Metal Gear Turns 20, Konami Celebrates

From it's original release in 1987, to the much anticipated "Guns of the Patriots", Metal Gear has been a staple in any solid gaming library. The series has brought us stealth, action, and barrels of floating exclamation points. To celebrate it's 20th anniversary Konami is re-releasing every game after Metal Gear Solid. Unfortunately the games are only being re-released in Japan.

However, I don't see why a Playstation Network version of the old games couldn't see light of day in North America. I at least expect the original NES title to appear on the PSN before too long, it's just common sense. It would be a great cross-promotion with MGS4, and would probably be fairly popular regardless of launch window.

The interesting thing though, with Konami's close ties to the Xbox Live Arcade and their success with the Xbox Live Marketplace would they make the Metal Gear Classic a PSN exclusive? I can guarantee you both Sony and Microsoft are in, or will be dealing with Konami in regards to this title. Will Konami stay loyal to Sony or is the prospect of a second income just too promising?

In my opinion the most profitable way to market this title would have it follow MGS4. Release the retro title along with the initial PS3 launch, and have an XBLA version ready for the inevitable 360 port. This way Konami gets both sets of gamers buying, and has their interest locked at launch.