Metal Gear: Konami's stealth series turns 25 this week - gallery
Published Jul 6 2012, 08:00 BST | By Matthew Reynolds
© Konami
The original game in the series, Metal Gear for the MSX2, was released on July 7, 1987 in Japan.
It was followed by two sequels, one of which wasn't helmed by series creator Hideo Kojima, before returning as Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation in 1998.
The critically-acclaimed series then spawned three direct sequels and a multitude of spin-offs on handhelds and even an online title.
A total of 31 million Metal Gear games have been sold to date.
The next title in the franchise - Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance - will be released next year.
> Read our review of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Gallery - Metal Gear's 25-year history in pictures:
Metal Gear makes its debut on MSX2 in Japan and Europe (1987).
19 pics and not one of the box.
July 7th 2012 at 5:01pm
Sons of Liberty is one of the best games ever made.
July 7th 2012 at 3:48pm
Holy crap! How old do I feel now...
July 7th 2012 at 2:42pm
Its just a box
July 6th 2012 at 12:41pm(+1 like)
Long live Metal Gear.
July 6th 2012 at 9:17am(+1 like)