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Metal Gear is solidly stuck in the past

Metal Gear is solidly stuck in the past

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It's 2015, and we finally have female action figures to play with. Only they look like this. To answer @slashwhatever, the person on Twitter asking, "Am I the only one that thinks this is a little fucked up?" I'd say no, sir, you definitely are not.

Hideo Kojima's upcoming Metal Gear Solid V will feature the character of Quiet, who looks to be a badass sniper with a casual disregard for the usual sniper dress code. Kojima openly admits that the character was designed to be more erotic, which is part of an overarching character development plan where "the initial target is to make u want to do cosplay or its figurine to sell well." I guess this fits into a particular strand of otaku culture that embraces eroticized anime toys, but honestly, I think the world's moved far enough forward to be able to also tolerate heroines dressed appropriately for their roles. And no, the alternate Quiet head with the eyes painted black doesn't count as proper attire.

The exaggerated sexuality of the character has already been mocked by Metal Gear fans who've engaged in a bit of gender-bending cosplay and art. Kojima has an enigmatic answer for them, saying that "once you recognize the secret reason for her exposure, you will feel ashamed of your words & deeds." Though how that ties in with his giddy tweet about the toy's breasts being made of a soft and pliable material, I'm not quite sure. Basically, if the sight of a grown man wearing little more than a set of stockings and unlaced boots makes you feel uncomfortable, you might be getting an idea of what it will be like for a woman picking up this game.


Polygon Video archive: Metal Gear Solid 5 gameplay and impressions (2014)