Binary Impact

So that Metal Gear Solid "mystery game" is for the iPhone/iPod touch [Other franchises tag along]

Posted by Mavrik | Filed under ZOMG

Konami recently posted a teaser on their site (shown to the left) for their next Metal Gear Solid game.  Many thought it was either a new Metal Gear Acid game or MGS4 was actually coming to the 360, since it had the power button similar to the one on the 360.  The franchise was exclusive to Sony’s platforms this generation so this news left many 360 owners hopeful.  Turns out it’s an original title set in the MGS4 universe for the iPhone and iPod touch.

As a 360 owner trying to decide if he should buy a PS3 to play MGS4 (since it’s arguably one of the best titles this generation), this is not exactly what I wanted to hear.  I don’t care how many disks it’ll take to put it on the 360, it’s definitely possible and would be well worth it to port it to the 360 to attract more of an American audience (please Kojima, please!).  At the same time, I own an iPod touch so it could work out.  It all depends on how the game is executed, but I’m sure Konami will do a decent job.  This is once again more evidence that the iPhone/iPod touch should be treated as serious competitors to the PSP and Nintendo DS.

In addition to MGS4 coming to Apple’s gadgets, Silent Hill: The Escape, DanceDanceRevolution S Lite and Frogger are also all in the works for the iPhone/iPod touch platform. A version of DDR definitely makes the most sense, even if tapping a screen with your fingers can’t really match the experience of a full-out dance pad.  And Silent Hill is just more evidence that, if properly executed, the platform could gain the street cred from hardcore mobile gamers (well, if pinch/tap kills will ever be seen as hardcore).  As for Frogger, hell, I’ll play it.  It will also bring some older gamers into the mix as well.  While Metal Gear is confirmed for a Spring 2009 release, the others are just promised to show some time “soon.”

Konami Announces Plans to Release Top Franchise Titles For the Apple® iPhone™ and iPod® touch in North AmericaMetal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution, and Frogger Coming Soon
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2008) – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that the company will be releasing mobile games for the iPhone and iPod touch based on four of its top-selling franchises in North America. Metal Gear Solid Touch, Silent Hill: The Escape, DanceDanceRevolution S Lite and Frogger will all be specifically designed to take full advantage of the iPhone’s unique touch screen capabilities.

“Konami Mobile offers gamers nothing but the best by developing high quality, big-name titles with unparalleled mobile entertainment experiences,” said Anthony Borquez, Vice President of Konami Mobile and Online. “We are extremely excited to be working with Apple to introduce North American consumers with popular franchises that are compatible with the iPhone and iPod’s advanced technologies.”

All four of the top-selling Konami titles have been re-designed to take full advantage of the iPhone’s capabilities, including the innovative Multi-Touch™ interface and accelerometer. For more information, please visit www.konamimobile.com.

Tags: Apple, iPhone, iPod touch, Kojima, Konami, Metal Gear Solid, PlayStation 3, Sony, Video Games, Xbox 360