David Hayter, the iconic voice of Solid Snake for 12 years, has spoken about his experience after being replaced by Kiefer Sutherland in Metal Gear Solid 5. This decision generated controversy among fans, who felt that Hayter, synonymous with the character, was sidelined for a more commercially known name from the film industry. However, in a recent interview with VGC, Hayter revealed that, despite his initial resistance, he has played Metal Gear Solid 5 and rates it as ‘incredible’, even considering it potentially his favorite entry in the series.
A breakup with understandable reasons
Hayter commented that for years he avoided playing the title for fear it would hurt his feelings. However, over time, he realized he needed to put aside his resentment and finally immersed himself in the game. “It’s amazing,” he declared, praising the innovative gameplay of MGS5 that allows players to approach each scenario with various strategies. This approach, according to Hayter, creates a gaming experience almost like a time travel, where the player’s choices play a crucial role.
Despite the controversy surrounding his replacement, Hayter has found a way to reconciliation. Upon meeting Kiefer Sutherland in person, the actor has shared that he considers him “a great guy,” suggesting that they have overcome any previous animosity. In an ironic twist, Hayter also expressed that hearing fans mention MGS5 as their favorite game was like “squeezing lemon juice on a cut,” but now he feels satisfied with his work and the direction the franchise took with Sutherland.
The success of Metal Gear Solid 5 has been undeniable, with PC Gamer highlighting it as one of the best titles of 2015, which further reinforces the quality of the game despite the voice change. Hayter’s story and his evolution in the gaming room continues to be a fascinating topic in the gamer community.
