For the longest time, I had only played this game once. Through an emulator, a younger me had a hard time figuring out the controls and I remember struggling with the gameplay a lot. So now, several years later, I expected to not vibe with the gameplay a lot, despite the amazing story. But the game proved me wrong. I had a blast re-experiencing this game, experimenting anywhere I felt comfortable to and the game actively encouraged me to do so.

But more than that, I was immediately captivated by the story and world of Metal Gear Solid once again. Getting to play as a character that I have always adored in this franchise, experiencing his origins and the relationships he formed on his path to becoming the legendary Big Boss gave me such a deeper appreciation for his character.

What I deeply appreciate about Metal Gear Solid 3 is its contrast with the first two Solid games in the series. They end on a high thematic note, both celebrating life in a sense. But this entry chooses to do something else. The thematic resonance relies on the understanding of Big Boss's presence in the series. As an antagonist, a man with a wrong and messed up ideology. And here, we see it shaped from the one person he idolized and loved. The Boss - who is a captivating and beautiful character on her own - has a dream for this world. A dream that forms and shapes Naked Snake into the Big Boss that we know today.

"And no one will ever understand her. That was her final mission."

Even Big Boss fell victim to that.