Metal Gear Solid 3 provides the background for Ocelot and shows us a bit about how he became what he became, through the various influences of Naked Snake, The Boss, and Volgin, among others. We also learn that he’s a Big Boss fanboy, which makes him even cooler. Plus, he has all of the fancy revolver tricks and the hand gesture! Then you learn that Ocelot’s been working for the Philosophers all along, which blew my mind. He has a lot of cool scenes (like the motorcycle chase) and cool dialogue with Naked Snake throughout the game. “Whaddya say to one last showdown?” It’s a fancier and flashier Ocelot than we’re used to, but I like it.
But it’s Metal Gear Solid 4 where Ocelot really shines. Even though it’s technically Liquid’s personality, he still made all this happen. Plus, Patric Zimmerman does a fantastic job with the voice work. He does in the other games as well (I’ve always loved Ocelot’s gravelly voice), but I think he does his best work here. He has some great serious moments (“This is the legacy we’ve won for ourselves” and “The war is over…but we still have a score to settle”) and some silly moments (like the Ocelot Dance or where he pretends to die of FOXDIE after the REX/RAY battle), but overall, he’s pretty awesome. He steals the show in MGS4, and I’m glad he got an awesome sendoff with that last boss battle. Plus, I love how Ocelot regains his own personality at the end right before he dies. “I am Liquid’s doppelganger, and you…are his. Just like your father. You’re…pretty good,” and then he gives one last hand gesture before dying, like a boss. I’m generally not a big fan of villains, but when you’re as good as Ocelot is, you have to make an exception.
Bonus Question: Who is your favorite video game villain?
Trying to be careful with MGS4 spoilers since there are some people who STILL haven't played it!
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"Why must we always choose between certain death and probable death?"
"I'm in an epic battle to the death, FIGURE IT OUT YOURSELF!"