With the release of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 this week, Uniqlo is collaborating with the legendary stealth franchise to create a line of exclusive shirts that span the series’ 35 years!
Uniqlo’s Metal Gear collection is a fusion of nods to the franchise and subtle callbacks to its storied history. For avid gamers and Metal Gear enthusiasts, the collection is sure to evoke nostalgia and admiration, and ranges from a variety of simple and subtle references to large, colorful and in-your-face illustrations.
One shirt prominently features the iconic character Snake on the back, instantly recognizable to even those with moderate gaming interests. However, only hardcore fans will swiftly identify the Peace Walker logo on the front, signifying that the character on the back is not Solid Snake but his father, Naked Snake, known as Big Boss.
Another shirt incorporates the unforgettable phrase “Neither enemy nor friend,” a significant line from the first Metal Gear Solid. This is a tribute to the enigmatic Cyborg Ninja, with the biomechanical elements of the character displayed on the shirt’s back. The collection also pays homage to the divisive yet unforgettable Metal Gear Solid 2. The shirt showcasing Solid Snake and Raiden is a testament to the game’s enduring impact.
Of course, no Metal Gear attire collection would be complete without the franchise’s most iconic element: the cardboard box. As mobile hiding spots, cardboard boxes have been a recurring feature in every game in the series. This particular shirt is an homage to Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and it cleverly references the game beneath the collar.
Raiden, who made a striking return in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, is represented on another shirt with an angular gray-on-black design, echoing the Cyborg Ninja legacy. The collection doesn’t stop at the front of the shirts; on the sleeve, fans can find one of Metal Gear’s signature exclamation points, with a unique lightning bolt twist.
Adding to the charm is a text box shirt that reads, “This is an order! Turn off the MSX’s power immediately!” It’s a nod to the tradition of Metal Gear’s antagonists attempting to trick players into powering down their gaming systems, stretching back to the early days of the series.
All these stylish Metal Gear shirts are priced at 1,500 yen and are set to be available for purchase in late January. Gamers and fashion enthusiasts alike can access them through Uniqlo’s online store here. It’s a chance for fans to carry a piece of Metal Gear’s rich history with them and showcase their passion for the iconic franchise in their everyday attire.
