Konami recently unveiled new details about the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta during the Xbox Games Showcase, highlighting that injuries inflicted on Snake will leave permanent scars. The introduction page for the game reveals that players can expect a more modern control style and that the characters and settings are rendered using Unreal Engine 5. However, the permanent injury feature has garnered significant attention.
“The battle damage system has been upgraded, with the wear and tear of Snake’s clothes, as well as bruises and bullet wounds on his body, reflected in real-time,” states Konami. “Any injuries to his actual body will leave their mark permanently, telling a story of each player’s unique journey through the game.” This announcement has sparked concern among players who worry that Snake could become unrecognizable if they aren’t adept at the game.
The gaming community has responded with humor, sharing images of characters in medical recovery states, comparing the potential appearance of Snake to characters like Gutz from Bezerk and Two-Face from Batman. Some players have even suggested the creation of a no-injury speedrun variant.
Despite the worries, the new feature is seen as a fun addition that aligns with the quirky nature of previous MGS games. The original MGS 3 allowed players to defeat the sniper, The End, by waiting a week in real-time until he died of old age. This new injury system is in keeping with such unique gameplay elements.
While the scars may not be overly punishing, they add a new layer of realism and personalization to the game, enhancing the player’s unique experience. Fans are eagerly awaiting further updates and the release of the game to see how these features play out in real-time.