Book Review: Metal Gear Solid by Raymond Benson – When a Game Becomes a Novel and Myth Meets Literature

 

Adapting a video game into a novel is a risky, almost Herculean task. On one hand, you have a base of devoted fans for whom any deviation from the original can feel like blasphemy. On the other, there are literary demands: the need for narrative cohesion, psychological depth, and the structure typical of prose. Raymond Benson, known for his literary renditions of James Bond, took on this challenge with surprising boldness, adapting Metal Gear Solid the legendary game by Hideo Kojima into novel format. The end result? A successful compromise between fidelity and creative freedom. It won’t please everyone, but it certainly deserves recognition.

Fidelity to the Canon and a Deeper Narrative Layer

For anyone familiar with the 1998 Metal Gear Solid game, Benson’s novel will feel like a nostalgic, familiar experience. Most dialogues, sequences, and events are recreated almost 1:1. Fans will easily recognize Snake’s iconic lines, codec conversations, dramatic boss fights, and signature moments (yes, even sneaking around in a cardboard box makes an appearance!). But the novel goes further than the game and that’s its greatest strength.

Thanks to the prose format, the author can dive deeper into the characters’ psyches. What was merely implied in the game is articulated here we gain access to Snake’s thoughts, his doubts, frustrations, cynicism, and fears. Naomi Hunter, Roy Campbell, and Otacon all get more room to develop. Especially compelling are passages exploring Snake’s ambiguity as a protagonist his relationship with the past, his views on war, genetics, and humanity. In many places, the book expands on the philosophical layer for which the game was famous, striking a balance between action and introspection.

Action, Style, and Drama – A Success with Minor Missteps

Benson’s style is simple, clear, almost cinematic. Descriptions are dynamic, the narrative flows smoothly, and the action scenes especially the boss fights are presented in a way that is readable, understandable, and well-paced. They aren’t overly drawn out but still retain their intensity. The battle with Psycho Mantis deserves special mention Benson cleverly adapts the game’s unique mechanics into literary form while maintaining their psychedelic atmosphere.

That said, not everything lands perfectly. The biggest issue? At times, Snake’s expanded dialogues compared to the original feel artificial too “Americanized,” like something out of a '90s action movie. The master of tactical stealth suddenly starts delivering one-liners à la Die Hard. Some lines may come off as cringey, especially to readers who view Snake as a serious, deep, and tragic character. Still, whether this is a flaw or an intentional stylistic choice that captures Kojima’s spirit that’s up for interpretation.

Because let’s be honest: Metal Gear Solid was never 100% “serious.” The game balanced philosophical musings on war and identity with completely absurd characters (a cyborg ninja, a telepath in a gas mask, genetic experiments from the ’70s) that now seem almost campy. Benson clearly understands this and doesn’t shy away from the grotesque he embraces it. The result is a novel that can be both dramatic and self-aware.

Between Game and Literature – A Respectful and Thoughtful Adaptation

One of Benson’s greatest achievements is understanding the difference between a game and a novel. In the game, we control Snake, see through his eyes, feel the tension of every action. In the book, that tension must be built differently and Benson does it well by using third-person narration, allowing us to see events from multiple perspectives. This makes the story feel fuller, more nuanced.

We must also appreciate his skillful condensation of the source material. The original game script with all its codec conversations and mission briefings could easily fill 800 pages. Benson managed to fit it into around 300 without losing coherence, meaning, or major plotlines. That alone is an impressive feat. What’s more, many scenes have been subtly rewritten to fit the novel format without betraying the spirit of the original.

Who Is This Book For?

Benson’s Metal Gear Solid is aimed primarily at fans of the series those who played the game, know Snake’s story, and remember Shadow Moses with fondness. For them, it’s a journey through familiar territory but seen in a new light. It’s also a good pick for those who’ve never played the game the book can serve as an introduction to the universe, though some parts may feel a bit chaotic without narrative context.

This isn’t literature on the level of Dostoevsky or Le Guin. It has no high artistic or linguistic ambitions. But that’s not its goal. It’s an intelligent, entertaining novel based on a cult classic, written with respect and affection. A treat for fans. A solid recommendation for readers seeking fast-paced action with a touch of philosophy. For Kojima purists, reactions may be mixed but the book is definitely worth a chance.

Conclusion – A Balance of Nostalgia, Humor, and Drama

Raymond Benson has accomplished something difficult he translated one of the most complex and beloved stories in video game history into the language of prose, preserving its soul while adding his own touch. Yes, there are unnecessarily corny moments. Yes, sometimes Snake says things that raise eyebrows. But overall, this is a solid action novel with a big heart, written out of love for the source material.

The book shows that Snake isn’t just the player’s avatar he’s a flesh-and-blood character with beliefs, a past, and trauma. And while not every fan will embrace the way Benson “brought him to life,” no one can deny the author’s sincerity and courage.

Final Rating: 8/10

For its fidelity, inventiveness, balanced use of pastiche, and above all for proving that even after all these years, Metal Gear Solid’s story can still captivate and move. If you love the series read it. If you don’t know it let yourself be drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems.