Was Raiden Called Snake? Decoding the Alias and Identity in Metal Gear Solid

Yes, Raiden was called Snake, specifically in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. However, this was a deliberate narrative deception by Hideo Kojima, the game’s creator, designed to subvert player expectations and challenge established conventions of the Metal Gear franchise. The reasons behind this alias and the ensuing controversy are multifaceted, deeply intertwined with the game’s themes, and have cemented Raiden’s place in gaming history.

The “Snake” Deception in Metal Gear Solid 2

The initial marketing for Metal Gear Solid 2 heavily featured Solid Snake, the iconic protagonist of previous entries. Players naturally assumed they would once again be stepping into his tactical espionage boots. The Tanker Chapter, which served as a prologue, reinforced this expectation. However, upon reaching the Plant Chapter, players were suddenly thrust into the role of Raiden, a seemingly inexperienced soldier who bore a striking resemblance to Snake.

This switch was jarring and met with considerable backlash from some fans. The moniker “Snake” was applied to Raiden in the context of the game’s narrative, where characters often referred to him using that alias, further blurring the lines between the player’s expectations and the reality of the game’s world. It was later revealed that the whole scenario was a simulation designed to recreate the events of Shadow Moses from the original Metal Gear Solid, with Raiden mirroring Snake’s role in that incident.

The Purpose of the Switch

Kojima’s decision to replace Snake with Raiden served several key narrative and thematic purposes:

• Subverting Expectations: The deliberate misleading of the audience challenged the idea of predictable sequels and established character tropes.
• Exploring Themes of Memes and Information Control: The game explored the concept of “memes” (ideas and cultural information) being replicated and controlled, with Raiden being manipulated to repeat Snake’s actions.
• Player Identification: The change in protagonist forced players to confront their own expectations and attachment to Snake as a character, making them question the nature of identity and control.
• Developing Snake from a Third-Person Perspective: Kojima wanted to explore Snake’s character through the eyes of another protagonist, avoiding the need to reintroduce him as a rookie.

Raiden’s Evolution Beyond “Snake”

While initially conceived as a stand-in for Snake, Raiden eventually transcended this role to become a compelling character in his own right. His subsequent appearances in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance showcased a drastically different and much more powerful version of the character.

In Metal Gear Solid 4, Raiden became a cyborg ninja, displaying incredible combat abilities and a strong sense of loyalty to Snake. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance further amplified his abilities and explored his darker side as “Jack the Ripper,” a persona born from his traumatic past as a child soldier.

Raiden’s transformation highlighted the themes of trauma, identity, and the consequences of war, solidifying him as a complex and memorable character independent of his initial association with Snake.

The Impact on the Metal Gear Franchise

The Raiden controversy significantly impacted the Metal Gear franchise:

• Risk-Taking Narrative: It demonstrated Kojima’s willingness to take risks with established characters and storylines.
• Diverse Character Roster: It expanded the Metal Gear universe beyond Solid Snake, allowing for more diverse and nuanced characters.
• Fan Debate: It sparked ongoing debates and discussions about the nature of sequels, character identity, and authorial intent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raiden and Snake

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Raiden and his connection to the “Snake” moniker:

1. What is Raiden’s real name? Raiden’s real name is Jack. He later adopts the codename Raiden, inspired by the Japanese god of thunder.

2. Why was Raiden called “Snake” in Metal Gear Solid 2? He was called “Snake” because the game was designed as a simulation to recreate the Shadow Moses Incident, with Raiden filling the role Solid Snake had in the original Metal Gear Solid. This was also part of Kojima’s intent to mislead players and challenge their expectations.

3. Is Solid Snake Raiden’s father? No, Solid Snake is not Raiden’s biological father. Solidus Snake, one of the clones of Big Boss, is Raiden’s adoptive father and the one who raised him as a child soldier. However, the relationship is complex and abusive.

4. Was Raiden originally intended to replace Solid Snake as the main character of the Metal Gear series? No, Raiden was not meant to permanently replace Solid Snake. He was intended to be a focal point in Metal Gear Solid 2 to explore specific themes and then evolve independently.

5. What are some of Raiden’s other nicknames? Besides “Snake,” Raiden is also known as “Jack the Ripper,” “White Devil,” and “Lightning Bolt.”

6. How did Raiden become a cyborg ninja? Raiden underwent extensive exoskeletal enhancement surgery after being captured by the Patriots. This involved replacing a significant portion of his body with cybernetic components.

7. What happened to Raiden’s jaw? During his captivity and subsequent experimentation, Raiden had his head and spine excised from his body, starting from his lower jaw down. His remaining organic components were then integrated into a synthetic body.

8. What is the significance of Raiden’s codename, “Raiden”? “Raiden” is the name of the Japanese god of thunder and lightning. This alludes to Raiden’s immense power and his role as a force of nature on the battlefield.

9. What is the relationship between Solidus Snake and Raiden? Solidus Snake is Raiden’s adoptive father and the commander who trained him as a child soldier in Liberia. He is also one of the clones of Big Boss, making him genetically related to Solid Snake and Liquid Snake.

10. What kind of childhood did Raiden have? Raiden had a traumatic childhood as a child soldier in Liberia, forced to fight and kill from a very young age. This experience deeply affected him and shaped his character.

11. Why does Snake give Raiden advice at the end of Metal Gear Solid 2? Snake gives Raiden advice to encourage him to forge his own path and identity, separate from the imposed roles and expectations he has been subjected to.

12. What is the “Jack the Ripper” persona associated with Raiden? The “Jack the Ripper” persona is Raiden’s darker side, a manifestation of the trauma and violence he experienced as a child soldier. It represents his inner rage and desire for revenge.

13. What is the connection between Metal Gear Solid and Games Learning Society? Games, such as the Metal Gear Solid series, offer significant learning opportunities by engaging players in complex narratives, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making. The Games Learning Society aims to explore and promote these educational aspects of gaming. For more information visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

14. What is Raiden’s role in the Metal Gear Rising Revengeance storyline? In Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Raiden works for a private military company and fights against cybernetic terrorists. The game explores his struggle to control his “Jack the Ripper” persona and find his own sense of justice.

15. What is the difference between Raiden (Metal Gear Solid) and Raiden Shogun (Genshin Impact)? While they share the same name, the characters are completely different. Raiden (Metal Gear Solid) is a cyborg ninja, while Raiden Shogun (Genshin Impact) is a powerful electro archon/god.

In conclusion, Raiden’s brief alias as “Snake” in Metal Gear Solid 2 was a calculated move by Hideo Kojima to challenge player expectations and explore deeper themes. While initially controversial, this decision ultimately contributed to Raiden’s evolution into a complex and memorable character, solidifying his place in gaming history. He is far more than just a stand-in for Snake; he is a testament to the power of narrative subversion and character development.