Image via Complex Original
The Metal Gear franchise is a thematically, cutting-edge series.
With more striking elements and scenes than Hideo Kojima has form-fitting shirts.
Time and time again we're blown away by shocking revelations, touching moments, and action-packed sequences that could only occur in the Metal Gear universe. It wasn't easy by any means, but we've assembled 25 of the biggest moments in Metal Gear history for your reading pleasure. Grab some popcorn and buckle up. You're in for one crazy ride.
The 25 Biggest "Metal Gear" Moments of All Time
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25. Snake's "Suicide"
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
After the sound of a gunshot at the end of the game and a clever cut, we're all left to assume our hero has actually pulled the trigger. We'll let you figure out the rest.
24. Naked Snake into Big Boss
Game: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Peace Walker finally lands a mention on our list with a pivotal moment in Metal Gear history: Naked Snake's acceptance of his new title of Big Boss. Wait until after the credits, and witness the birth of Big Boss as a villain. We all know what's to come after that.
23. The Death of Grey Fox
Game: Metal Gear Solid
Grey Fox's sacrifice is one that lives on in the annals of Metal Gear history, with Grey Fox's final words changing Solid Snake completely over the course of the rest of the game: "We're not tools of the government or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing... the only thing I was good at, but at least I always fought for what I believed in. Snake... farewell."
22. Snake vs. Liquid Ocelot
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
The final battle between Snake and Liquid Ocelot is, famously, one of the greatest scenes of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and it culminates in a brawl between Snake and Revolver Ocelot. It's a fitting end to such a long and winding journey, and you have one last attack left to decide a victor. Who will it be? It's an epic matchup for the ages.
21. The Microwave Hall
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
As Snake works his way through the hall filled with microwaves, it's a tense buildup the entire time. This could be it for Snake. He's in bad enough shape already, and as you struggle to reach the end of the hallway, Snake's suit is destroyed piece by piece. Clips of familiar faces flash onscreen to keep hope alive. Will Snake get through this one alive? It's a powerful scene.
20. Cyborg Ninja Reveal
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
So who is that strange new character, exactly? Cyborg ninja? Wait a second...oh, that's Raiden? Are you serious? That's about the reaction from Metal Gear fans everywhere as Raiden finally rose to prominence as a character with the potential to be badass.
19. The Return of Jack the Ripper
Game: Metal Gear Solid: Revengeance
Is Raiden who he really says he is? The return of "Jack the Ripper" is a prominent theme in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and a cause for celebration for fans of the much-reviled character. His true colors on display here, the following moments in-game were a real treat.
18. Metal Gear Rex vs. Metal Gear Ray
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear vs Metal Gear was one of the most exciting things to happen to the series. Everything about this segment was a dream come true for fans, from the battle, to the accompanying musical theme, and the outcome. Riveting stuff, to say the least.
17. Big Boss is Back
Game: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
It wasn't as big of a surprise as it should have been, and it turns out a lot of us had already figured it out, but Big Boss's return is still a jaw-dropping moment. After the events in Zanzibar, Big Boss's presence was an explosive one, and one that gave more emotional impact to an already intriguing story.
16. Naomi's Goodbye
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Naomi's heartfelt speech after committing suicide in Shadow Moses as Otacon hears it is touching on several levels. "By the time you hear this, I'm afraid I'll be gone." Her efforts in stopping the Patriots were instrumental to the cause, and losing Naomi was a crushing blow to poor Otacon.
15. Battle with The Boss
Game: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The final confrontation with The Boss as Naked Snake is an intriguing one, and not only because of the way it plays out. It's the moment The Boss faces off with the very soldier she worked so hard to shape and create over the years, and the resulting battle is a satisfying one.
14. Raiden and Solidus' Sword Fight
Game: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
This one fight acted as Raiden's prime chance to prove himself, and that's exactly what happened. Raiden dealt with his father the only way he knew how, atop Arsenal Gear after it crashed into Manhattan. Raiden's chance at retribution was no less than one of the most thrilling moments of the game.
13. Metal Gear Ray Battle
Game: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Being forced to square off against multiple Metal Gear Rays with only a missile launcher is tense in and of itself. How many missiles will it take before the Rays stop coming? Solidus' strategizing is horrifying, and it's an adrenaline rush all the way up until Ocelot hacks into the Rays and takes over. Talk about a sigh of relief.
12. The End Boss Fight
Game: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The End's final showdown is on par with Psycho Mantis in that it forces you to rely on unconventional equipment and your own wits to see you through to the end. It's a tense game of cat and mouse as you try to both find the expert sniper and take him down. Will your stamina run out or will your patience? That's what makes it great.
11. Showdown with Psycho Mantis
Game: Metal Gear Solid
Psycho Mantis's boss fight is one of the most memorable setpieces in all of Metal Gear history, mainly because everything that can take a weird twist does. Famous fourth wall-breaking moments such as being forced to change your controller port, game "errors," and more are peppered throughout this unconventional scuffle, and it remains largely unmatched to this day in the whole of gaming.
10. Meryl and the Wolf
Game: Metal Gear Solid
After a long-running narrative where Snake and Meryl have grown rather affectionate, Snake and Meryl are led right into a trap. Sniper Wolf is waiting at the end of an underground tunnel the pair have taken to shelter themselves from the raging snowstorm outside Shadow Moses. Meryl is shot, and Snake is forced to leave her as he has no weapon with which to defend himself. Not only does Snake have to leave Meryl, but the player has to control him as he does so. Painful stuff.
9. The Hind-D Showdown
Game: Metal Gear Solid
We've seen multiple iterations of this same encounter in later Metal Gear games, but the original is still king. Liquid Snake takes to the skies and shoots down some fighter jets using his over-the-top prowess with military helicopters. Snake must face what seem like impossible odds to defeat Liquid using a Stinger Missile Launcher, and you can't peel yourself from the edge of your seat.
8. The Patriots Revealed
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
After the bizarre happenings of Metal Gear Solid 2, we finally have some insight into the plans of the Patriots, and their goals/founding members. It's also made clear why Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was a prequel of sorts. The Patriots themselves get a proper introduction, and things start to become a little more clear.
7. Snake Loses His Eye
Game: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The infamous torture scene in Snake Eater can be difficult to watch as it is, but as The Boss reaches for Snake's eye with a knife, you feel a special kind of tension. When she decides not to take his eye, there's a brief respite, only to find that Snake ends up losing his eye after a scuffle with Ocelot anyway. That's gotta hurt.
6. The Introduction of Raiden
Game: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Upon getting settled into the second Metal Gear adventure, fans were greeted to a white-haired stranger named Raiden, who certainly wasn't the protagonist they were expecting to control. After you complete the opening tanker chapter and take control of who you believe to be Snake, his mask is removed -- it was a secret no one saw coming, and one that to this day Metal Gear fans still lament.
5. The Death of Emma Emmerich
Game: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
This scene in particular is especially moving when you consider it's an unfortunate reality in life as well as in video games. Emma was an innocent girl who happened to become entangled in something she shouldn't have been, so her death carried more impact. It's tough to watch, but it's a pivotal moment in Otacon's growth as a character.
4. The Marriage of Meryl
Game: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
After all the blood, sweat, and tears, finally Meryl is able to get married like a "normal" woman and can settle down with her love. More importantly, we see Campbell arrive at her wedding after all the lies and the hatred from Meryl to walk her down the aisle. We see a tender moment between father and daughter, and it seems the hatred may finally be dissipating.
3. Eva's Truth
Game: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
One of the scenes with the greatest emotional impact so far in all of the MGS franchise, this one in particular struck a chord with players as Eva reveals the truth about The Boss -- she was never a traitor. Big Boss gives a touching salute at the Boss's grave, and we see a single tear roll down his cheek. If you don't feel at least a little choked up, you're probably not completely human.
2. Ocelot Revealed
Game: Metal Gear Solid
This phone conversation may not seem too significant at a glance, but it's one talk riddled with revelations. Ocelot is revealed to be a double agent and yet another Big Boss clone. You're also finally clued in on Liquid Snake's true identity. After years of living in Solid Snake's shadow and feeling inadequate, finally he's forced to see the truth. Liquid isn't the inferior brother after all. How's that for turning the tables? What's more, Ocelot is talking to...the President?!
1. Colonel and the Virus
Game: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
The Colonel's image via codec turns into a skull. He quotes Metal Gear Solid. And the infamous "Fission Mailed" screen occurs. All this because of a virus. Yeah, it's pretty creepy. I need scissors! 61!