MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Konami’s iconic stealth series returns in September with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. MCVchecks out the new merchandise hitting retail ahead of the anticipated title
The 1980s: a decade of neon, sweatshirts, jackets and various other fashion-defining trends.
It’s also the Cold War era during which Metal Gear Solid V hero Venom Snake is exploring Africa and Afghanistan.
Inspired by the pivotal 1984 setting of the upcoming title, publisher Konami has teamed up with merchandise specialists Insert Coin and Level Up, as well as technology firm Berlin Boombox, to create a range of new tie-in products, dubbed the ‘1984 Collection’.
The last core entry in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, PS3 exclusive MGS4: Guns of the Patriots, shipped more than three million units globally on its launch day.
It was the best-selling PS3 game to date until the launch of Gran Turismo 5 and remains one of the PS3’s biggest-selling games ever, with six million units sold as of 2014. It is also the joint fifth-highest-rated title of all time on Metacritic.
Fans have already been treated to the prologue of MGSV in the form of standalone release Ground Zeroes.
The title debuted at number two in the UK charts, and has since shifted more than one million copies worldwide. Ground Zeroes marked the first MGS since 2001’s MGS2 to come to PC.
The Phantom Pain will also come to the platform, further expanding the audience for the series. As well as PlayStation, the new game is coming to Xbox One, too.
MGS’ fanbase is sure to be clamouring to discover what series creator Hideo Kojima has said will be the final game in the series.
Metal Gear Solid is an amazing franchise – its cultural impact is huge and it has helped to shape the games industry for more than two decades,” comments Dan Long, head of communications at Insert Coin.
Even gamers who haven’t played the titles still love the rich lore of the universe – and want to show the world, too.”
Desert Camo Berlin Boombox
Modelled on Snake’s iconic stealth tool, the cardboard box, this speaker is constructed from durable corrugated cardboard. It’s designed with a strong carrying handle, as well as a simplified power and volume control system consisting of one aluminium knob. The power-friendly class D amplifier provides up to 200 hours of use on three AA batteries. It can connect to any music player or smartphone using a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
SRP: 79.99
Manufacturer: Berlin Boombox
Distributor: Berlin Boombox
Contact: wholesale@berlinboombox.com
Diamond Dogs Sweater
Inspired as much by the fashion trends of the 1980s as it is by Metal Gear Solid V’s in-game military group, Diamond Dogs, this ‘Boss Grey’ pullover sweater is complemented by black and yellow detailing. The Diamond Dogs name and logo are featured, as is the year 1984 – the time setting of the game.
SRP: 40
Manufacturer: Insert Coin
Distributor: Insert Coin
Contact: 01702 521 850
Big Boss ‘84 Varsity Jacket
This jacket is emblazoned with the name of legendary character Big Boss, as well as the number 84 and the Diamond Dogs logo.
SRP: 69.99
Manufacturer: Level Up Wear
Distributor: Konami
Contact: 02089 875 730
Diamond Dogs Mug
Metal Gear enthusiasts can have a sneaky cup of tea while infiltrating the enemy base in style thanks to this branded cup.
SRP: 7.99
Manufacturer: GB Eye
Distributor: GB Eye
Contact: uksales@gbeye.com
Diamond Dogs Neon Tee
This bright top embodies the neon-soaked style of 1984. A crop top version for women is also available.
SRP: 14.99 (Men), 19.99 (Women Crop Top)
Manufacturer: Level Up Wear
Distributor: Konami
Contact: 02089 875 730
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Play Arts Kai Venom Snake
A faithful recreation of Phantom Pain’s protagonist Venom Snake, this detailed model utilises a new system for limb articulation.
SRP: 57.99
Manufacturer: Play Arts Kai
Distributor: Square Enix
Contact: 020 8636 3000
Black and White DiamondDogs T-shirt
The Diamond Dogs logo is front-and-centre on this striking monochromatic top.
SRP: 22
