Konami thrilled fans of the iconic Metal Gear Solid series this week with the long-awaited announcement of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection. This collection brings the first three 3D entries of Hideo Kojima's groundbreaking stealth franchise to modern platforms, offering both nostalgia and an opportunity for new players to experience the series' early gems. With the inclusion of Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid  2: Solid Snake, the Master Collection embraces the roots of the series while hinting at a comprehensive gathering of the franchise's illustrious history.

Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, the inaugural titles in the Metal Gear series, were initially released on the MSX home computer. These games have been previously remastered by Kojima Productions, showcasing their commitment to preserving the franchise's legacy. Now, these gems will be reintroduced to players in the Master Collection, presenting an opportunity to appreciate the series' evolution from its humble beginnings.

Notably absent from the Master Collection, however, will be Snake's Revenge. Often considered non-canon, it was developed without Hideo Kojima's involvement as a sequel to Metal Gear. While Konami has decided to maintain this stance of the game being non-canon, some may argue that a comprehensive collection should include all games, regardless of their canonical status.

According to the PlayStation store listing, the Master Collection will feature Metal Gear Solid and its VR missions, a standalone title created to bridge the gap before Metal Gear Solid 2. The collection will also include the HD Collection versions of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. However, it's worth noting that the description mentions "minimal edits to copyrighted contents," indicating that specific archive footage in the first three Metal Gear Solid games may be removed due to licensing constraints.

In addition to the Master Collection, Konami has announced Metal Gear Delta: Snake Eater, a complete remastering of Metal Gear Solid 3. While some fans might question the need for a remake of the game, given its inclusion in the Master Collection, Konami's development team promises a faithful rendition that potentially offers enhanced visuals and an updated experience. The remake of Snake Eater piques my curiosity, raising hopes for a future where Konami's developers can shine independently, unburdened by the series' towering legacy.