23-11-2025, 09:58 AM
There is an exceptional amount of mental gymnastics done by those who dislike the existence of Venom Snake and desperately wanted to play as the "real Big Boss." What's great about MGSV especially is it creates this weird kind of psychotic reaction where players choose to ignore the truth and decide that actually Venom is Big Boss. From a meta standpoint it's perfect-they choose to believe the character is the same as in MGS3 despite being told he isn't. Double think.
MGS2 naturally wound many people up with the existence of Raiden but I never saw anyone say "I choose to ignore the existence of Raiden and believe I'm playing as Snake" because you can't. Snake is right there with you affirming Raiden and giving him his own identity-despite many players and Raiden himself wanting to opt out of him having one.
The Nietzsche quote works because Kojima probably knew there are players who would dislike Venom. Players who want to be Big Boss but somewhat ironically dislike being told they are Big Boss. The quote not only alludes to the interpretation of those in-universe that Venom is Big Boss but also the interpretations of the players in response to the fact. Only a fan base like this could read an ending that literally says: "Big Boss is you, the facts presented aren't important, interpret it how you will." And walk away from it thinking: "ah! So this is some sort of red herring ending and the ever so important facts will follow!" READ THE ROOM PEOPLE, HE'S DONE.
MGS2 naturally wound many people up with the existence of Raiden but I never saw anyone say "I choose to ignore the existence of Raiden and believe I'm playing as Snake" because you can't. Snake is right there with you affirming Raiden and giving him his own identity-despite many players and Raiden himself wanting to opt out of him having one.
The Nietzsche quote works because Kojima probably knew there are players who would dislike Venom. Players who want to be Big Boss but somewhat ironically dislike being told they are Big Boss. The quote not only alludes to the interpretation of those in-universe that Venom is Big Boss but also the interpretations of the players in response to the fact. Only a fan base like this could read an ending that literally says: "Big Boss is you, the facts presented aren't important, interpret it how you will." And walk away from it thinking: "ah! So this is some sort of red herring ending and the ever so important facts will follow!" READ THE ROOM PEOPLE, HE'S DONE.
