The ‘Metal Gear Solid V’ Launch Trailer Is A Sombre Goodbye To The Series

Briefly: I never realized how emotional this moment would be.

The launch trailer for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has just debuted online, and more than an exciting trailer for what’s bound to be one of the best games of the year (if not the generation), this final Hideo Kojima-directed video feels like the lauded director’s sombre goodbye to his baby.

Since the first time that I played Metal Gear Solid as an eight year old in 1998, I’ve been enthralled with the series, its incredible characters, its mind-blowing gameplay, and even its convoluted and confusing story.

Now, with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Hideo’s vision is all but coming to an end. After his falling out with Konami which also led to Silent Hills getting the axe, it’s pretty safe to say the next game from the creator will be picked up by another publisher.

The trailer takes us through quick glimpses of each main-series Metal Gear title, all while depressing, minor-keyed music plays in the background. Afterwards, we get a glimpse of a gigantic new Metal Gear which looks like a tough-as-nails opponent. Quick credits reveal Kojima’s name about 100 times (which would be 100 times more than the box art will), and then it all fades to black.

Anyone else wish they could give Kojima a hug?

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain releases on September 1st.