NPT

Learn about the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its historical context within the Metal Gear universe, including its limited practical effect.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a theoretical agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to countries beyond the five major powers: the United States, Russia, Great Britain, China, and France. In practice, the treaty has had minimal impact.

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METAL GEAR : THE OUTER HEAVEN INCIDENT

The first Metal Gear game was released on the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was a highly acclaimed game for its time, introducing an exotic arsenal of weaponry like the Beretta and shotguns, which was uncommon then. It also featured a support team providing tips from HQ, a novel concept for its era.

Here is a brief summary of the game as presented in the Previous Operations option in the Metal Gear Solid extras menu:

SUMMARY

The year is 1995. Deep in South Africa, 200km north of Garzburg, lies Outer Heaven, an armed fortress nation established by a legendary mercenary, feared as both a hero and a lunatic. The "Western" nations discover that a weapon of mass destruction capable of rewriting war history is under development at Outer Heaven. They task the high-tech special forces unit FOX-HOUND with handling the situation. In response, Big Boss, the commander-in-chief of FOX-HOUND, dispatches Gray Fox, codenamed "Fox," the unit's best operative, on "Operation Intrude N313." After a few days, Gray Fox goes missing in action, with his last message being "Metal Gear..." Taking this seriously, the "West's" top officials again call upon FOX-HOUND. Big Boss selects Solid Snake, a recent FOX-HOUND recruit, as the agent, entrusting him with the mission.

Snake successfully infiltrates Outer Heaven solo and makes contact with local resistance members Schneider, Diane, and Jennifer. With their cooperation, Snake rescues Gray Fox. Gray Fox reveals the terrifying truth about "Metal Gear": it is the development name for a nuclear warhead-equipped, bipedal walking tank. It can traverse the toughest terrains that would stop normal tanks and conduct localized warfare with unique weapons like its vulcan cannon and anti-tank missiles. It represents a new type of weapon capable of launching a nuclear attack anywhere on Earth from any land surface.

Outer Heaven intended to use Metal Gear to establish global military superiority. To counter this, Snake rescues Metal Gear's chief engineer, Dr. Pettrovich, and his daughter, Elen, who was held hostage to force his compliance. Dr. Pettrovich informs Snake how to destroy Metal Gear.

However, as Snake approaches the heart of Outer Heaven and Metal Gear, he encounters well-designed traps, suggesting his actions are being leaked to the enemy.

Amidst escalating battles, the resistance leader Schneider is captured, and Snake himself is injured in combat with Outer Heaven's elite mercenaries. Despite this, Snake's indomitable spirit leads him to the 100th-floor basement of the secret base where Metal Gear was developed. Evading the powerful defense system designed to eliminate all intruders, Snake ultimately succeeds in destroying Metal Gear.

Snake attempts to escape Outer Heaven after completing the mission. However, during his escape, he is confronted by FOX-HOUND's commander-in-chief, Big Boss. Big Boss reveals the truth behind the mission: while serving as FOX-HOUND's commander, he also ran a mercenary dispatch company, leveraging his connections and capital from his own mercenary career. He planned to expand this company into a larger military establishment, using Outer Heaven as its base. His purpose in sending the rookie Snake was to create disinformation among the Western nations. However, Big Boss miscalculated, never anticipating Solid Snake's success.

Having lost Metal Gear, Big Boss activates the underground base's self-destruct system. As the countdown progresses, his scream echoes through the emptiness: "YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR. TOO FAR!!!"

On the 100th-floor basement, the battle between the two men commences, devoid of ideology and politics. The armed fortress nation Outer Heaven collapses. The impenetrable fortress, built with the best military technology and occupied by the toughest mercenaries, burns in flames. Behind Snake, the flames reach skyward as Outer Heaven falls, leaving Solid Snake alone.

METAL GEAR 2 SOLID SNAKE : THE ZANZIBAR INCIDENT

Although not widely known, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake is the direct sequel to the first Metal Gear Solid. This might be because the game was not released on the NES or SNES like its predecessor.