Summary
- Raiden, once hated, now an icon, has grown to become one of the coolest characters in the Metal Gear Solid series.
- Otacon is more than just a genius inventor, he's a loyal friend with a quirky personality and a love for anime.
- The Boss transcends being just an antagonist and is a layered character who plays a crucial role in shaping the Metal Gear universe.
Hideo Kojima has created some truly amazing characters that will withstand the tests of time as some of the greatest characters put to gaming thanks to Metal Gear Solid. The Metal Gear Solid series brings tactical espionage action to the hands of players, as well as provides some truly provoking, complex, and interesting characters into the immersive worlds of Kojima's design.
Hardest Metal Gear Solid Games, Ranked
Every Metal Gear Solid game challenges players in one way or another, but there are certainly some games harder than others.
Metal Gear Solid has an array of great characters, from heroes to villains, and the complex blurred line in between. Everyone has a goal, and ambition, in the Metal Gear Solid games, and these characters present clear reasons as to why they are some of the best Metal Gear Solid characters of all time.
6 Raiden
A Cyborg Ninja With A Tragic Past
- First Appearance: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Raiden wasn't given a fair shot when he was first introduced in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. The character was outright hated by fans, who demanded more of Solid Snake, and not this new character. Yet, Raiden has aged like fine wine, and his appearances have been greatly appreciated in the series, so much so, that he received a solo game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeace, which made him even cooler thanks to the team at PlatinumGames, and thanks to an array of now iconic memes.
Raiden went through a few changes, and his tragic story of a child soldier, helplessly in love with an estranged relationship on the world and his place in it, makes him compelling, even if his time now as a cyborg ninja who spouts one-liners makes him a tad less compelling, but still fun.
5 Hal "Otacon" Emmerich
A Genius With A Love For Anime & Heroics
- First Appearance: Metal Gear Solid
The most loyal friend one could ask for, Hal Emmerich is Solid Snake's best friend, and the two make for a great duo. Hal's personality is rather adorably dorky, and his love of anime sees him pursue a new name that he views as rather cool, as he is referred to in the field as "Otacon", which he took from the Japanese anime convention "Otakon".
Hal is an inventor, and his genius is used for the betterment of mankind. Whilst initially involved in a Metal Gear project, he has devoted his life to destroying these weapons of warfare, whilst also building useful gadgets to aid both him and Snake. Hal is a loyal friend that everyone needs, especially when he has such an extensive knowledge of movies and anime.
4 The Boss
A Patriot Who Saved The World
- First Appearance: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Despite appearing as an antagonist, The Boss is far more layered than that, and her past cements her as one of the greatest soldiers to have ever lived. The mother of Ocelot, and the mother figure to Big Boss, The Boss' legacy would live on in these two soldiers, changing the tides of warfare and the political landscape for years to come, even after her death. Without The Boss, a timeless enemy would still be present.
The Boss does everything she can to ruthlessly teach Naked Snake what it means to be a soldier and provide all the tools necessary to beat her, to become Big Boss. What makes the story of The Boss the most tragic is how her defection from the United States was to prevent nuclear war, to tarnish her name and reputation so that the world had an enemy to blame.
3 Big Boss
The Legendary Soldier, Feared By Friend & Foe
- First Appearance: Metal Gear
It's hard to beat the original, and there's a reason that Big Boss, formerly Naked Snake, is known as one of the greatest soldiers of the 20th century, so much so that the government used his genetic code for the Les Enfants Terribles project to clone him. Big Boss is a talented soldier, thanks to his training from The Boss and his determination to do what he perceives as right. Big Boss is a troubled character, dealing with child soldiers, making sacrifices of loyal soldiers, and unleashing chaos to try and create peace.
Big Boss' layers of complexity make him an interesting hero, and an interesting villain. He's a man revered and feared, and his goal of a soldier nation, safe and free of ideology, influence, and political interference, would give purpose and life to those affected most by the duty they serve to their country.
2 Solid Snake
The Best Soldier There Ever Was
- First Appearance: Metal Gear
Solid Snake proves that a strong man doesn't need to read the future, he makes his own. As the youngest of the Big Boss clones, Solid Snake exhibits a friendly personality, albeit with confidence and snark to provide some corny yet enjoyable one-liners. However, despite his impressionable personality, Solid Snake gets the job done for duty and country, making sure the world is a better place thanks to his actions and the help of notable allies.
Solid Snake is the epitome of hope, and despite his old age somewhat slowing him down and making him a tad more cynical, he will always sacrifice himself to do the right thing, even if that goes against what he has been taught. Solid Snake led a troubled life, and one born from war, but he will always stand triumphantly against opposition.
1 Revolver Ocelot
A Fanatic, With Multiple Allegiances For His Own Goals
- First Appearance: Metal Gear Solid
Revolver Ocelot is another addition to the complexities of the narratives and characters in the Metal Gear Solid series. When players first meet Ocelot in the timeline, he's a major, working with the Soviets with his own Ocelot Unit. This young and brash commander shows a stark contrast to his later years, but the thing he always carries with him throughout the decades is a Colt Single Action Army Revolver, which he will continue to boast as the greatest handgun, even if engravings grant no tactical advantage whatsoever.
Ocelot is a master of deception, torture, and loyalties. There is no one that Ocelot won't use to further his goals, and his servitude to multiple interests adds layers to his character. His love for Big Boss and his ideals makes him a dangerous man, but one with an unbridled commitment to see the world change. Ocelot deserves the title of the best Metal Gear character for his complexity and rogue charm, and there's a reason he features in every Metal Gear Solid game.
The 25 Best Metal Gear Games, Ranked
Metal Gear has a long, storied history, but which of its games stand the test of time as true classics?