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1st September 2015 sees the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain but marks the final collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Konami. It is difficult to not associate Kojima with his most seminal series and he once stated his request to not be referred to as, “the Metal Gear guy”. Based on his stance this edition of Four of a Kind will examine the highly acclaimed producer’s involvement in video games outside of Metal Gear franchise.
1. Penguin Adventure
Credited as an assistant director, Penguin Adventure is the first project Hideo Kojima worked on for Konami. The game is a fusion between action adventure and RPG. The plot focuses on Penta, a penguin tasked with bringing home a golden apple in order to cure the Penguin Princess.
Kojima significantly expanded upon the game’s predecessor, Antarctic Adventure, by adding extra gameplay mechanics including; an increase in level variation (ice, water and forest based stages), boss fights, mini-games, the ability to upgrade or purchase items and the introduction of multiple endings.
Kojima would later use certain aspects of the multiple endings in Metal Gear Solid.
2. Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand (Gameboy Advance)
The plot centres on Django, a vampire hunter defeating enemies via the use of Gun Del Sol. The game utilises an isometric perspective with the graphics appearing colourful and sharp. The controls are excellent including an option to customise for increased ease. Though the Gun Del Sol enables action elements there is also an emphasis on stealth. Players can upgrade attributes and will contend with, not too difficult, puzzles to solve.
The most unique gameplay mechanic is the facility to harness actual solar rays. The cartridge is transparent, containing a photometric light sensor designed to measure the amount of sunlight exposure. Resultantly players must take their Gameboy Advance outside in order to charge the Gun Del Sol. If the gun runs out of light reserves then the player must avoid enemies.
3. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (Playstation 2)
The 2nd Runner continues the events of Zone of the Enders and is again based around mech combat. Players once more control Jehuty, the orbital frame, this time piloted by Dingo Egret. Unlike the first game there is more focus on action elements, without the need to protect civilians; consequently Jehuty’s weaponry and abilities have increased.
Gameplay is enhanced as combat is faster, fluid and contains a greater variety in enemy numbers creating a challenging difficulty. Graphically the game also improves upon the original. The plot is engaging but ultimately short though longevity derives from extra content.
4. Lunar Knights (Nintendo DS)
As Lunar Knighst is a spin-off from the main Boktai series it does retain some gameplay mechanics, art style and approach however it does eliminate the need to hardness actual solar energy for the purpose of in-game features. Lunar Knights revolves around two playable characters, Lucian and Aaron.
The main protagonists are interchangeable in order to experience fairly differing gameplay styles; Lucian is a dark swordsman allowing for hack and slash sequences where as Aaron utilises solar projectile weaponry. Depending on which character used results in focusing on different equipable items and methods in which to charge them.
The controls are average but at times, mostly during space sequences, clumsy and could have been implemented smoother.
That concludes Four of a Kind’s delve into Hideo Kojima’s non Metal Gear gaming past. Though the list seems brief, in comparison to the aforementioned stealth-based series, Kojima still boasts a fine amount of impressive games. As always feel free to leave a comment discussing the titles presented or any that have been omitted.
Honourable Mentions: Snatcher (Sega-CD), Policenauts (Playstation, Sega Saturn), Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance), Zone of the Enders (Playstation 2)