MGS2: How It Turbocharged The Metal Gear Universe

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Summary

  • MGS2 introduced revolutionary elements to the franchise, impacting future titles for two decades.
  • Raiden’s introduction as the new protagonist changed the series forever.
  • The S3 Plan and reveal of The Patriots deepened the lore and shaped the franchise’s history.

In 2001, “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty” was unveiled on PlayStation 2. This wasn’t just a follow-up to one of the PS1’s most revered games; it was an innovative exploration of where the gaming industry was heading and is often regarded as one of the first instances of postmodern video games. Its complex narrative delved into topics like artificial intelligence, personal identity, and information control, while simultaneously expanding the franchise’s mythology in significant ways that would echo for the subsequent two decades.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty dared to redefine the boundaries set by its predecessor on the PlayStation 1. The visionary mind of series creator Hideo Kojima skillfully infused fresh storylines, characters, and plot twists that would profoundly impact future installments such as MGS3 and every subsequent title in the Metal Gear saga. From a secretive organization pulling the strings from behind the scenes to a captivating new character who would leave an indelible mark on the game’s fictional timeline, Sons of Liberty fearlessly sought to upend the series as we knew it. Today, this groundbreaking masterpiece can be enjoyed on all contemporary platforms through the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection.

1. Raiden’s Introduction

The New Protagonist Changed The Course Of The Series Forever

The phenomenal popularity of Metal Gear Solid on the PlayStation 1 catapulted the series protagonist, Solid Snake, from a secondary character on the NES to an enduring gaming legend. This elevation in status made Hideo Kojima’s choice to temporarily sideline him at the start of MGS2 and introduce Raiden as the main character even more daring, as the gruff persona of Solid Snake contrasted sharply with the rigid, rule-abiding demeanor of the novice. This creative idea was primarily fueled by Kojima’s aim to showcase Snake from a fresh perspective and highlight his extraordinary legendary status.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the backstory of Raiden was masterfully integrated into the narrative, shedding light on his past as a child soldier nurtured by Solidus, the third clone born from the Les Enfants Terribles project initiated in the 1970s. Solidus, who served as the President of the United States during Metal Gear Solid 1, played a crucial role in tying Raiden to the franchise’s intricate mythology, making for a truly brilliant move. The complexities of Raiden’s history would go on to shape his character profoundly in subsequent games, with his connection to the pivotal events of Metal Gear Solid 2 having a significant influence on the overall narrative of the franchise.

2. Liquid’s Possession Of Ocelot’s Arm

The Franchise Leans Into The Weird

In a franchise known for its storyline centered around worldwide conflict involving nuclear weapons and unusual villains, most gaming communities considered it rather exaggerated. However, with MGS2, Kojima took this unconventional war narrative to new heights. The arm of the deceased Liquid Snake wasn’t just a quirky addition; it could take control of Revolver Ocelot during the Tanker section and even mimic the voice of the dead Big Boss clone. While previous games in the series had their share of bizarre moments, this whimsically absurd feature would significantly alter how Metal Gear was played from then on.

In contrast to earlier versions, villains started leaning towards science-fiction themes, with their power sources often stemming from implausible scientific concepts. This allowed characters like Vamp and Fortune to fit seamlessly into the storyline, while also setting a pattern for future antagonists. The outlandish, larger-than-life villains such as The Pain and The Fury in ‘Snake Eater’ could only exist due to Liquid’s control over Ocelot. This transformation effectively transformed the Metal Gear universe from a somewhat realistic spy thriller into Kojima’s distinctive brand of insanity, which significantly impacted every subsequent game in the series.

3. The S3 Plan

The Selection For Societal Sanity

In the mind-blowing final acts of Metal Gear Solid 2, I found myself questioning everything about the game itself, as Raiden’s odyssey through Arsenal Gear unveiled unsettling truths about who to trust and why I was even part of this story in the first place. The masterminds behind the scenes, the Patriots, cleverly staged events mirroring the incident on Shadow Moses Island from Metal Gear Solid 1, all in an attempt to implement the S3 Plan – a scheme to control the masses by observing how easily we could be manipulated.

Previously thought to symbolize a simulation for Solid Snake, it was later unveiled that it actually stands for “Selection For Societal Sanity.” This revelation underscores the Patriots’ manipulation of information and creation of a narrative that serves their purposes. This explanation enriches our understanding of MGS1, as the Patriots are orchestrating these events, with their heinous crimes against humanity becoming evident by the end of Sons of Liberty. The S3 Plan can be seen as a public debut for the Patriots, as it paved the way for their backstory to be explored more in MGS3 and their transformation into the main adversaries in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

4. The Reveal Of The Patriots

A Group Of Powerful People That Have Controlled History

In Metal Gear Solid 1, when Naomi Hunter is exposed as a traitor at the end, Colonel Campbell hints she might be connected to “another group,” a suggestion that underscores the increasing complexity of Kojima’s narrative and mythology. Although it wasn’t explicitly stated, Campbell may have been referring to The Patriots, a secretive organization consisting of powerful individuals established post-WW2, initially known as the Philosophers.

Under the guidance of the Wise Men’s Committee, their efforts to shape and dominate American history, as well as exert total control over the populace, started subtly but eventually escalated into much more perilous terrain. By the time of Metal Gear Solid 2, they had rebranded themselves as The Patriots, determined to utilize every resource at their disposal to achieve their objectives. Although they made their debut in MGS2, they became one of the franchise’s enduring adversaries, playing a significant role in almost every major event depicted in the series’ fictional chronology. Kojima significantly altered the trajectory of Metal Gear history with the introduction of The Patriots, a decision that steered the series towards its final mainline installment, The Phantom Pain, in 2015.

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2025-03-26 18:37