E3: Metal Gear Solid 2 status update

[05.18.01] » Media blackout to begin after E3; release date and price confirmed.

   At E3, Konami officially announced the release date and price for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. The eagerly-awaited PlayStation 2 adventure is still on target for a fall release; it will carry a suggested retail price of $49.99 US.

   The company also confirmed that director Hideo Kojima's self-imposed "media blackout" will begin after E3. Once the show concludes, Konami will not release any more screenshots or information until the game actually ships. Furthemore, the company states that Kojima has "decided to cut off virtually all contact with the outside world in order to focus on the game without any external distractions."

   "Metal Gear Solid 2 pushes the limits of video gaming and redefines the very nature of interactive entertainment," explained Chris Garske, vice president of marketing for Konami of America. "The mix of action, stealth and cinematic gameplay is going to make this game an absolute must-have for players this Fall. Mr. Kojima has decided that the best way to perfect this mixture is to remove himself from the public's view for the final months of the project."

   New screenshots and artwork from Metal Gear Solid 2 are also available.