MGS 5 Big Boss
Big Boss at the beginning of a shot that slowly teases his descent into a bloody madness. Konami

Hideo Kojima has released his final trailer for the Metal Gear franchise he created back in the 1980s. "Evolution and Harmony" is the launch trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, which will be released on PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on 1 September.

Kojima is expected to part ways with publisher Konami following the game's anticipated launch, leaving the future of the series in their hands. The cause for the apparent rift, like Kojima's own future, is unknown.

You can watch the emotionally-charged trailer below...

The trailer charts the journey of the Solid series to date, from 1998's original to PSP title Peace Walker in 2010. It then shifts tones to show the latest game, and its new metal gear, an enormous machine called Metal Gear Sahelanthropus.

"As the launch is approaching I'm editing new trailer w/less spoiler. 'The evolution & harmony of Metal Gear,'" said Kojima on Twitter back in August. Later he added: "I'm making a new trailer for MGS series fans. It's not a Hollywoody big budget pre-rendered one but it'll be 'hand made' w/ sweet memories."

The Metal Gear series began in 1987 but didn't take off until Metal Gear Solid was released on Sony's PlayStation in 1998. Four console sequels and a number of spin-offs for handheld devices have followed. The Phantom Pain will complete the epic, mind-boggling story, filling in the period of time between 60s-set prequel Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and the very start of the series.

For all the latest video game news follow us on Twitter @IBTGamesUK.

More about video games
Metal Gear Solid Hideo Kojima PS4 PC