Introduction
The name “Big Boss” echoes through gaming history, a symbol of legendary skill, unwavering resolve, and, ultimately, a descent into darkness. However, the man we thought we knew as Big Boss, especially during the events of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, is far more multifaceted than initial impressions suggest. We are introduced to Venom Snake, a character whose identity is intertwined with Big Boss, yet possesses his own unique narrative and place in the sprawling Metal Gear saga. This article delves into the heart of Venom Snake’s story, exploring his origins, unpacking his motivations, examining his indelible impact on the Metal Gear universe, and probing the ethical quandaries surrounding his existence. More than just a body double or a pawn, Big Boss Venom Snake stands as a testament to sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.
The Genesis of a Phantom
The seeds of Venom Snake’s transformation were sown during the catastrophic events of Ground Zeroes. The devastating attack on Mother Base, orchestrated by the enigmatic Skull Face, left Big Boss gravely wounded and incapacitated. In the aftermath of this brutal assault, a medic, an exceptionally skilled surgeon and a loyal member of Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF), risked his own life to protect Big Boss. This same medic would soon undergo a radical transformation, becoming the physical embodiment of Big Boss, a “phantom” designed to carry on the legend.
The process of turning this medic into Big Boss Venom Snake involved a combination of advanced medical techniques, including extensive plastic surgery to alter his appearance, and psychological conditioning through hypnosis. This drastic procedure, masterminded by Zero (Cipher), sought to create a decoy, a phantom Big Boss who could draw attention away from the “real” Big Boss, allowing him to pursue his own objectives. This intricate deception forms the bedrock of Venom Snake’s identity crisis.
Character and Inner Drive
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Venom Snake is the psychological toll of assuming another man’s identity. Imagine waking up one day, not only physically altered but also burdened with the memories and expectations of a legendary figure. Venom Snake grapples with this reality throughout The Phantom Pain. He’s constantly wrestling with the weight of his new role, forced to act as Big Boss, to lead Diamond Dogs, and to make decisions that carry immense consequences, all while knowing he is not the “real” Big Boss.
Underlying Venom Snake’s actions is an unwavering loyalty to Big Boss. He sees his role as essential to Big Boss’s vision, a necessary sacrifice to ensure the survival of the dream. He dedicates himself to fulfilling his mission, building Mother Base, recruiting soldiers, and engaging in covert operations, all in the name of Big Boss. This devotion is both admirable and tragic, showcasing the complex relationship between these two figures.
Venom Snake operates in a world defined by moral ambiguity. The missions he undertakes often involve difficult choices, requiring him to make decisions that blur the line between right and wrong. He utilizes unconventional tactics, engages in deception, and even employs morally questionable methods to achieve his objectives. This morally grey approach highlights the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary to achieve a greater good.
While initially operating as a puppet, Venom Snake eventually carves out his own sense of identity within the shadow of Big Boss. He develops his own leadership style, earns the respect and loyalty of his troops, and makes independent decisions that shape the future of Diamond Dogs. This gradual emergence of Venom Snake’s own personality and agency is a crucial element of his character arc.
Impact on the Metal Gear Lore
Venom Snake’s existence fundamentally alters the timeline and understanding of the Metal Gear universe. His actions directly contribute to the preservation of Big Boss’s legacy, allowing the “real” Big Boss to pursue his own agenda without facing the scrutiny and challenges that come with maintaining a public image. This division of labor is crucial to the events that unfold in later Metal Gear games.
Venom Snake plays a pivotal role in the establishment of Outer Heaven, a military nation free from the control of governments. He trains soldiers, develops advanced weaponry, and creates a formidable fighting force. Outer Heaven becomes a haven for mercenaries and disillusioned soldiers, a symbol of defiance against the established world order. This establishment is a key step in Big Boss’s overall plan to create a world free of control.
By serving as a decoy, Big Boss Venom Snake allows the “real” Big Boss to operate in the shadows, secretly building his own power base and plotting his future moves. This deception is essential to the overall narrative, as it allows Big Boss to manipulate events from behind the scenes, shaping the course of history.
Ethical Considerations and Player’s Choice
The core of Venom Snake’s story is rooted in ethical dilemmas. The very act of transforming a medic into a body double raises profound questions about identity, autonomy, and the morality of manipulating individuals for strategic purposes. Zero’s manipulation of both Big Boss and Venom Snake showcases the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for individuals to be exploited for ideological ends.
Venom Snake’s agency is constantly in question. To what extent is he acting of his own free will, and to what extent is he simply a pawn in Zero’s game? This ambiguity is a central theme of the game, forcing players to consider the extent to which individuals can be truly free when their identities and destinies are manipulated by external forces.
The player’s choices in Metal Gear Solid V directly affect Venom Snake’s character. The “Demon Points” system tracks the player’s actions, reflecting the extent to which Venom Snake succumbs to the darkness of war. These choices highlight the player’s agency in shaping Venom Snake’s moral compass and ultimately determining his legacy.
Comparing and Contrasting: Venom Snake Versus Big Boss
While Venom Snake is designed to emulate Big Boss, there are subtle yet significant differences between the two. Both possess exceptional combat skills, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination. However, their personalities, motivations, and leadership styles diverge in subtle ways.
Venom Snake often displays a more compassionate and empathetic side than the “real” Big Boss. He demonstrates genuine concern for his troops, forming strong bonds with his comrades and prioritizing their well-being. This empathy may stem from his background as a medic, a profession that inherently emphasizes compassion and care.
The “Demon Points” system in Metal Gear Solid V offers a unique way to track Venom Snake’s descent into darkness. Engaging in morally questionable actions, such as killing enemy soldiers or developing nuclear weapons, increases Demon Points, gradually altering Venom Snake’s appearance and reflecting his growing brutality. This system serves as a constant reminder of the player’s influence on Venom Snake’s moral trajectory.
The question of which Big Boss is “better” is ultimately subjective. Some argue that the “real” Big Boss is the true hero, the visionary who sought to create a world free from control. Others view Venom Snake as a more relatable and sympathetic character, a man who sacrificed his own identity for the greater good.
Unveiling the Truth: The Ending and Its Impact
The shocking revelation at the end of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain fundamentally redefines the narrative of the Metal Gear saga. The realization that the player has been controlling Venom Snake all along, not the “real” Big Boss, is a moment of profound narrative impact.
Big Boss’s tape recording, delivered to Venom Snake at the end of the game, provides crucial context for the events that have unfolded. In the recording, Big Boss explains his reasons for creating Venom Snake and expresses his gratitude for the medic’s sacrifice.
This revelation has significant implications for the Metal Gear timeline. It sheds new light on the events of Metal Gear, revealing that the Big Boss encountered by Solid Snake in that game was, in fact, Venom Snake. This twist reshapes our understanding of the entire series, forcing us to re-evaluate the motivations and actions of key characters.
While his ultimate fate is not explicitly shown, the game implies that Venom Snake continued to lead Outer Heaven and ultimately faced off against Solid Snake. His story becomes a tragic one, a testament to the sacrifices made in the name of a greater cause.
Conclusion
Venom Snake, often dismissed as a simple body double, is far more than just a “Phantom Pain” in the Metal Gear series. His journey from medic to legendary soldier is a complex and compelling story of sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurring lines between identity and purpose. His creation and actions allow the Big Boss legend to flourish, but at a profound personal cost.
The character’s existence underscores the ethical complexities that run deep within the Metal Gear saga, questioning the morality of manipulation and the price of maintaining a legend. Big Boss Venom Snake’s presence in the Metal Gear narrative is both a testament to the power of deception and a poignant reflection on the cost of war. He deserves recognition, not as a simple copy, but as a crucial, unforgettable character in the Metal Gear canon, forever bound to the shadow of the legendary Big Boss. This understanding elevates him beyond a mere plot device, solidifying his place as a crucial component of the entire series.
