2016 Geek-A-Long: Metal Gear Solid

One could argue that the storyline for Metal Gear Solid doesn’t matter. Of the 15 plus video games in the Metal Gear series, which has a narrative that spans over five decades and multiple gaming platforms, the stories themselves are contrived and ass-backwards, except no one cares. You’re having too much fun on the wild and crazy ride to worry about things like unrealistic or forced scenarios.

Metal Gear Solid got its start in Japan under the name Metal Gear. It was huge over there and was one of the first video games to focus on stealth. Unfortunately, when they ported it to the USA, it was watered down. It wasn’t until it came out on the PlayStation as Metal Gear Solid that it took off in the States. It had stealth game play, full voice acting, and a cinematic experience, which was relatively new in 1998. The opening sequence showed Snake changing into his stealth suit while credits showed instead of just opening on a start screen. That’s pretty much the norm these days, but when it first loaded back in 1998, it blew my mind.

One of the great or awful thing about Metal Gear Solid, depending on your love or hatred of puzzles, was the tricky game play. At one point you had to find a certain frequency to contact Meryl and the subtle hint provided was to look on “the case.” It ended up being on the back of the video game’s box! So yeah, MGS could be super meta at times, but it was fantastic. Even if I did suck at it.

Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or cross stitching this square, you can download the Metal Gear Solid pattern here. Instructions for both knit and crochet are listed in the pattern. When you’re finished making it, don’t forget to tweet or instagram your squares at me @jac_attacking or Megan-Anne @Doctor_Llama with the hashtag #geekalong!

If you’re having trouble with double-sided knitting, we have a how-to video here and a tutorial on crochet here. Want to hang out with other people making the blanket? You can find moral support in the Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry here.

~ Jac
Also, Solid Snake hiding in cardboard boxes like a freaking cat. Still one of the funniest things.

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If you enjoyed this post, please consider making a donation to Child’s Play Charity. Here is a direct link to our donation page benefiting the charity. Please help us raise $1,000 this year! No contribution is too small. Wanna make your donation go even further? Louet Yarn is donating 50 cents for every skein of Louet Gems Worsted purchased this year to make a Geek-A-Long blanket. You can get Gems at your Local Yarn Store or through Louet’s website. Just remember to mention the GAL at check out.