Raiden’s transformation from a reviled gestalt Solid Snake to a badass ninja is perhaps one of the strangest redemption stories in the medium of video games. This transformation takes place more inside player perception than outside the game itself. The journey of Raiden from being an unpopular character to becoming a fan favorite is a fascinating tale that involves not just the character’s development but also the creative decisions behind the scenes. Learning that Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima initially wanted series stalwart Gray Fox as the protagonist of *Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance* instead of Raiden sheds light on the character’s original unpopularity. Kojima himself never liked Raiden much, which adds another layer to this intriguing story.
The Origins of Raiden’s Unpopularity
Raiden was first introduced in *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty* as the main playable character, replacing the beloved Solid Snake for a significant portion of the game. This decision was met with backlash from fans who had grown attached to Snake. Raiden’s character design and personality were starkly different from Snake’s, which did not sit well with the series’ long-time followers. His youthful appearance and somewhat naive demeanor were in sharp contrast to Snake’s grizzled veteran persona. This initial reception set the stage for Raiden’s rocky start in the Metal Gear universe.
“It was my staff in Kojima Productions that insisted on Raiden, and I respected their idea,” Kojima explained. “In my personal opinion, I wanted to go for Frank Jaegar or Gray Fox. But if we had gone with that, I would have had to write the script and then be really committed to creating the game.”
The Evolution of Raiden
Raiden’s character underwent a significant transformation in *Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots*. He reappeared as a cyborg ninja, a stark departure from his previous incarnation. This new version of Raiden was darker, more complex, and infinitely more badass. His combat abilities were enhanced, and his storyline took on a more tragic and heroic tone. This transformation was crucial in changing player perception and redeeming Raiden in the eyes of the fans.
“I want to pass game development to the younger generation in my team, and have been trying to do so for quite some time. Before I never could give complete responsibilities for other games, but for *Revengeance*, they are fully in control. Besides, if I had created the game and directed it, it wouldn’t have been this game.”
*Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance* further solidified Raiden’s redemption. The game, developed by PlatinumGames, focused on high-octane action and showcased Raiden’s abilities as a cyborg ninja. The fast-paced gameplay and Raiden’s cool, collected demeanor won over many players who had previously disliked him. The game’s success demonstrated that Raiden had finally come into his own as a character, separate from the shadow of Solid Snake.
The decision to use Raiden instead of Gray Fox was a pivotal moment in the series. Gray Fox, also known as Frank Jaeger, was a beloved character with a rich backstory. He was a fan favorite, and using him as the protagonist would have been a safer choice. However, Kojima’s decision to pass the torch to the younger generation of developers allowed for a fresh take on the series. This move not only gave Raiden a chance to shine but also allowed the development team to explore new creative directions.
In conclusion, Raiden’s journey from a disliked character to a celebrated hero is a testament to the power of character development and creative risk-taking. The initial backlash against Raiden was understandable, given the strong attachment fans had to Solid Snake. However, through careful evolution and bold storytelling, Raiden was able to carve out his own niche in the Metal Gear universe. The decision to use Raiden instead of Gray Fox in *Revengeance* was a gamble that ultimately paid off, showcasing the importance of innovation and the willingness to take risks in game development.
Source IGN
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