Old Snake

So, Metal Gear 4 is finally upon is, an exciting prospect for anyone who calls themselves a gamer, or even a pop culture enthusiast. It seems that our hero Snake has aged dramatically in the last few years, apparently because he's a clone. Cynics might say it's because of all the cut scenes he's had to sit through over the years, and while there's no doubt that the game is going to take some serious commitment, there's no denying the power of the unique feeling that Kojima-san has entwined throughout the series.

It's not quite getting the universal unreserved acclaim that Grand Theft Auto 4 has managed (not that it's far off), although MGS has always catered to a specific taste, specifically one that doesn't mind if half the 'game' involves watching a cut scene. I've yet to start it yet, but more because I want to put aside some time to appreciate it properly, and get a little further with GTA! So, in the meantime, I thought I'd illustrate a portrait of Old Snake. The series has brought me lots of entertainment and inspiration over the years, so this was the least I could do to in order to pay tribute to Hideo Kojima in terms all he has done for raising the status of gaming as a creative form; to Yoji Shinkawa for his beautiful artwork (and more recently, Ashley Wood of course); and lest we forgot, to Snake for all the good times. I can't think of anyone I'd rather share several hours of videogame exposition with...