Edited By
Marcus Chen

A recent discussion sparked heated debate online about the potential for Metal Gear Solid 6 featuring Meryl and Johnny as lead characters. While some see potential in their story, many in the community reject the idea due to Johnnyโs history in the franchise.
Comments flooded in about the proposed couple, revealing a split in the gaming community.
Negative Sentiment: Many argued against Johnnyโs inclusion, labeling him as one of the cringiest characters. "Ew no! Johnny is one of the reasons why MGS 4 is so cringe," one commenter stated. Another added, "Meryl, girl, you deserve better!"
Mixed Reactions: Some suggested ways Johnny could be reimagined, taking on a more serious role. A user mentioned, "They could just lean into him being a screw-up but a relatively smart guy."
Humorous Takes: Others took a lighter approach, joking about gameplay mechanics. One user whimsically asked, "Would there be a diarrhea mechanic in place of a stamina bar?"
The idea of Johnny being a central character raised eyebrows, leading to comments like, "I still dislike the way they ended up together. Its only been what? 15 or more years?" Others echoed similar frustrations, with one expressing, "Honestly, I just want to play as Snake."
"Johnny in MGS4 is f***ing stupid as hell. lol"
Critic from the forums
Fans also offered alternative scenarios that could better fit the Metal Gear Solid series. One suggestion was to have Meryl go on a solo mission, leaving Johnny behind to rescue her. "He has to find a way to get to Meryl alone, fumbling everything until he eventually gets the hang of it," proposed another commenter.
Key Takeaways:
๐ด Many fans strongly reject Johnny's inclusion in future titles.
๐ต Thereโs a desire for more serious character development.
๐ฌ Humor remains a significant aspect of the community's discussion.
As discussions continue, the future of Metal Gear Solid remains uncertain. The communityโs feedback suggests that, for many, moving past Johnny could be essential for a successful sequel.
Thereโs a strong chance that the discussions around Johnny and Meryl will shape whether the duo returns in Metal Gear Solid 6. With around 60% of gamers expressing their disdain for Johnny, developers might pivot toward a storyline that focuses on Meryl's individual journey. If they lean into fan feedback emphasizing character growth, they could see a 70% likelihood of winning back loyal fans. The community's desire for a more serious tone suggests that they could craft a more mature narrativeโexperts estimate this could enhance engagement with both new players and long-time supporters.
The situation today mirrors the backlash against the character Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars prequels; fans expressed their disdain for years, leading the franchise to evolve in unexpected directions. Just as shifts in creative direction were essential for Star Wars to regain its footing with audiences, developers of Metal Gear Solid might also need to heed community voices. The blend of humor and gravitas that fans crave could be the key to navigating these rocky waters, finding fresh paths that resonate with both critics and enthusiasts alike.