Inspired by the enormous anticipation surrounding the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Pavel (alias “Otacon”) and Ramesh (alias “finalfantasy7”) began a collaboration in the summer of 2004, the goal of which was to compile all things Metal Gear Solid and make them available for distribution through a well-crafted and professional website. Eager to register the domain and have a site to work with, a splash page was hurriedly put up on “http://www.metalgearsolid.org”. Though largely comprised of the soon-to-be infamous “Coming soon!” pages, the first iteration of “TUS” set a precedent for the quality of the site, prominently featuring two meticulously produced teaser videos that promised the future inclusion of a forum. Metal Gear Solid: The Unofficial Site was scheduled for a full launch on September 23rd, 2004 - coinciding with Pavel’s birthday. However, an industrious workforce met all deadlines and expectations earlier than projected, and TUS’ birthing was rescheduled for September 18th, 2004.

Version 1.0 of MGS: TUS was greeted with praise. Fan fodder and resources were to be found in detailed game pages for nearly ever installment of the MG and MGS series, including previews, reviews, guides, and interviews. GameSpy.com soon took notice and proposed a partnership, offering downloads and a new hosting service. TUS was assimilated into the fold of the GameSpy network in October of 2004. The original elation of the TUS staff was soon dampened when content restrictions were imposed upon the site. The deal proved unfruitful and was wavered in a little over one month of its inception.

TUS was a success. Throughout the run of Version 1.0, many unique and exciting achievements were accomplished, elevating the site above its rivals and demonstrating how much was capable with the determination of the staff and editors. For example, TUS was the first site to confirm Big Boss’ role as the protagonist and player-character of MGS3, and upon the game’s release, had the distinction and privilege of being the first site to feature a review of MGS3. Version 1.0 cemented TUS’ place in the online Metal Gear Solid community and ensured the continued trust and support of the fan base.