Metal Gear Maker Lists Influential Games

Hideo Kojima has highlighted the top five games that influence his design.

The mind of the man who creates a series as influential as Metal Gear Solid must've been inspired somewhere along his life.

In a recent interview with Yomiuri Newspaper, Hideo Kojima covered his design philosophy and the predecessors that left an impression on him.

The job of the developer, he points out, is to address his audience. "Games are about the sense of hospitality, and a game designer can be compared to sushi chef. The designer makes a game according to the taste of his customers," he explained.

Although some of his trademark humor is often questioned by gamers and critics, he sees his jokes as adding emotional attachment to the titles.

"I'm often asked not to include such elements in a hard-boiled game. But I can't help it," laughed Kojima. "My ideal game is something that makes you want to come back to the world later. It is not enough only to make you enjoy the sense of tension. I want game users to laugh or cry a little."

When asked for a few influential titles, Kojima listed:

• Super Mario Bros.
• Portopia Renzoku Satsujin Jiken
• Xevious
• Another World
• Metal Gear Solid

Kojima may be slightly cocky or just proud of his work, but the last game on the list is likely meant as an example of how his own work has evolved over the years, with MGS being a landmark title and Kojima's 3D debut.

Source: Daily Yomiuri Online via Kotaku