I bring sad tidings to all Metal Gear fans. At GDC, it was revealed that The Phantom Pain, previously shown at the Video Game Awards and played off as a new IP is indeed part of the Metal Gear saga as many gamers correctly assumed.. In fact, the next MGS game is titled Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain and is a prequel to the entire Metal Gear saga and in fact is the second act so to speak to Metal Gear: Ground Zero. Kojima explains:

 Ground Zeroes’ is a prologue of MGSV. 9 years after that event will be ‘The Phantom Pain.’ 

This places the story before the events of Metal Gear Solid and the players in control of Big Boss, at least in Phantom Pain. Spoiler Alert for those who have yet to play MGS and the games that follow: MGS5 will fill in the remaining gaps that lead to the uprising of Big Boss as a “villain.” From there, the MGS saga follows the story of Solid Snake who then defeats Big Boss. So this brings us up to our favorite gravelly voiced actor, David Hayter.

Hayter, a successful Hollywood screen writer (X-Men, X2, Scorpion King, Watchmen) has also been the voice of Solid Snake since his entry onto the original PlayStation. Throughout the years, David and Snake have become one in the same and the talented voice actor has embraced his alter ego. But if the story of MGS5 follows that of Big Boss whom was voiced by Richard Doyle in MGS4 and appears to be voiced by Kiefer Sutherland this time around, does that mean no David Hayter?

Sadly, the answer appears to be yes as the actor confirmed via his personal Twitter account.

 Well look,  At least I had a good run. 

Seeing how the voice of Snake has been consistent for the better part of 15 years, it’s a shame to know that we won’t be hearing his voice. In fact, seeing how Big Boss and Snake are one in the same so to speak, there is no reason why they couldn’t have asked David to voice him. Especially if the story takes place long before MGS2 and the stories that follow.

While there is little doubt about me purchasing this game on day one, I can tell you that there is a part of me that wants it less. It’s the same part of me that felt something was missing from MGS4, after the series theme had to be altered, due to some legal implications. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is headed to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and likely PS4 and next Xbox.

Discuss:

Are voice actors an important part of the gaming experience for you and do they factor into your purchasing decision? How about in the case of MGS5?