Hideo Kojima, a visionary game designer and director, has etched his name in gaming history through his contributions to the industry. While the Metal Gear Solid series is undoubtedly iconic, Kojima’s brilliance extends far beyond it. In this article, we delve into the seven best Hideo Kojima games that showcase his unique storytelling, unconventional game design, and unparalleled creativity outside the realm of Metal Gear Solid.
Kojima began his illustrious career in the late 1980s at Konami. Graduating from the prestigious Osaka University of Arts with a degree in economics, Kojima joined Konami as a designer and planner. His initial projects included titles like Penguin Adventure and Lost Warld. However, it was in 1987 that Kojima’s creative brilliance truly emerged with the release of Metal Gear for the MSX2. This stealth-action game laid the foundation for the iconic Metal Gear Solid series, showcasing Kojima’s innovative approach to storytelling, game design, and his penchant for pushing the boundaries of gaming conventions.
However, there’s much more to Kojima than his early ’90s action movie fascination. Below, we dive into seven of the best Hideo Kojima games that come from outside the world of FOXHOUND.
7 Best Hideo Kojima Games Beyond Metal Gear Solid

Death Stranding (2019)
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, iOS
Death Stranding is Kojima’s latest magnum opus. It’s a game that defies traditional genres and expectations. In this open-world action game, players embark on a journey as Sam Porter Bridges, a courier navigating a fractured world to reconnect isolated cities. With a star-studded cast, innovative multiplayer elements, and breathtaking visuals, Death Stranding is a testament to Kojima’s ability to push boundaries and create thought-provoking narratives.
Recently launched as a high profile mobile title, Death Stranding for iPhone 15 Pro has been a big deal. Even offered with it’s own uniquely themed Backbone controller.

Snatcher (1988)
Platform: MSX2, Sega CD, PlayStation, Saturn, PC Engine, PlayStation Portable
Long before Kojima achieved worldwide fame with Metal Gear Solid, he crafted the cyberpunk masterpiece Snatcher. This graphic adventure game follows Gillian Seed, a detective investigating the mysterious “Snatchers” plaguing a futuristic city. Snatcher blends immersive storytelling with point-and-click gameplay, showcasing Kojima’s early prowess in creating captivating narratives.
The game ranked as one of the best SEGA CD games, and is still playable today on a variety of formats.

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (2003)
Platform: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox, PC
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, a fast-paced mecha action game, showcases Kojima’s versatility in game design. Players assume the role of Dingo Egret, piloting the powerful Jehuty to combat hostile forces. With fluid combat, striking visuals, and an engaging narrative, this game stands out as a testament to Kojima’s ability to excel in various genres.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is available as part of the Zone of the Enders HD Collection, and is well worth revisiting.

Policenauts (1994)
Platform: 3DO, PlayStation, Saturn, PC, PlayStation Portable
Policenauts is another of Kojima’s earlier works. The game is a visual novel that combines detective elements with a gripping sci-fi narrative. Players follow Jonathan Ingram, a former astronaut turned private investigator, as he uncovers a conspiracy in a space colony. Policenauts showcases Kojima’s storytelling finesse and his knack for creating intricate narratives that captivate players.

Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand (2003)
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand is a unique action-adventure game that integrates real-world elements. Players assume the role of Django, a vampire hunter armed with a solar sensor that interacts with sunlight. The game’s innovative use of a built-in sensor, encouraging players to venture outdoors to harness solar power, reflects Kojima’s penchant for pushing gaming boundaries.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (2010)
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Kojima served as an executive producer on Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, a reboot of the classic Castlevania series. While developed by MercurySteam, Kojima’s influence is evident in the game’s cinematic storytelling and immersive atmosphere. Lords of Shadow successfully revitalized the franchise, introducing players to a compelling narrative and engaging action-adventure gameplay.
It’s also noteworthy that Kojima distanced himself from the direct sequel, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, which received significantly less acclaim.

P.T. (Playable Teaser) (2014)
Platform: PlayStation 4 (No longer officially available)
Although P.T. was a teaser for the cancelled Silent Hills project, its impact on the gaming world is undeniable. This first-person psychological horror experience, created in collaboration with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, showcased Kojima’s ability to create intense atmospheres and unsettling narratives. Unfortunately, Konami removed P.T. from the PlayStation Store, but its legacy as a groundbreaking horror experience endures.
As you can see, Kojima’s influence on the gaming industry extends far beyond the iconic Metal Gear Solid series. From the early days of Snatcher to the genre-defying Death Stranding, Kojima has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design, narrative, and player engagement. These seven best alternative Kojima games showcase his ability to excel in diverse genres and his commitment to delivering unique and unforgettable gaming experiences. As Kojima continues to innovate and surprise the gaming community, one can only anticipate what visionary projects he will unveil in the future.
What’s your favourite Kojima game outside of Metal Gear Solid? Let us know in the comments below!
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