Are all the Metal Gear games canon?

Are All the Metal Gear Games Canon?

The Metal Gear series, a behemoth of a franchise with numerous games, spin-offs, and expansions, has left fans and players wondering: are all the Metal Gear games canon? The answer is complex, with some games being explicitly stated as non-canonical, while others are hotly debated among fans.

Canon vs. Non-Canon: A Brief Explanation

Before we dive into the Metal Gear series, it’s essential to understand the concept of canon vs. non-canon. Canon refers to the official story or narrative of a franchise, often written by the creators or developers. Non-canonical content, on the other hand, is not considered part of the official storyline and may be considered mere fan-fiction or alternate universes.

Early Games: The Origins of the Canon Conundrum

The first two games, Metal Gear (1987) and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990), laid the groundwork for the series. While these games established the core characters and storylines, they also introduced some inconsistencies that would become a hallmark of the Metal Gear series. Metal Gear itself is considered non-canonical due to its departure from the events of the later games.

The Solid Snake Series: Canon or Not?

The events of Metal Gear Solid (1998) and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) are considered canon, introducing a new narrative that built upon the characters and storylines from the original games. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004) is also considered canon, expanding on the backstory of the series. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008) and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) are also considered canon, further developing the story and characters.

Exceptions and Spin-Offs: What’s Not Canon

Certain games, such as Metal Gear Ghost Babel (2000), Metal Gear Acid (2004), and Snake’s Revenge (1990), are considered non-canonical, existing outside the main narrative. The handheld spin-offs, like Metal Gear Ac!d 2 (2005) and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013), are also non-canonical, offering alternative storylines or expanded universes.

Retconning and Rebooting: Clarifying the Canon

As new games are released, the Metal Gear canon has undergone retconning, where previous events or storylines are revised or reinterpreted. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a prime example, which rewrote the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater to fit the new narrative. This retconning has led to some controversy among fans, who argue that the canon has been muddled or inconsistent.

Character Canon: Who’s Who and What’s What

Characters in the Metal Gear series are also subject to canon controversy. Solid Snake, the iconic protagonist, has undergone significant changes throughout the series, with some games portraying him as a young, rookie soldier, while others show him as an older, more experienced warrior. Big Boss, Liquid Snake, and Venin Vashin are all debated among fans, with some considering them multiple personas or alternate identities.

Conclusion

The Metal Gear series is notoriously complex, with a convoluted web of canon and non-canon content. While some games are explicitly stated as part of the official narrative, others exist outside the main storyline or introduce alternative universes. As fans continue to debate and discuss the series, the importance of canon and non-canon takes center stage. Ultimately, the line between what’s canon and what’s not is blurred, leaving readers to piece together the puzzle of the Metal Gear universe.

Table: Metal Gear Canon and Non-Canon Status

Note: This table is not exhaustive and might be subject to change as new information is revealed.