Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - Who Is The New Voice of Solid Snake?

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain sees the end of an era.
Controversy sparked when after the trailer was released, David Hayter tweeted that he was not asked to reprise his role as the voice of protagonist Naked Snake aka Big Boss. The game's creator Hideo Kojima has also given his reasons during an interview on GameTrailers -

"What we're trying to accomplish is recreate the Metal Gear series. It's a new type of Metal Gear game and we wanted to have this reflected in the voice actor as well."

Personally I think this is a bit strange especially considering the title continues the series with the next number instead of a different name, which definitely gives the impression it is carrying on the same story, an odd time to change voice actor and for an odd reason too.

I may be biased but I think this is a bad move on Hideo's part. They could hire the most talented voice actor in the world but in my opinion any performance would not be the same as what Hayter gave us in every previous Metal Gear Solid game as both Solid and Naked Snake. That deep voice that would give even Christian Bale's Batman a run for his money gave Snake the character and personality that shouldn't be toyed with this far into such a successful franchise.

Why Kojima... Why?

Speculation about just who the next Snake will be is rocking the internet but on Thursday June 6th, all will be revealed at a Pre-E3 show. I can't choose between wanting a snake to sound similar to the last one but knowing it won't match up or be the same will spoilt it for me slightly, but then an entirely different voice or accent would definitely be a step too far. In fact, Christian Bale who I mentioned before would actually be a great choice, but then I wouldn't want to be playing and think of The Dark Knight every time Snake opens his mouth. Hugh Jackman also fits the criteria for a husky grizzled experienced soldier but I don't want to play as Wolverine, I want to play as Snake. This is why we shouldn't just change one of the greatest and most recognisable voices in video-games without good reason.

If you could have picked who will take up Snake's legendary eyepatch and cigar for The Phantom Pain, who would have been your choice? Tell us in the comment section below, along with your reactions to the new master of tactical espionage action or tweet me - @LZR_ATK