5 Essential Hideo Kojima Games (2022)

Hideo Kojima is something of a creative waterfall when it comes to the art of video game development, which often leaves us to idle in anticipation as the gears within his mind conjure something completely out of the blue and unlike anything else in the world. It has been the same for years, and at no point will we ever be able to wrap our heads around the sheer brilliance that he brings with every far-fetched IP.

As of this moment, Kojima will be bringing two new games to the market over the course of the year. Or at least, he'll be announcing them, along with any corresponding details, such as platforms, storylines, and chatacters. But until that time comes, we'll have to settle on his past works. Specifically, these five essential hits that were laced with the finest gold known to the industry. Oh, and for the record, we're going to try and steer clear of Metal Gear, as the franchise has the power to seize all five spots, no questions asked. You know how it is.

5. Death Stranding

Death Stranding is a lot like liquorice—you either love it or you hate it. And yet, for Hideo Kojima, it was a risk well worth taking, and one that would further enhance his name in the community—if not for the perplexing story, then for the decision he made to develop what can only be described as a postal simulator. But in spite of its questionable taste in mechanics, Death Stranding was, for lack of a better word, elementary.

Of course, it might have taken a fair few hours to settle down with Death Stranding, but once things picked up a bit, it soon began to unravel a whole world of curiosities. The barren wasteland became a second home, and its few remaining inhabitants felt like kin for every time we traipsed the eternal void looking for our next objective. And so, not a bad game by any means—but an unusual experience that we personally think every gamer should go through at least once. Maybe twice, depending on how much you enjoy walking.

4. P.T.

Ah yes, the magnum opus of survival horror. There isn't a day that goes by where we don't bring up the fabled P.T., which of course only brings us down as we remember what should have been, but never was. Silent Hills, the long-awaited reboot, was supposed to be the horror game to end all games, though a bit of tension between Kojima and Konami resulted in the project being pulled.

Sadly, the only thing we have to show for the abandoned project is P.T., a short and utterly terrifying horror experience that sees you exploring an old home. The worst part is, unless you already have it installed on your console, you'll never have the chance to replay it. Unless, of course, you purchase a pre-owned console with the game pre-loaded on it, which will set you back quite a lot given its rarity.

3. Policenauts

Although many of its elements didn't age all that well, mainly its use of sexism among other subjective remarks, Policenauts was a pretty good game at its core. And, true to the Kojima style, it was as kooky as one could imagine, with a wide array of complex story arcs and cyberpunk-themed backdrops. Though for that reason alone—the originality—we couldn't help but enjoy it.

The game itself follows an astronaut who emerges from a long and gruelling cryosleep. After finding his bearings, he aims to piece together the events leading up to his ex-wife's death. Along the way, however, he discovers an organ trafficking ring, which he looks to unravel as an outsider to the alienated planet. Unusual? You bet.

2. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

True to the classic Kojima style, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner featured a healthy amount of engaging third-person shooter content, though with a few hack and slash components to sever its connection with worlds that came before it. The game might not have had the same range as other works when it came to spinning a tale, but its 3D combat system and spacey visuals definitely made it an experience worth buying into.

Since its 2003 launch, Zone of the Enders has gone on to receive a 2013 HD remaster, and a 2018 ex-gen port, further proving itself as a worthy accessory in the hack and slash community. And as far as Hideo Kojima works go, it's definitely one of his bests—even if it is a far cry from Metal Gear.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Of course, we blabber on about P.T. being the magnum opus of survival horror when really, all things considered, it was Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater that caused Kojima to tap into the peak of his abilities. And although we did say we wouldn't pencil in a Metal Gear game from the get-go, we do feel as if this one deserves to claim its rightful place at the peak of the throne. Because let's face it, Kojima hasn't made a game like this one since.

Snake Eater fused a generous mixture of action-adventure with its signature stealth gameplay, which was ultimately topped off with a rich narrative and vibrant open-world setting. Like other Metal Gear entries—only better, more refined and immersive. It was, and still very much is a highlight in the book of greats, and it's unlikely even Kojima himself will be able to rebuild its quality in future releases.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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