Hideo Kojima is a Bad Writer- Why Do Critics Still Feel That Way Even After Games Like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding

In the world of video games, a few names are as celebrated and influential as Hideo Kojima who is known for consistently delivering groundbreaking games with intricate, thought-provoking narratives such as Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding series. Both series have made quite a stir in the gaming industry showcasing how video games can be a strong medium for delivering intricate topics.

Yet despite his undeniable success and the critical acclaim his titles have garnered, a curious thing persists: many critics and players still doubt Kojima’s ability to tell a cohesive, traditional story. So, why does this contradiction exist, even in the wake of his most celebrated titles?

Hideo Kojima’s Non-Traditional Storytelling

One of the primary reasons that critics question Kojima’s writing is his unique approach to storytelling. Kojima is far from a conventional narrative designer. His stories are often nonlinear, surreal, and filled with symbolism, making them more difficult for traditional audiences to digest.

In games like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, the narratives take unexpected twists, and the characters are often required to look deep into the philosophical reflection or bizarre, dream-like scenarios that require deep understanding.

In Metal Gear Solid, for example, Kojima blended science fiction with real-world politics and further enhanced it by using psychological themes and historical references, making the story dense and, at times, almost impenetrable. The surrealism of the story is intentional, but for some players, it’s difficult to follow, with many describing it as overly complex.

Similarly, Death Stranding, perhaps Kojima’s most divisive work yet, offers a narrative that revolves around a post-apocalyptic world, where ghostly entities and the concept of “stranding” take center stage.

The protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges embarks on a journey to reconnect isolated communities, but the game’s underlying philosophical themes often leave players feeling alienated. This results in them thinking the game has no clear beginning, middle, and end.

While some players and critics find this philosophical approach refreshing, others find it infuriating and sometimes self-indulgent or pretentious. Kojima’s refusal to offer clear answers leaves his stories open to interpretation, which can be frustrating for those who prefer neatly packaged narratives with more conventional resolutions.

Kojima’s Narratives Leave Players With More Questions Than Answers

One of the most common critiques of Kojima’s writing centers around his treatment of characters. While his games feature many memorable, larger-than-life figures, critics argue that these characters are often left out and feel one-dimensional, especially when it comes to their emotional motivations.

In Metal Gear Solid, characters like Revolver Ocelot, Psycho Mantis, and Sniper Wolf are not fully fleshed out, with their personalities sometimes exaggerated for dramatic effect. In Death Stranding, the characters are similarly strange, but some players have argued that the character development is inconsistent.

What are some criticisms of Kojima?
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The comments highlight that Kojima relies on tropes such as the troubled anti-hero, the mad scientist, or the cold, mysterious woman. This is a good trope but when done consistently, it can feel superficial to some.

His characters often seem to exist more as narrative tools than as fully realized individuals, meant to serve a larger philosophical point rather than grow organically through the story.

For some, this complexity is a strength of his game and invites them to dig deeper into the human condition and to challenge preconceived notions of what a video game narrative can be. For others, it’s a barrier to accessibility, making Kojima’s work feel more like a riddle than a story.

In the end, players are waiting to see what Death Stranding 2 will bring to the table. In the gaming industry, Kojima’s writing will always be a divisive topic. He may never fully win over those who prefer more conventional narratives, but it’s clear that his influence on the medium is undeniable.