Within the expansive universe of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, there is one character whose enigmatic presence has captivated players for decades – Big Boss. Also known as Naked Snake, this iconic figure has become synonymous with the series. In this background, we’re taking a closer look into his origins, his journey, and the impact he has had on the narrative of Metal Gear Solid.
So, who is Big Boss in Metal Gear?
Meet Big Boss
Big Boss – whose real name is John – made his first appearance in the original Metal Gear game released in 1987. He served as a mentor to another series protagonist, Solid Snake. However, it was in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater that players were introduced to his earlier years – it’s also where Big Boss arguably enjoyed his most memorable outing.
Set during the Cold War, the game reveals that Big Boss was a highly skilled operative working for the CIA, undertaking dangerous missions in Soviet territories. His mission in Snake Eater was to eliminate his former mentor, The Boss, who had defected to the Soviet Union. It makes for a very emotional and immersive story – so much so that Snake Eater is being remade in full.
Following the events of Snake Eater, Big Boss’s journey takes a pivotal turn. Betrayed by his government, he begins to question the ideologies he once fought for. He established his private military organisation called Militaires Sans Frontières (Soldiers Without Borders) in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
Big Boss seeks to create a world where soldiers can fight for their causes, free from the control of any nation or political agenda. This pursuit of a soldier’s paradise leads him down a path of moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Eventually, Big Boss’ story traverses through MGSV and beyond, coming full circle and bringing the most recent games up to the point where the oldest games began.
Related: Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Released Fall 2023
Understanding The Legacy
Big Boss’s character arc is essential to understanding the overarching themes of the Metal Gear Solid series. His complex journey highlights the consequences of war, the price of loyalty, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. Big Boss’s ideals and actions ripple throughout the franchise, influencing future characters and events.
His legacy is felt in characters like Solid Snake and Liquid Snake, who are clones of Big Boss, as well as in his estranged relationship with his former allies, such as Ocelot. Big Boss’s presence looms large, leaving an indelible mark on the Metal Gear Solid universe.
In the wide, diverse world of gaming, Big Boss remains an instantly recognisable constant. We hope that effectively answers the question, ‘Who is Big Boss in Metal Gear?’
We’ll see him again when Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is released in 2025.
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