]

I think Metal Gear really shows how corrupt everyone is; the storylines are just as critical of the policies of Japan, Russia and China as they are of the US.  There will probably be some discussion of the issue, but it may mostly focus on Iraq (they discussed US policy in Iraq quite a bit in MGS1, Foxdie being tested on American soldiers secretly, etc.); however, I foresee that Otacon will share his opinions on the issue of Zionism and anti-Zionism, as he is Jewish.  Meryl has a Jewish last name (Silverberg), so I suspect that she might tie into the discussion as well.

[ActRaiser1]

Kojima has a history of trying to tell overarching stories of ethical/moral dilemas to society as a whole.  Snatcher being the main one that I know of at least.  Great game!  It doesn't come across too high handed but you can relate things a bit.  I highly recommend it for the Sega CD.

Bud