Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain has attracted a healthy amount of interest since its reveal in August 2012, but this hasn’t been without a heap of controversy, notably in the form of female soldier Quiet. Despite this being the MGS universe, many decried the lass’s clothing (or lack of it) as not being “standard military issue” or “realistic”. It didn’t help that director Hideo Kojima’s statements about wanting to make her “erotic” were misunderstood.
Speaking to IGN however, Kojima has outright stated that they aren’t the kind of company that would just showcase a hot girl for no reason whatsoever. And since this is the MGS universe, there’s usually a reason for everything, no matter how far-fetched.
“I was actually surprised to learn that there are so many female Metal Gear fans and I am very happy to hear that. I can tell them though they are probably mistaken as to why the character looks like this. I only ask them for their patience. Until they can see how she interacts in the game first off, she shows off in the desert and she is almost naked. That’s impossible and would never happen.
“So right then I want the players to ask themselves ‘why is this character almost naked in the middle of the desert?’ From there you have this impression and then you start to understand the reasons behind it. That’s where the deception of the character comes from. We’re not a game company that would just show a hot girl without reason.”
Could Quiet be similar to Metal Gear Solid 3’s The End, who used photosynthesis to ensure his longevity? Could she be wearing opti-camo for stealth? Could she be a victim of severe trauma resulting in a loss of dignity? We’ll find out when Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain releases in 2014 or 2015 for PS3, Xbox One, PS4 and Xbox 360. Its prologue, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, is due to release on current and next gen platforms next year.