Summary
Mei Lingis not only inMetal Gear Solidto save the player’s progress, she also doles out bits of wisdom in the form of historical and literary proverbs. Most of themconnect to the gameplayin one way or another, or else they are silly jokes.
The tradition of interesting conversations would be continued in the first two sequels, with Rose inMetal Gear Solid 2askingRaiden about their relationship, and Para-Medicin the third game talking about cinema. Save in every room during theMetal Gear Solidstory to listen to them all during any given playthrough. The ones without a name attached to them are older proverbs without a known author.
Otacon similarly tries to give Snake proverbs in the Tanker chapter ofMetal Gear Solid 2,but consistently misinterprets them. Save enough times and Mei Ling will interrupt the conversation as a surprise cameo.
22Try To Avoid Getting Into Fights
“The Graveyards Are Full Of Indispensable Men” - Charles De Gaulle
The battlefield does not carehow valuableSnakemight beto the story or to other people. If the player is careless, they will nonetheless get a game over.
This proverb can also be looked at as a way to convey the almost unimaginable toll war takes on a population, as it rips the best people away from the world too soon.
21Don’t Get Greedy
“He Who Knows Enough Is Enough Will Always Have Enough” - Lao Tzu
InMetal Gear, close to nothing is often more than enough depending on the type of player. After all, Snake is trained to make the most out of very little.
While going through the game, players have to decide whether it is worthwhile to go hunting after all the items or if they can get by with what they have.
20Desire Can Get You Into Trouble
Quotes about greed and dissatisfactiononly become more relevant in the sequelswhere there are more optional items to be collected.
Is it worth it to grab every gun and piece of equipment inMetal Gear Solid 3and4or should players move on to avoid detection?
19Avoid Danger
Just because it sounds humorous does not mean it is not true. Engaging enemies from a distance always ensures that Snake is safer.
InMetal Gear Solidit is often better not to engage the enemy at all, given that these games are stealth simulators first and foremost.
18Be Careful
“The Cautious Seldom Err” - Confucious
On multiple playthroughs, gamers can rush through areas with ease. However, on a first playthrough, they have to observe enemy patrol patterns and get used to just how far enemies can see in front of them.
The game is designed to encourage players to be cautious. Snake can’t take a ton of punishment, and one wrong move could mean his end.
17Strength In Numbers
“If There Are More Wolves, The People Are Eaten. If There Are More People, The Wolves Are Eaten” - Unknown
This quote does not bode well for Snake. After all, he is one man against a whole army. While he may be a “wolf,” he is still at a disadvantage.
Mei Ling does not say this to be all doom and gloom but intends it as a reminder that the odds are stacked against Snake and he needs to be cautious.
16Actions Speak Louder Than Words
“The Superior Man Is Modest In His Speech But Exceeds In His Actions” - Confucius
Though this quote is all about less talk and more action, Mei Ling uses this to remind Snake that she really does not know who he is and is not comfortable telling him about herself yet.
If nothing else, Snake is a reserved man. That could have to do with his past, the actions he’s taken in his line of work, or just who he is, but it makes him a difficult man to trust.
15Sneaking Around
“Brashness Brings Success Too Few, Misfortune To Many” - Unknown
Snake has to remember that his actions do not just affect his safety but the safety of his friends and of the whole world.
If Snake’s carelessness gets the better of him, the entire world order is at stake. Snake’s missions are of the utmost importance, and he can’t afford to get cocky.
14Stay Focused
“The Mind Cannot Be In Two Places At Once” - Unknown
This quote is even more relevant for players today. After all, in 1998 gamersdid not have smartphonesand constant Internet connections to distract them.
Now, players are likely to get spotted if they take their eyes off the TV for a second to check their messages. Fior Snake to succeed, he needs to stay focused.
13Focus On The Positivity Today
“Gather Ye Rose-Buds While Ye May, Old Time Is Still A-Flying: And This Same Flower That Smiles To Day, To Morrow Will Be Dying” - Robert Herrick
Mei Ling says this not to remind Snake of anything in gameplay but to just cheer Snake up and get him to laugh a little more.
Snake is pretty dry most of the time, though he is not above a joke or two here and there when the time is right.
