10 Things Even Metal Gear Fans Didn’t Know About Solid Snake

Few characters in video games are as iconic as Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid, created by Hideo Kojima. Over the years, this beloved mercenary has demonstrated his valor and strength, earning a place among the greatest warriors in gaming history. He’s taken down some formidable villains throughout his journey, and his captivating storyline, crafted by Kojima, is one of the most complex and intriguing within the digital world. While many fans are aware that Solid Snake is a clone or has feelings for Meryl Silverburgh, there are likely some lesser-known details about him that may have gone unnoticed by Metal Gear Solid enthusiasts.

Here are ten facts about Solid Snake that most fans never knew.

1) Kojima’s Surprising Sources of Inspiration

It’s common knowledge among many MGS veterans that Snake was modeled after a blend of the character Snake Plissken from Escape From New York and James Bond. However, the inspiration for his physical appearance is somewhat unexpected. Designer Yoji Shinkawa based Snake’s physique on Jean-Claude Van Damme, while his facial features were inspired by Christopher Walken. This might seem peculiar now, but Walken was well-known for his roles in war-themed classics like The Deer Hunter and The Dogs of War during the early stages of his career.

2) Snake’s First Name Doesn’t Come From His Voice Actor

In most MGS fan circles, it’s common knowledge that Snake’s first name is David. However, some fans speculate that his first name was chosen because of the English voice actor, David Hayter. Contrarily, Kojima derived the name from the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey,” explaining why Otacon’s real name is Hal. Additionally, it serves as a nod to another Kojima game, Policenauts, which featured a character named Dave.

3) Metal Gear Solid 4 Wasn’t Snake’s First Return to Shadow Moses

In a thrilling nod to the past, long-time fans were awestruck as Metal Gear Solid 4 brought them back to the legendary Shadow Moses. Though this wasn’t likely the first time Snake had revisited this famous location, earlier in Metal Gear Solid 2, documents mentioned a book titled “In the Darkness of Shadow Moses: The Unofficial Truth.” This book depicted a journalist venturing to Shadow Moses, getting captured, and then rescued by an unseen figure. While it’s not certain if this was indeed Snake, it aligns with the narrative well.

4) Snake’s Constantly Changing Height

It’s quite unusual and might be an error on the part of the developers, as the height of Snake appears to fluctuate in official materials. Initially, in the manual for Metal Gear Solid 2, his height is given as 5’10”, but it changes to six feet five years later. He then grows another half inch in 2009 before shrinking back down to 5’11” by Metal Gear Solid 4. This could possibly be due to the transformation of Snake into Old Snake in the latter game.

5) He Purposefully Hamstrung His Combat Abilities

One of Big Boss’s most powerful tactics was the Close Quarters Combat (CQC) fighting technique, which he passed on to a younger Solid Snake. But when Big Boss turned traitor, Snake chose to abandon this fighting style, putting himself at a disadvantage in combat. Instead, he adapted to the more widespread Close Quarter Battle (CQB) approach and continued to function effectively as a soldier, even without CQC.

6) Snake’s Genius-Level IQ

It’s said that Snake has an estimated IQ of approximately 180. This places him in the same general intellectual realm as influential historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Marie Curie. Such high intelligence could account for his ability to fluently speak six different languages.

7) Solid Snake Was a Dog Musher

Following a short spell at the CIA, Snake then decided to abandon his military life and relocated to Alaska. In this new setting, he acquired numerous huskies with the ultimate goal of participating in the Alaskan Iditarod race someday. However, before he could realize this dream, Snake was drawn into the Shadow Moses Incident.

8) He’s Also Not a Bad Car Salesman

Although it may not be strictly official, did you know that Snake collaborated with Colonel Campbell for a commercial promoting the Ford Focus SE? The advertisement is designed to resemble a Codec call and features exaggerated action for added effect. If you’re interested in hearing Snake and Campbell discuss the Focus’s fuel efficiency, the video can still be found on YouTube.

9) Snake’s Tom Clancy Crossover

In terms of instances beyond the main series, it’s worth noting that Metal Gear Solid often features crossovers with other storylines. Characters like Snake have made appearances in games such as Silent Hill, Smash Bros., and numerous others. However, one particularly intriguing instance is his mention in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands. During an encounter with Sam Fisher, a character wearing a bandana who “stepped down” is referred to, serving as a subtle nod to fans of Metal Gear Solid, hinting at Snake’s retirement.

10) Solid Snake’s Japanese Voice Actor’s Father Voices Big Boss in MGS4

The Japanese voice actor for Snake in the games is Akio Otsuka. Since Snake is a clone of Big Boss, Akio has also lent his voice to the older version of the character and Snake’s twin, Solidus. However, in Metal Gear Solid 4, Kojima decided to bring a unique twist by having Chikao Otsuka, Akio’s father, take over as Big Boss’s voice actor instead. It is said that Kojima made this choice as the real-life father-son duo were experiencing some difficulties, and he aimed to help mend their relationship through working together on the project.

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2025-08-22 22:24