Section 1

Opening – Prior to Meeting Sokolov

Opening

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (night - change view button unavailable)

An MC-130E Combat Talon 1 special operations aircraft, which entered service in 1966, heads for Soviet airspace. It's night, and visibility is good. The Talon is approaching probably from either the east, China, or the south, elsewhere in Asia. The camera fixes on the gunship from above, its entire fuselage coming into view. On its nose we see the "whiskers" used for catching recovery balloon cables.

Caption: 5:30AM August 24, 1964 Pakistani airspace

*The text appears one letter at a time in a 1960s sort of style.

PILOT

Flying over Pakistan, altitude 30,000 feet. Approaching Soviet airspace.

The MC-130E's service ceiling is 33,000 feet (approximately 10,000 meters).

The loadmaster is in the cargo hold with Snake, but he doesn't appear on-screen.

A loadmaster, or LM, is tasked with managing aerial cargo.

LM

Twenty minutes to dropoff... Commencing internal depressurization (until it's the same level as 10,000 feet).

LM

Equipment check...

LM

Arm main parachute.

Inside the aircraft, in a prefab, airtight operations room geared for electronic warfare. A figure (Zero) looks over data. Zero is wearing a leather bomber jacket. We get a glimpse of a woman (Para-Medic) next to him. Since the Virtuous Mission is set to take only around three hours, they'll monitor the situation from the air.

ZERO

All right, you ready to go?

PILOT

Drop zone still showing a high pressure mass. CAVOK! (Cloud and Visibility OK)

The MC-130E operates independently, without any support whatsoever, so it's equipped with an array of advanced sensors. A screen shows weather radar information.

ZERO

Good, we've got high visibility.

In the cargo hold, a man kicks back with a cigar. We can see the smoke.

His face is silhouetted, so we don't get a look at it. Blue tobacco smoke rises into the air.

LM

Put out that cigar. (Fire is strictly prohibited when breathing 100% oxygen.)

LM

Connecting oxygen hose to interior connector...

*If the player chose "I'm playing the MGS series for the first time!" or "I like MGS1!" when starting the game

LM

Put on your mask... Does this pantywaist know what he's doing?

*If the player chose "I like MGS2!" when starting the game

LM

Put on your mask... Does this pantywaist know what he's doing?

The flow of oxygen begins.

But the man is still smoking. In fact, there's no indication he plans on stopping.

PILOT

Approaching release point...

LM

Ten minutes to dropoff.

ZERO

Hey! Are you deaf? He said put out the cigar and put on your mask.

The man throws the cigar to the floor.

He puts on the mask.

Close-up of the mask. Light from the cargo hold's meters and gauges bounces off the eyepieces.

The cargo hold's lights go out, and red lights (low-illumination infrared lighting) come on.

LM

Depressurization complete.

LM

Checking oxygen supply.

LM

Six minutes to dropoff! Opening rear hatch!

The red lights bring the man into full view. His mask covers his face completely, but through the eyepieces we see an intense stare. The rest of his expression remains hidden. The rear cargo door opens.

This time, the red image of the sun hits the eyepieces.

Morning light has started to creep above a dim horizon.

LM

Sunrise...

The man is silhouetted against the background of the rising sun. The colors of the sky are gradually tinged with indigo blue. A strong wind batters the man, but he doesn't seem the slightest bit bothered by it.

LM

External temperature, minus 46 degrees Celsius.

Outside temperature at an altitude of 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) is -50F (roughly -46C) or below.

LM

Two minutes to dropoff... Stand up.

The man stands up and quickly double-checks his HALO gear.

The loadmaster prepares by removing the hose from the internal oxygen connector.

ZERO

You'll be falling at 130 miles (200 kilometers) per hour. Try not to get frostbite from the wind chill.

Thanks to the parachute attached to his torso, the man's appearance resembles that of a pregnant fly. For his backpack, containing gear from these early days, he's employed the British method—it's attached upside-down to the back of his thighs (in the American method it's attached to the front of the thighs). Zero will later explain the differences between these two methods over the radio.

The man continues to not utter a word. All we hear through his mask is the sound of his breathing.

LM

One minute to dropoff... Move to the rear.

The man moves to the ramp door. He's about a meter from the edge.

LM

Activate bailout bottle.

ZERO

This is one for the history books; the world's first HALO jump. (HALO = high altitude - low opening.)

LM

Ten seconds to dropoff... Standby.

The man's oxygen device activates.

LM

Status OK, all green!

The red lights turn green.

PILOT

Prepare for dropoff... Countdown 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

ZERO

Spread your wings and fly! God be with you!

The morning sun reflects off the mask's eyepieces.

The man throws himself from the gunship.

He plummets toward the ground.

The briefing, which took place before the gunship took off, is shown during the descent. It will be depicted via Shinkawa Theater¹. Historical events and facts will be shown through real footage and/or photographs, if we can use film in the game. It will feature the voices of Major Zero, the operational commander, and Jack (Snake) only, in a radio drama style like that used in MGS1 and MGS2. The aim is dramatic effect with the minimum amount of information.

Opening

Movie Cutscene 1

(Shinkawa Theater & real news footage)

The mission briefing inside the gunship.

Silhouetted in a small command room are Jack (Snake) and Zero (Tom). It's just the two of them. Behind them are monitors, maps, and documents.

ZERO

Jack, I've got some important news. The head of the CIA² has finally given us the green light for the Virtuous Mission.

JACK

Virtual Mission?

ZERO

No, the Virtuous Mission. The future of our FOX Unit depends on it. If it succeeds, we'll be officially organized into a unit.

JACK

Virtuous Mission? Sounds like some kind of initiation ritual (to join the CIA).

ZERO

Don't get cocky. This isn't a training op.

JACK

Right... So, what exactly is this wonderful mission?

ZERO

Well...

Berlin Wall (illustration or real footage).

ZERO

About two years ago a certain Soviet scientist requested asylum in the West through one of our (the West's) moles.

ZERO

His name is Nikolai Stepanovich Sokolov. He's head of the OKB-754 Design Bureau, one of the Soviets' top-secret weapon research facilities, and the East's foremost expert on weapons development.

We see numerous covert photos of Sokolov. He's a tall, lean, bespectacled man in middle age.

He appears to be the highly strung type too.

There is also a photo of him with his family—a wife and daughter. (Foreshadowing.)

Editor's Note: The photo of Sokolov's family is not shown at this point.

JACK

Sokolov... isn't he that famous rocket scientist?

Video, photos, illustrations, etc., of the Vostok 1, the A1 rocket, etc. Real footage would be fine.

ZERO

The very same. On April 12, 1961, the Soviets achieved the first manned space flight in history.

JACK

The Earth was blue. But there was no God.

ZERO

Well spoken. The rocket that carried Yuri Gagarin into orbit was the A1, known as the Vostok rocket. Sokolov is said to be the man most responsible for the multi-engine cluster used in that rocket.

ZERO

After Gagarin's flight, Sokolov left rocket development to become the head of the newly established Design Bureau.

JACK

From a lowly technician to head of a Design Bureau. That's quite a success story. So why'd he want to defect?

Video or illustrations of rocket experiments, etc., such as Sputnik.

ZERO

It seems he'd become afraid of his own creations.

JACK

Afraid?

ZERO

Call it a crisis of conscience.

JACK

And for that, he left his country and his family behind and went over the fence?

ZERO

Not exactly. One of his conditions was that his family was also to be taken safely to the West. We used a mole to get the family out first, and succeeded in sneaking Sokolov over the Berlin Wall shortly afterwards.

Sokolov getting over the Berlin Wall, and the Western moles aiding him.

ZERO

I was the one who conducted the operation.

JACK

The security on the eastern side was still full of holes back then. Then what?

Sokolov being hospitalized. He's asleep in bed, hooked up to an IV. His hands and feet are bandaged.

ZERO

We got Sokolov over in one piece, but the whole ordeal had left him exhausted, and we checked him into a hospital in West Berlin.

ZERO

It took him two weeks and more than 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) to get from the research facility in the Soviet Union to Berlin. He was in no condition to say anything coherent.

ZERO

And it was only a week later that we had something much bigger on our hands.

JACK

The Cuban Missile Crisis...

Illustrations depicting the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Cuba's missiles, Kennedy and Khrushchev, transport ships heading to Cuba, etc. A crowd watches JFK give a speech out in public. Real footage would be fine.

ZERO

October 16, 1962. President Kennedy received word that the Soviets were in the process of deploying intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Cuba³.

ZERO

The President demanded that the Soviets dismantle and remove the missiles. At the same time, he announced a naval blockade to prevent further missile shipments from reaching Cuba.

ZERO

But the Soviets didn't back down, instead placing their armed forces on secondary alert. Soviet transport ships carrying missiles continued on course toward Cuba. U.S. and Soviet forces went on alert for an all-out nuclear war. Frantic negotiations were conducted through the UN's Emergency Security Council and unofficial channels to end the hair-trigger standoff. Finally, on October 28, the Soviet Union agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba. And so the world avoided a nuclear holocaust...

ZERO

But in order to get the Soviets to pull their missiles out, we had to make a deal.

JACK

You mean the one where the U.S. agreed to remove its IRBMs from Turkey?

ZERO

No. The Jupiter IRBMs deployed in Turkey were obsolete, and we were going to get rid of them anyway. They had no strategic value whatsoever to either the U.S. or the Russians.

ZERO

The Turkey deal was a ruse - a cover story that was fed to the other intelligence agencies around the world.

JACK

So what did the Russians really want?

ZERO

Sokolov. They wanted us to return Sokolov.

JACK

You mean the Soviets pulled out of Cuba just to get their hands on Sokolov?

ZERO

That's right.

JACK

... What the hell was he working on?

ZERO

At the time, we had no idea.

Kennedy and Khrushchev's secret agreement. The location where Robert Kennedy and the Soviet Union's representative met, the Oval Office, etc.

Editor's Note: This footage does not appear in the game.

ZERO

We were running out of time.

ZERO

It was either give up Sokolov or risk full-scale nuclear war. In the end, we had no choice.

ZERO

President Kennedy gave into Khrushchev's demand.

Sokolov being transported to the Berlin Wall. Sokolov running away from the checkpoint.

ZERO

The next day, I got Sokolov out of the hospital and handed him over to agents on the eastern side. Sokolov kept on screaming "Save me!" until he disappeared from my sight.

The checkpoint controlling access through the Berlin Wall closes.

ZERO

Then, a month ago, we received some new information from one of our moles.

JACK

About Sokolov?

ZERO

Yes. He was taken back to the research facility and forced to continue working on the weapon in question under KGB⁴ supervision. What's more, it's on the verge of completion.

JACK

So? What kind of weapon is it? Something to do with space rockets?

ZERO

No, missiles.

JACK

Same technology.

ZERO

I guess you're right. We don't know the details, but it appears to be a new kind of nuclear device.

Illustration depicting a nuclear test.

ZERO

For half a year now, the Soviets have been conducting frequent nuclear tests at Semipalatinsk...

JACK

Something to do with the weapon, I assume.

ZERO

We're talking about a secret weapon so big that Khrushchev was ready to pull out of Cuba to get it back.

Map of the Soviet Union, plus a map indicating the transport aircraft's infiltration route.

JACK

Is Sokolov still in the facility?

ZERO

No, according to our intelligence he's in Tselinoyarsk⁵, a place in the mountains about three miles(4.8 kilometers) to the west that's known as the "Virgin Cliffs."

JACK

The Virgin Cliffs. Nice name for a Virtuous Mission.

ZERO

They moved him there just recently.

JACK

Why? (Why was he taken out of his design bureau?)

ZERO

Apparently they're conducting a field test of the weapon. But it's our best chance to get him back. This mission would never have been possible if he were still in the research facility.

ZERO

This is our last chance. Sokolov must have known that, too, when he contacted us.

Opening

3D Cutscene 2

3D cutscene (morning - change view button available)

Jack is still in the middle of his HALO jump, dropping like a bullet.

In this cutscene, the player can look at the ground with the First Person View Button.

First person prompt appears on-screen.

*Taking Advantage of a Feature of Real-time 3D Cutscenes

MGS3, like previous entries in the series, utilizes real-time 3D cutscenes for its cinematic sequences. When possible, the player will be able to switch to a first person camera during a cutscene by pressing the First Person View Button. However, they cannot move this first person camera, and for some scenes, it will not be possible to switch to first person, be it due to rendering, animation, effects, staging, flow, or other considerations. Such scenes will work just like previous titles. Also like before, the player will be able to zoom in with the right stick. They will be notified about when they can enter First Person View by a prompt that will appear beneath the cutscene window. The player can only enter First Person View during sequences containing this notification. In particular, for solo scenes like the HALO jump, jungle scenes, the dives into the waterfall and river, and the rapids scene, the level of immersion experienced by going into First Person View will be even greater.

•Applies to all binoculars scenes

•Applies to all scenes featuring The Sorrow

ZERO

Listen up, Jack. Your mission is to infiltrate Tselinoyarsk in the Soviet Mountains, ensure the safety of Sokolov, and bring him back to the West.

ZERO

If we don't get Sokolov back before that weapon is complete, we'll be facing a major crisis.

ZERO

The clock is ticking.

The parachute opens.

The man is tossed about by strong winds as he floats down into Soviet territory.

ZERO

Once we've confirmed the rescue of Sokolov, stand by at the recovery point.

ZERO

A recovery balloon will be dropped at that point.

ZERO

Helium will be pumped into the balloon to inflate it. The process takes about 20 minutes...

ZERO

Once it's complete, the gunship's arm will latch onto the balloon and pull it up.

JACK

The Fulton Surface-To-Air Recovery System. I'm familiar with the theory.

Inside the Combat Talon Operations room. Zero's face is illuminated by the monitor in front of him.

The monitor shows data on the Fulton Recovery System.

ZERO

Take it easy. It has been combat-proven.

The man's voice comes through over the radio.

JACK

(I've undergone training, but...) Do you think Sokolov's up to it?

ZERO

(There will be high G forces, but...) The shock will be less than during a parachute jump. And the arm can handle up to 500 pounds.

JACK

So, you're planning on going over the border in a single Combat Talon?

ZERO

She's equipped with two 6-barrel 20 millimeter Vulcan cannons as well as two 40 millimeter machine guns.

JACK

Sounds like she could hold her own against a battalion of tanks.

The man continues his rapid descent.

ZERO

Even with the fuel in the reserve tank, we're facing a 4-hour time limit...

ZERO

If all goes well, it shouldn't take more than a few hours.

JACK

Home in time for dinner.

ZERO

But if anything goes wrong...

ZERO

You'll be eating dinner, breakfast, and all the rest of your meals in the jungle.

Hinting at the game's survival mechanics.

The forest approaches. Jack collides with some trees. One of them rips his backpack away.

*If the player chose "I'm playing the MGS series for the first time!" or "I like MGS1!" when starting the game-->Opening 3D Cutscene 3

*If the player chose "I like MGS2!" when starting the game-->Opening 3D Cutscene 4

Opening

3D Cutscene 3

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button unavailable)

Jack completes his parachute landing in masterful fashion, cutting the parachute loose the moment he touches the ground. MC3 parachute.

Jack takes off his mask.

He snaps his head around to look behind him. Beneath the mask is the Snake we're all familiar with.

Vigilant, Snake surveys the area.

Snake has on jungle face paint.

Caption: Snake's name and voice actor, Snake (David Hayter)

Snake moves into cover behind a nearby tree and takes out his radio.

Opening

Radio Call 1

(mandatory incoming call)

On the radio screen, Snake appears as a 3D model in silhouette. There are lip flaps, nods, and other basic animations. The other party's screen consists of illustrations that give the impression of being part of a file on them. In addition, the player can do things like move the stick to view information on them.

ZERO

Do you copy? You're already in enemy territory, and somebody might be listening in. From here on out, we'll be using code names to refer to each other.

ZERO

Your code name for this mission will be Naked Snake. I'll be referring to you as Snake from now on.

ZERO

You are not to mention your real name.

JACK

"Snake"?

ZERO

You don't like snakes?

JACK

What do you mean?

ZERO

You've eaten one before, haven't you?

JACK

In survival training.

Zero grins as he answers.

ZERO

I'm glad to hear that.

SNAKE

I don't know if I'd ever order one in a restaurant, but...

ZERO

Be careful. You might not have a choice.

SNAKE

What about you, Major? What should I call you?

ZERO

Hmm, let's see... I'll be... *thinks a little*

ZERO

I'll be Tom. Call me Major Tom.

-->Taking off the Mask Radio Call 2

Opening

3D Cutscene 4

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button unavailable)

Jack completes his parachute landing in a masterful fashion, cutting the parachute loose the moment he touches the ground. MC3 parachute.

Jack takes off his mask.

He snaps his head around to look behind him. Beneath the mask is the face of Raiden. His long, silver locks flutter in the wind. Vigilant, Raiden surveys the area.

Caption: Jack's name and voice actor, Jack (David Hayter)

The player can move around in-game for a bit, still as Raiden. A mandatory radio call soon comes in.

Taking Off the Mask

Radio Call 3

(mandatory incoming call)

ZERO

Do you copy? You're already in enemy territory, and somebody might be listening in. From here on out, we'll be using code names to refer to each other.

ZERO

Your code name for this mission will be Naked Snake. I'll be referring to you as Snake from now on.

ZERO

You are not to mention your real name.

JACK

"Snake"?

ZERO

You don't like snakes?

JACK

What do you mean?

ZERO

You've eaten one before, haven't you?

JACK

In survival training.

Zero grins as he answers.

ZERO

I'm glad to hear that.

SNAKE

I don't know if I'd ever order one in a restaurant, but...

ZERO

Be careful. You might not have a choice.

SNAKE

What about you, Major? What should I call you?

ZERO

Hmm, let's see... I'll be... *thinks a little*

ZERO

I'll be Tom. Call me Major Tom.

MAJOR TOM

Oh, and Snake...

SNAKE

Yeah?

MAJOR TOM

The crew isn't watching anymore. You can take off the disguise now.

SNAKE

Good idea. This (Raiden) isn't right.

SNAKE

Time for the snake to shed his skin. (Also in Substance.)

Taking Off the Mask

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (do-over as Snake)

Snake takes off the mask disguise and gazes up at the sky looking refreshed.

Snake has on jungle face paint.

Snake basks in the sunlight filtering through the trees. Leaves fall around him.

Caption: Snake's name and voice actor, Snake (David Hayter)

Snake snaps out of his reverie, moves into cover behind a nearby tree, and takes out his radio.

-->Taking off the Mask Radio Call 2

Taking off the Mask

Radio Call 2

MAJOR TOM

This will be a sneaking mission. You must not be seen by the enemy. You must leave no trace of your presence. Is that clear? This kind of infiltration is the FOX Unit's speciality.

MAJOR TOM

In other words, weapons and equipment are procure on-site... That goes for food as well. You're completely naked, just as your name implies.

SNAKE

Great. Now I see why you asked me if I like snakes. I suppose calling me "Snake" was your idea of a joke, too.

MAJOR TOM

No, there's a good reason for that. I'll tell you later, when the time is right. (After The Boss has appeared.)

SNAKE

Gotcha. Getting back to the subject (of food), how exactly am I supposed to feed myself?

MAJOR TOM

You've been issued a knife and a tranquilizer gun. Use them to hunt for food. You'll also find some medical supplies in your backpack.

SNAKE

Yeah, about the backpack... I lost it in a tree on the way down.

Radio Miniscreen: Video of the backpack hanging from the tree.

MAJOR TOM

I see. Well, you'd better go back and get it, then. Do you know where it is? (It's time to practice climbing trees.)

SNAKE

No problem. I can see it from here. It's stuck on a branch...

Radio Miniscreen: Video of Snake climbing the tree.

MAJOR TOM

To climb a tree, stand in front of a tree that's covered in ivy and press the Action Button.

MAJOR TOM

I'll be monitoring your progress over the radio. We can't risk violating Soviet airspace, but I'll be in the gunship. My frequency is 140.85. I'll give you a CALL if I need to talk to you.

MAJOR TOM

If you need to talk to me, use the SEND function. (Same line as always.)

MAJOR TOM

OK, Snake. Go get your backpack.

After Recovering Backpack

Radio Call 1

Snake climbs the tree and recovers his backpack.

Snake jumps down from the tree, then gets a call from Major Tom.

MAJOR TOM

I see you've retrieved your backpack, Snake.

Radio Miniscreen: Video of weapon and item windows.

MAJOR TOM

To equip a weapon, it is necessary to take it out of your backpack.

MAJOR TOM

In the Survival Viewer, choose "WEAPON" from the "BACKPACK."

MAJOR TOM

Your available weapons will be displayed in a window in the upper-left.

MAJOR TOM

From that list, choose the weapon you want to equip and press the Enter Button.

MAJOR TOM

For other equipped items, just do the same thing from "ITEM."

SNAKE

Got it! Use the Survival Viewer "BACKPACK."

MAJOR TOM

Yep, that's right.

MAJOR TOM

Survival is fundamental to this mission.

MAJOR TOM

After you've been out in the field for a while, your stamina will start to drop. If your stamina gets too low, it'll affect your performance. You won't be able to shoot accurately, for example, and your wounds won't heal as smoothly. Keep an eye on your stamina so you don't run out.

MAJOR TOM

To recover lost stamina, you can hunt for local flora and fauna.

Radio Miniscreen: Video of the Survival Viewer.

MAJOR TOM

You can use either your tranquilizer gun or your knife to hunt.

SNAKE

My only weapon is a Mk22 Hush Puppy tranquilizer gun?

MAJOR TOM

That's right. It's been fitted with its own suppressor.

MAJOR TOM

However, the suppressor will deteriorate every time you fire. Once its durability reaches zero, the noise suppression effect will be gone. So don't get too trigger happy with it. The suppressor's durability is shown in the icon.

MAJOR TOM

Any weapons and equipment beyond what you're carrying now, you'll have to find as you go.

SNAKE

I have to find my own weapons and equipment? Whose crazy idea was this, anyway?

MAJOR TOM

Solo covert actions are standard FOX operating procedure.

MAJOR TOM

You can't leave any traces of your presence. No weapons, equipment, footprints, sweat, or bodily wastes - the same goes for bullets and cartridges, too.

MAJOR TOM

Your presence in enemy territory is already a violation of international conventions of warfare. There aren't supposed to be any American soldiers in Russia. It could spark an international incident.

MAJOR TOM

You can't let anyone see you. You can't let the enemy know you're there. This is a stealth mission.

MAJOR TOM

You're a ghost, Snake, in every sense of the word.

MAJOR TOM

There'll be no rescue if you're captured. The military and the U.S. government will deny any involvement in the affair.

SNAKE

Then I'll just have to take care of myself, huh.

MAJOR TOM

I'm afraid so. You've been given a "fake death" pill for that purpose.

MAJOR TOM

SIS⁶ guidelines stipulate that soldiers on covert ops like this one, be issued a potassium cyanide capsule. Tape it to your body, so you can take it when you need to.

SNAKE

How generous of you.

Radio Miniscreen: Fake death screen.

MAJOR TOM

Use it if you're taken prisoner by the enemy. It'll send you into a state of false death for a short time.

SNAKE

... fooling them into thinking I'm really dead. So how do I come back to life?

MAJOR TOM

Just take the revival pill.

SNAKE

You mean that thing they put in my tooth before the mission?

MAJOR TOM

That's the one. But be careful. If you remain in a state of false death for too long, nothing will be able to bring you back. Remember that.

SNAKE

I'll keep it in mind. You said this was a solo mission, right?

MAJOR TOM

Right.

SNAKE

I guess that means I can't count on any reinforcements.

MAJOR TOM

Correct. The mission rests entirely in your hands.

SNAKE

A real one-man army.

MAJOR TOM

Relax, there's a support team ready to back you up over the radio.

SNAKE

Who?

MAJOR TOM

I'll introduce them to you. This time, survival is of utmost importance. The first member of the support team will be in charge of monitoring your physical condition - acting as a medic, so to speak - as well as recording your mission data. She's a member of FOX as well, and she's here on the gunship with me.

SNAKE

"She"?

Para-Medic appears in the radio window.

PARA-MEDIC

Hello, Snake. I'm Para-Medic. Nice to meet you.

SNAKE

Para...Medic?

PARA-MEDIC

As in a medic who comes in by parachute.

SNAKE

Aren't you going to tell me your real name?

PARA-MEDIC

Are you going to tell me yours, Mr. Snake?

Since it's radio, they can only hear each other's voices.

SNAKE

My name, huh... it's John Doe⁷.

PARA-MEDIC

And they call you Jack for short? (Surely that can't be the reason.)

PARA-MEDIC

You're a regular Captain Nemo⁸.

SNAKE

A name means nothing on the battlefield. After a week, no one has a name.

SNAKE

What's your name?

PARA-MEDIC

Jane Doe⁷.

SNAKE

Very funny.

PARA-MEDIC

I wasn't joking, but I'll tell you my name only if you manage to make it back alive.

PARA-MEDIC

My frequency is 145.73.

MAJOR TOM

She's also in charge of recording (saving) your mission data. Whenever you want to SAVE, SEND a message over the reserved SAVE frequency, 140.96.

SNAKE

So saving lets me record my mission data?

PARA-MEDIC

That's right. It also records the state of your health.

SNAKE

Good to know.

MAJOR TOM

There's one more person I want to introduce you to, Snake.

SNAKE

?

MAJOR TOM

Speaking of snakes, you remember The Boss, don't you?

MAJOR TOM

A legendary soldier, and your mentor.

MAJOR TOM

Actually, it was The Boss that got the DCI's authorization in the first place (for you to be dispatched with FOX).

MAJOR TOM

She's going to be serving as FOX's mission advisor.

SNAKE

The Boss is?

MAJOR TOM

She also helped me plan this mission. She and I were at SAS⁹ together.

The Boss appears in the radio window, and the frequency changes.

THE BOSS

Jack, is that you? How many years has it been?

SNAKE

Boss??

THE BOSS

That's right, it's me.

SNAKE

...

THE BOSS

Talk to me. Let me hear your voice.

SNAKE

It's been 5 years, 72 days, and 18 hours. (The fact that he's been counting the time shows how innocent Snake is at this point in his life.)

THE BOSS

You've lost weight.

SNAKE

You can tell just by the sound of my voice?

THE BOSS

Of course I can. I know all about you.

SNAKE

Really. Well, I don't know anything about you.

THE BOSS

What's that supposed to mean?

SNAKE

... Why'd you disappear on me all of a sudden? *like a child throwing a tantrum*

THE BOSS

I was on a top-secret mission.

SNAKE

...

THE BOSS

You didn't need me anymore.

SNAKE

But there were still so many things I wanted you to teach me.

THE BOSS

No, I taught you everything you needed to know about fighting techniques.

THE BOSS

I taught you all I could. (We spent 10 years together.)

THE BOSS

The rest you needed to learn on your own.

SNAKE

Techniques, sure. But what about how to think like a soldier?

THE BOSS

How to think like a soldier? I can't teach you that.

THE BOSS

A soldier needs to be strong in spirit, body, and technique - and the only thing you can learn from someone else is technique.

THE BOSS

In fact, technique doesn't even matter.

THE BOSS

What's most important is spirit.

THE BOSS

Spirit and body are like two sides of a single coin. They're the same thing.

THE BOSS

I can't teach you how to think.

THE BOSS

You'll just have to figure it out for yourself.

THE BOSS

Listen to me, Jack. Just because soldiers are on the same side (are allies) right now, doesn't mean they always will be.

THE BOSS

Having personal feelings about your comrades is one of the worst sins you can commit.

THE BOSS

Politics determine who you face on the battlefield.

THE BOSS

And politics are a living thing. They change along with the times.

THE BOSS

Yesterday's good might be tomorrow's evil.

SNAKE

Is that why you abandoned me?

THE BOSS

No. It had nothing to do with you. I already told you, Jack. I was on a top-secret mission.

THE BOSS

A soldier has to follow whatever (outrageous) orders he's given. It's not his place to question why. But you're looking for a reason to fight. You're a natural born fighter, but you're not quite a soldier.

THE BOSS

A soldier is a political tool, nothing more. That's doubly true if he's a career soldier. Right and wrong have no place in his mission.

THE BOSS

He has no enemies and no friends. Only the mission.

THE BOSS

You follow the orders you're given. That's what being a soldier is.

SNAKE

I do whatever I have to do to get the job done. I don't think about politics.

THE BOSS

That's not the same thing. Sooner or later, your conscience is going to bother you...

THE BOSS

In the end, you have to choose whether you're going to live as a soldier, or just another man with a gun (a mercenary)...

THE BOSS

There's a saying in the Orient: "Loyalty to the end." Do you know what it means?

SNAKE

Being... patriotic?

THE BOSS

It means devoting yourself to your country.

SNAKE

I follow the President and the top brass. I'm ready to die for them if necessary.

THE BOSS

The President and the top brass won't be there forever. Once their terms are up, others will take their place.

SNAKE

I follow the will of the leader, no matter who's in charge.

THE BOSS

People aren't the ones who dictate the missions.

SNAKE

Then who does?

THE BOSS

The times (the Philosophers). People's values change over time. And so do the leaders of a country. So there's no such thing as an enemy in absolute terms. Those we fight are only enemies in relative terms, constantly changing with the times.

SNAKE

...

THE BOSS

As long as we have "loyalty to the end," there's no point in believing in anything... even in those we love. (The Sorrow.)

SNAKE

And that's the way a soldier's supposed to think?

THE BOSS

The only thing we can believe in with absolute certainty...

THE BOSS

... is the mission, Jack.

SNAKE

All right. But do me a favor.

THE BOSS

What is it?

SNAKE

Call me Snake. (For this mission, anyway.)

THE BOSS

Snake? Oh, right, your code name is Snake. It suits you well.

MAJOR TOM

That's right. The legendary unit that The Boss put together during World War II was a snake. The Cobra Unit... a group of heroes that brought the war to an end and saved the world. As long as you've got a legendary hero backing you up, you'll be fine. Isn't that right, Snake?

SNAKE

Yeah. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have with me. Oh, and one more thing, Boss...

THE BOSS

Yes?

SNAKE

It's good to hear your voice again.

THE BOSS

Same here. After all, who knows if either of us will make it out alive... Snake, you were always best at urban warfare and infiltrating buildings. But this is the jungle. Survival is going to be key. Those CQC techniques I taught you are sure to come in handy.

SNAKE

CQC - close quarters combat, huh... I've been in the Green Berets for the past few years. I'm probably pretty rusty.

THE BOSS

Not to worry. I'll be here to help you remember. After all, this is your first actual survival mission. I'll be supporting you over the radio.

SNAKE

Where are you, Boss? Next to the major?

MAJOR TOM

The Boss is communicating with us by radio from aboard a Permit-class submarine in the Arctic Ocean.

THE BOSS

My frequency is 141.80. Call me if you need my advice on battle techniques.

SNAKE

Gotcha.

MAJOR TOM

Your mission is to retrieve Dr. Sokolov.

Radio Miniscreen: Video of the abandoned factory.

MAJOR TOM

Dr. Sokolov is being held in an abandoned factory located to the north of your current position. Avoid heavy combat and don't let anyone see you. Don't forget that this is a stealth mission.

After Recovering Backpack

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (change view button unavailable)

Snake stands up from the crouched position he's been in.

THE BOSS

Snake, try to remember some of the basics of CQC...

Keeping an eye on his surroundings, Snake unsheathes the CQC knife on his chest and draws his tranquilizer gun.

He reveals his CQC stance.

SNAKE

Commencing Virtuous Mission... now.

Having recovered his backpack, Snake makes his way through the jungle. Luck is on his side, as he reaches an area of high ground without any encounters with the enemy.

Enemy Recon

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (change view button partially available)

Sensing a presence from this high ground, Snake takes out his binoculars.

He spots a pair of hooded soldiers in combat uniforms.

SNAKE

Major, I've spotted two enemy soldiers...

MAJOR TOM

They're probably KGB troops sent to guard Sokolov.

Change view notification. First person prompt appears.

Snake follows the enemy soldiers with his binoculars, but the player doesn't see what he sees.

They only see the view through his binoculars if they enter First Person View.

The soldiers are KGB, and they're carrying AKs.

SNAKE

AK-47s and grenades...

Enemy Recon

Radio Call 1

MAJOR TOM

Snake, your presence in Soviet territory is already a violation of international law. We can't let the Kremlin find out that the CIA and the American government are involved. Contact with the enemy is strictly prohibited. Don't engage them in battle, either. This is a stealth mission. Got that?

THE BOSS

The major is right. The point of this mission is to sneak through the jungle without being seen. The success of the mission depends on how well you use your camouflage.

Radio Miniscreen: Video of changing camo patterns.

THE BOSS

Change your camouflage by selecting "CAMOUFLAGE" from the Survival Viewer.

THE BOSS

The "UNIFORM" option lets you pick your uniform, while the "FACE" option lets you change your face paint. Choosing camouflage that blends in with your surroundings will help you conceal yourself more effectively.

Radio Miniscreen: Video contrasting how, even when Snake is the same distance from an enemy, if he runs he'll be spotted, whereas if he crawls he won't.

THE BOSS

Also, don't forget that anything that moves will stand out in the jungle.

THE BOSS

If you just stand up and run around like an idiot, you're bound to be spotted.

THE BOSS

But if you crawl instead, you should be able to sneak by without being noticed.

Radio Miniscreen: Close-up of Camo Index section of the screen.

THE BOSS

You can see how effective your camouflage is by looking at the Camo Index. The Camo Index shows how well your current camouflage blends in with the surrounding area. The higher the value, the harder you are to spot, and vice versa.

THE BOSS

The key is to make yourself one with nature. Keep that in mind as you go along, OK?

Slipping past the soldiers, Snake continues through the jungle, crosses a rope bridge, then arrives in front of the abandoned factory.

Front of Abandoned Factory

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (change view button available)

Now in front of the factory, Snake senses another presence and takes his binoculars out again.

SNAKE

Major, I've reached the abandoned factory where Sokolov is supposedly being held... This place is a dump.

Change view notification. First person prompt appears.

Snake goes over the abandoned factory through his binoculars. The game remains in binoculars mode only while the player has the button pressed.

SNAKE

I can't see Sokolov from here...

SNAKE

The security is pretty tight...

SNAKE

There are sentries posted around the perimeter...

SNAKE

I wonder how many are inside...

Front of Abandoned Factory

Radio Call 1

MAJOR TOM

Your objective - Sokolov - is inside the factory... They should be holding him in a room in the northeast section.

SNAKE

The northeast section. Got it.

MAJOR TOM

Be careful. Your mission is to bring Sokolov back alive. He must not be exposed to any kind of danger. Do not approach Sokolov while in the Alert Phase.

*Explanation of game rules. The reason the door won't open during Alert Phase is because Sokolov is holding it shut out of fear.

SNAKE

Right.

MAJOR TOM

... Oh, and one more thing, Snake.

SNAKE

You mean there's more?

MAJOR TOM

No... it's just... when you get to Sokolov, I want you to tell him something from me.

SNAKE

And that is?

MAJOR TOM

"Sorry for being so late."

SNAKE

Is that all?

MAJOR TOM

Yes.

SNAKE

... Understood. Beginning my approach to the target.

Footnotes

¹Cutscenes that utilize artwork by Yoji Shinkawa, character designer for the MGS series.

²Acronym for the Central Intelligence Agency, an organization within the American government whose main function is intelligence gathering required for foreign affairs and national defense policymaking.

³A U-2 photographed the missile base on the 14th. The photos were analyzed and it was determined the base was housing missiles on the 15th. Kennedy was briefed about this intelligence and convened ExComm on the 16th. He then went on television and informed the public about the situation in Cuba and announced the US's hard-line stance on the 22nd.

⁴Acronym for the Soviet Union's Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti ("Committee for State Security"). Its main roles were intelligence activities both domestically and internationally, as well as cracking down on dissidents.

⁵Tselinoyarsk is a fictitious place name created by combining Tselina ("virgin lands," "uncultivated lands"), yar ("precipice"), and sk (a suffix). All locations in MGS3 use fictitious names such as this one. EVA will tell the player the meanings of these names over the radio.

⁶Acronym for the Secret Intelligence Service, the formal name of MI6 (Military Intelligence, Section 6), the UK's foreign intelligence service. Its primary mission is intelligence gathering overseas.

⁷In the U.S., placeholder names are used when a body cannot be identified—John Doe for men, Jane Doe for women.

⁸A character in one of French writer Jules Verne's major works "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea." "Nemo" means "no name" in Latin.

⁹Acronym for the U.K. military's Special Air Service, one of the most elite counter-terrorism units in the world.

Radio Conversations

•Major

Prior to Recovering Backpack

Get your backpack

(1)

MAJOR TOM

Snake, first you need to find that backpack you lost on the way down.

(2)

MAJOR TOM

Your backpack got caught on a tree to the north. Try heading in that direction.

How to climb trees

(1)

MAJOR TOM

Snake, you said your backpack got caught on a tree branch, right?

SNAKE

Yeah.

MAJOR TOM

Was there ivy growing on the tree?

SNAKE

There was but... (What of it?)

MAJOR TOM

Perfect.

SNAKE

Perfect?

MAJOR TOM

Indeed.

(2)

MAJOR TOM

You can climb any ivy-covered tree by standing in front of the ivy and pressing the Action Button.

(3)

MAJOR TOM

Climb the tree and retrieve your backpack.

In front of backpack tree

MAJOR TOM

Snake, your backpack is stuck on a tree branch, right? Climb the tree and get it back.

-->How to climb trees (2)

If player has climbed backpack tree, but won't pick up backpack

(1)

MAJOR TOM

Snake, did you climb that tree?

SNAKE

Yes.

MAJOR TOM

Good. So the backpack...?

SNAKE

Not yet.

MAJOR TOM

Not yet?

SNAKE

...

MAJOR TOM

Don't tell me you went up the tree just to take in the view?

SNAKE

... (The Major hit the nail on the head.)

MAJOR TOM

I must admit, that is not a bad idea. Climbing a tree DOES give you a wider range of view. You can use it for scouting.

MAJOR TOM

But what you need to do now is retrieve your backpack. Understood?

SNAKE

Yeah...

(2)

MAJOR TOM

The backpack is on the branch pointing east on that tree, right?

MAJOR TOM

Walk along the branch and get it. Be careful not to fall.

(3)

MAJOR TOM

You should be able to grab your backpack if you hang from the branch by pressing the Action Button.

Player ignores backpack

*Mandatory incoming call if player, despite being told to recover their backpack, ignores this order and tries to proceed anyway

ZERO

Snake, where do you think you're going!?

ZERO

You can't expect to proceed with the mission without any weapons or equipment.

ZERO

First, you'll need to recover your backpack. It's caught on a tree to the south.

ZERO

Press the Action Button to climb the tree and retrieve your backpack. Is that clear?

•Major

Prior to Appearance of Enemy Soldiers

Head north

MAJOR TOM

Sokolov should be at the abandoned factory to the north, so head in that direction.

Now's the time to get prepared

(1)

MAJOR TOM

Snake, intelligence indicates that that area is outside the enemy's cordon.

MAJOR TOM

So, you shouldn't have any unexpected encounters with enemy patrols.

MAJOR TOM

I think it will be a good idea to take this time to get accustomed to using your camouflage, hunting for food, and navigating the Survival Viewer.

(2)

MAJOR TOM

If you have any questions about camouflage or CQC, ask The Boss.

(3)

*If player hasn't contacted The Boss yet

MAJOR TOM

The Boss' frequency is 141.80.

(4)

MAJOR TOM

Para-Medic is the medical correspondent for this mission. Ask her about hunting for food and medical treatment.

MAJOR TOM

Also, she has documents detailing flora and fauna in the operation locale.

MAJOR TOM

Contact her if you need detailed information on any of the plants and animals in your area.

(5)

*If player hasn't contacted Para-Medic yet

MAJOR TOM

Para-Medic's frequency is 145.73.

You'll be facing the enemy soon

MAJOR TOM

Snake, once you head further north you'll be entering enemy territory.

MAJOR TOM

You'd best get used to using camouflage and hunting for food while you have the convenience.

•Major

Prior to Reaching Abandoned Factory

KGB soldiers

SNAKE

Major, you said the enemy was KGB, right?

ZERO

I did.

SNAKE

What unit are they from? The Sixth Directorate?

ZERO

No, the Ninth Directorate.

SNAKE

The Ninth?

ZERO

Yes.

SNAKE

But I thought that was...

ZERO

Exactly. It's the unit that protects the Kremlin and provides bodyguards for high-level VIPs.

SNAKE

But they're assigned to protect Party and government figures. I thought that only meant high-ranking officials and their families.

SNAKE

And now they're being sent out to stand watch over a field exercise?

ZERO

That's the idea.

SNAKE

What's really going on?

ZERO

I don't know.

SNAKE

...

ZERO

What I do know is that the director of the Ninth Directorate is a well-known protégé of Khrushchev.

ZERO

The premier may have wanted to assign this mission to someone he knew he could trust.

SNAKE

So he can't trust any other units?

ZERO

Ever since the withdrawal from Cuba, Khrushchev's position has been getting weaker day by day.

ZERO

This secret test is an act of desperation by a cornered man.

ZERO

If nothing else, the completion of Sokolov's new weapon in this test should help reestablish Khrushchev's authority in Moscow.

SNAKE

So what you're saying is, there's also a good chance that whoever doesn't want to see that happen is going to try and interfere?

ZERO

Most likely. Khrushchev must have anticipated this and sent his most loyal unit - his trump card - to make sure all goes well.

After entering enemy area

MAJOR TOM

Snake, what's the situation?

SNAKE

No problems so far. Except... something seems odd...

MAJOR TOM

What seems odd?

SNAKE

These men are on routine guard, but they seem strangely alert.

MAJOR TOM

It's a drill for a top-secret new weapon. Of course security is going to be tight.

SNAKE

Yes, but a drill is just a drill. But these guys... it almost seems like it's not...

MAJOR TOM

Not a drill?

SNAKE

Exactly. And this is Soviet territory, but these guys are acting as tensed up as the guys on the frontlines. Like they expect the enemy to attack them any moment.

MAJOR TOM

You think they know about our operation?

SNAKE

No, but... something is strange.

MAJOR TOM

Be on guard.

SNAKE

I will.

Rope bridge tactics - Major

MAJOR TOM

A suspension bridge, is it? If you cross that, you'll be revealed to enemies in every direction. To cross the bridge, you'll have to do something about the enemies in the area first.

MAJOR TOM

You could put them to sleep with a long-range tranquilizer shot... Or you could get in close, lure them to you, and take them out.

-->The Boss Radio Conversation: Rope bridge tactics (2)

Falling from rope bridge means death

MAJOR TOM

Snake, I'm sure you realize that a fall into that canyon would be instant death.

MAJOR TOM

Of course, the same goes for enemies... (Hint for the player.)

Rope bridge - if player has eliminated all enemies

MAJOR TOM

You've killed all the enemies. Now you can cross the suspension bridge without worrying about being spotted.

MAJOR TOM

Sokolov is in the abandoned factory to the north. Find him right away.

•The Boss

Prior to Reaching Abandoned Factory

Rope bridge tactics - The Boss

THE BOSS

It's going to be tough to cross over that suspension bridge without being seen by the enemy. You'll have to figure out some way to get rid of the sentries first.

Rope bridge tactics (2) - The Boss

THE BOSS

Use a First Person View attack to hit enemies from afar. But be warned: if you don't take them out in one hit, your cover will be blown.

THE BOSS

When attacking from afar, it's crucial that you hit a vital spot dead-on.

Rope bridge tactics (3) - The Boss

THE BOSS

To lure an enemy to you, deliberately make a noise, or throw food at him to get his attention.

Rope bridge tactics (4) - The Boss

(1)

THE BOSS

You said it's a suspension bridge, right?

SNAKE

Yeah.

THE BOSS

Supported by rope?

SNAKE

That's right.

(2)

THE BOSS

If you cut the rope, the suspension bridge should sway quite a bit. You may be able to shake the enemies off the bridge.

THE BOSS

Your weapons aren't the only way to take out enemies. Use your head.

•Major

Prior to Meeting Sokolov

Sokolov is in the northeast

(1)

MAJOR TOM

Snake, Sokolov is imprisoned in the northeast area of the factory.

(2)

SNAKE

Got it. To the northeast.

MAJOR TOM

Yes. And don't engage the enemy.

(3)

MAJOR TOM

The object of this mission is to bring Sokolov back safely, and nothing more.

MAJOR TOM

Contact Sokolov without being spotted by the enemy, and bring him out discreetly.

MAJOR TOM

If you must dispose of an enemy, do it with the tranquilizer gun.

Sokolov is off-limits during Alert Phase

MAJOR TOM

Snake, as I said before, this mission is only to bring Sokolov back safely.

MAJOR TOM

You must not put Sokolov in danger. You're not allowed to contact him during the Alert Phase. Period.

Player tries to open door during Alert Phase

*This call occurs if player tries to open the door to the room Sokolov is in when the game is in Alert or Evasion Phase

(1)

SNAKE

Major, I'm in front of Sokolov's cell but... the door won't open.

MAJOR TOM

Hold on, Snake... What's the current condition?

SNAKE

Condition?

MAJOR TOM

Yeah, what phase is it now?

(2)

*If game is in Alert Phase

SNAKE

Alert...

(3)

*If game is in Evasion Phase

SNAKE

Evasion...

(4)

MAJOR TOM

Exactly. I already said you can't contact Sokolov during battle. Don't you listen to people when they're talking?

SNAKE

...

MAJOR TOM

Well, anyway, the reason that door won't open is probably because Sokolov is blocking it himself. He's scared. And no wonder.

MAJOR TOM

In order to break Sokolov out of there, you'll need his cooperation as well. So stop scaring him!

(5)

MAJOR TOM

Contact Sokolov later after you've disengaged the enemy.

MAJOR TOM

Once things have stabilized, try it again. Got it?

Player backtracks from the factory considerably

*If player backtracks after reaching abandoned factory

MAJOR TOM

Snake!

SNAKE

!!

MAJOR TOM

Where are you going?

SNAKE

Uh, I...

MAJOR TOM

Are you abandoning your mission?

SNAKE

Absolutely not.

MAJOR TOM

I didn't think so.

SNAKE

I didn't think you thought so.

MAJOR TOM

Hah hah hah.

SNAKE

Hah hah hah!

MAJOR TOM

*jumps right back to his usual, no-nonsense self* Sokolov is back there in the factory. Head back north.

SNAKE

Roger...

Player tries to proceed past the factory

(1)

*An invisible wall prevents the player from going any further

MAJOR TOM

Snake, where are you going?

SNAKE

Oh, Major. I was actually trying to head this way but... (Not sure what to do since he can't advance.)

MAJOR TOM

You've got quite the frontier spirit, huh?

(2)

MAJOR TOM

You don't need to go that way. Sokolov is in the northeast area of the factory. Hurry back and make contact with Sokolov.

Section 2

Meeting Sokolov – End of Virtuous Mission

Snake eliminates all the soldiers guarding the factory. He arrives at the room where Sokolov is being held.

Meeting Sokolov

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (change view button partially available)

Room in the abandoned factory. Sokolov is inside.

He's in the middle of hurling documents into a fireplace.

Among the papers are photos of the (old model) Shagohod.

Fearing Volgin's forces have arrived, Sokolov is burning everything as fast as he can to prevent them from getting their hands on the Shagohod. Snake enters the room. He speaks in Russian.

SNAKE

*in Russian* You must be Sokolov.

SOKOLOV

Are you one of Volgin's men!? You'll never get it (the Shagohod) from me!

Caption: Sokolov (Brian Cummings)

SNAKE

No. I'm a CIA agent. I've come to escort you back to the other side of the Iron Curtain.

SOKOLOV

You're CIA?

SNAKE

Yeah. I was sent by Major Zero, the man who got you out two years ago.

SOKOLOV

Zero...

SNAKE

I have a message from him.

SOKOLOV

What is it?

SNAKE

He said to tell you "sorry for being so late."

Sokolov smiles.

SOKOLOV

Did he now?

SNAKE

What does it mean?

SOKOLOV

It means he's a man of his word.

SOKOLOV

But we've got no time for this. You have to get me out of here before they arrive!

SNAKE

Who's "they"?

SOKOLOV

Colonel Volgin of GRU¹. You in the West know him as Thunderbolt.

SNAKE

Thunderbolt?... Never heard of him.

Meeting Sokolov

Movie Cutscene 1

(Shinkawa Theater)

SOKOLOV

He's a member of the army's extremist faction. A man who seeks to seize control of the motherland.

SOKOLOV

Ever since the Cuban Missile Crisis two years ago, Khrushchev² has been pursuing a policy of peaceful coexistence with the West.

SOKOLOV

Despite resistance and criticism from hawks in the army and the provincial authorities, Khrushchev has managed to suppress the opposition so far. But the failure of his agricultural policies has put him in a precarious position. And on top of that, the tragedy last November.

SNAKE

*agonized expression, just like any patriot would have* President Kennedy's assassination...

SOKOLOV

Precisely. In a sense, Khrushchev has lost his biggest partner, and his power base is rapidly crumbling away.

SOKOLOV

A certain group is plotting to use this opportunity to seize power by rallying the anti-government forces, overthrowing Khrushchev, and installing Brezhnev and Kosygin in his place. The mastermind behind this plot is Colonel Volgin of the GRU.

SOKOLOV

He has control over another secret weapons research facility much like this one - OKB-812, known as the Granin Design Bureau - and is using it to further his plans.

SOKOLOV

But that is not enough to satisfy him. Now he is plotting to seize the secret weapon I have been developing here and use it as leverage in his bid for power.

Meeting Sokolov

3D Cutscene 2

3D cutscene (change view button partially available)

SOKOLOV

The intelligence says that they are going to make their move during the test.

SNAKE

Then the soldiers outside...

SOKOLOV

Exactly. They wouldn't need that many men just to keep me inside. Their orders were to prevent Colonel Volgin from capturing me. Even if it meant killing me in the process, or so it would seem.

SOKOLOV

Volgin will come. I am sure of it. You must get me out of here before then.

SNAKE

Leave it to me.

SOKOLOV

By the way, your Russian is superb. Where did you learn to speak it?

SNAKE

From my mentor (The Boss).

SOKOLOV

Is that so? America is truly a frightening country.

SNAKE

Having second thoughts?

SOKOLOV

No. I have no love for this place. Let's go.

Snake contacts Major Tom on the radio.

Meeting Sokolov

Radio Call 1

SNAKE

Major, this is Snake.

SNAKE

Sokolov is safe with me. He's doing fine. No injuries.

MAJOR TOM

Good work, Snake. Now hurry up and get Sokolov to the recovery point! We'll rendezvous with you there.

SNAKE

Roger.

MAJOR TOM

What about the sentries?

*If player has killed them

SNAKE

I had to kill them... There was no other way. But no one will know we (the Americans) were involved.

*If player has knocked them out

SNAKE

I put them to sleep... Nice and clean.

*If player wasn't spotted

SNAKE

No one spotted me.

*All-purpose

SNAKE

I managed to get past them.

MAJOR TOM

I see.

SNAKE

What about The Boss?

The Major doesn't answer straight away.

MAJOR TOM

We lost contact with The Boss some time ago.

SNAKE

What happened?

MAJOR TOM

It's probably just a weak signal. Just hurry and get Sokolov out of there.

The Boss doesn't answer if the player tries to call her.

Snake heads outside.

Meeting Sokolov

3D Cutscene 3

3D cutscene (change view button partially available)

Snake goes outside ahead of Sokolov. Something's not right. It's too quiet. He cautiously continues.

There's no sign of the KGB soldiers the player eliminated.

Snake presses on, ever vigilant. Sokolov follows behind.

Then, someone pops up behind Snake or from behind a factory wall.

Without making a sound, six KGB soldiers appear from the left and right and point their guns at Sokolov. They've also caught Snake from behind.

SOLDIER 1

Freeze!

Snake stops in his tracks. He goes to turn around with his gun still aimed.

But then, up ahead he sees a man come walking toward them. The player can get a look at him if they go into First Person View. The sounds of his boot spurs (for horse-riding) against the ground echo across the remains of the factory.

OCELOT

So this is the legendary Boss? We meet at last.

The man has emerged from the forest. He wears a beret pulled down over his face. All we can see of it is the piercing look in his eyes. He has on his full dress uniform, as well as boots with horse-riding spurs, and a red scarf with matching gloves. His chest is decorated with medals. He spins a Makarov as he approaches. The KGB soldiers recoil upon seeing him.

SOLDIER 1

You... you're from the Ocelot Unit of Spetsnaz!

Several of the soldiers point their weapons at the man, but he pays no attention to them as he continues to spin his gun and walk up to them. He's still quite a distance away—far enough to mistake Snake for The Boss.

SOLDIER 1

What's a GRU soldier doing here?

The man stops. He has taken offense to the use of "soldier."

OCELOT

Soldier?

Snake lowers his weapon and watches what is playing out.

The man holsters his gun. The soldiers relax their guard slightly.

The man then raises his beret, giving us our first good look at his face.

The KGB soldiers are shocked to realize who it is!

SOLDIER 1

He's the Ocelot commander!

The man adjusts his beret and strikes what will be his signature pose.

OCELOT

That's Major Ocelot to you. And don't you forget it!

Caption: Ocelot (Josh Keaton)

The KGB soldiers become agitated, but quickly apply some coercive pressure to the man.

SOLDIER 1

Sokolov is ours. Now get out of here.

OCELOT

An ocelot never lets his prey escape.

SOLDIER 1

What!?

The man draws his gun with lightning speed.

The soldiers point their weapons at him. Snake gets down, pulling Sokolov to the ground with him!

Ocelot pulls back the slide, ejecting a cartridge, then takes out five of the soldiers in rapid succession.

SOLDIER 1-5

*screams*

The man is a quick shot. What's more, with every round, he twists his elbow to absorb the recoil. This may come off as theatrics, but it's actually an advanced technique.

The entire squad has been wiped out... except for one soldier left on the roof!

Ocelot ricochets a bullet to eliminate him too.

SOLDIER 6

*screams from being shot*

He has used a Russian weapon to perform a saucy technique seen in Spaghetti Westerns (one-handed shooting).

The soldier falls to the ground.

SOLDIER 6

*screams from falling*

A survivor, half-dead, tries to get away. Ocelot puts a bullet in him without hesitation.

SOLDIER 1

*screams*

Snake can't believe what he's just witnessed!

Ocelot spins his gun before holstering it.

Ocelot has been informed by Volgin about the situation, which is why he thinks Snake is The Boss. Snake hasn't picked up on the meaning behind Ocelot's use of the phrase "the legendary Boss."

OCELOT

I can't say it feels good to kill a comrade, even if it is for the GRU (the army).

SOKOLOV

*raises his voice after seeing all the bodies*

SNAKE

Sokolov, take cover!

Sokolov hides in the factory.

Snake stands up.

Ocelot takes a long, hard look at Snake's face. He finally realizes he's got the wrong person.

OCELOT

... you're not The Boss, are you?

Snake readies his tranquilizer gun in a CQC stance.

Ocelot signals his men (mimics an ocelot's meow).

OCELOT

*mimics an ocelot's meow*

Four members of the Ocelot Unit emerge from the factory, also without a sound. Their movements are clearly on another level when compared to the KGB soldiers.

Ocelot's and his unit's uniforms are different from the KGB's, so for now, Snake waits to see how things play out.

The members of the unit swoop in and point their guns at Snake.

SOKOLOV

GRU operatives...

Ocelot is perplexed by Snake's unusual stance and gun.

OCELOT

What is that stance? That gun? (Why do you have a tranquilizer gun?)

OCELOT

*laughs*

Ocelot laughs as he looks at his men to elicit agreement.

He then looks at Snake, spinning his gun as he ejects the empty magazine.

OCELOT

If you're not The Boss, then die!

Ocelot says the above as he inserts a fresh magazine and pulls back the slide, but the gun jams!

OCELOT

*grunts*

While Ocelot and his men are distracted by this unexpected occurrence, Snake uses CQC to slam Ocelot to the ground. His Makarov bounces off of it (this occurs in slow motion, as though the scene were shot with a high-speed camera).

Ocelot exhales after hitting the ground.

OCELOT

*groans*

Snake points his tranquilizer gun at Ocelot's head. Ocelot has no idea what's just happened.

Sokolov runs off in terror, charging through the forest for dear life (towards the rope bridge).

SOKOLOV

*screams*

OCELOT UNIT SOLDIER 1

Major!

The Ocelot Unit is flustered—they don't know whether to go after Sokolov or take out Snake.

OCELOT

Leave him. Shoot the other one!

The unit snaps out of it, and they attack Snake. Too close to engage with weapons, they use punches, etc., to avoid friendly fire³.

Snake once again uses his almost superhuman CQC abilities to dodge the four enemies' attacks and knock them all to the ground.

OCELOT UNIT SOLDIER 1-4

*screams*

The soldiers are flat on their backs.

Sokolov escapes, making it to the rope bridge to the south.

Ocelot seizes the opportunity, reaching for his Makarov (still jammed) and coming after Snake once more. However, yet again Snake defuses the attack with another CQC move, knocking the Makarov out of Ocelot's hand.

OCELOT

*groans*

The magazine and the cartridge that was stuck in the chamber are ejected (high-speed camera).

Ocelot hits the ground hard.

OCELOT

*groans*

The magazine and this fateful cartridge land in front of Ocelot's face. Ocelot wears the cartridge around his neck in the main part of the game, fiddling with it as a habit.

OCELOT

Impossible...

Ocelot has never known defeat. He cannot believe this has happened. His self-esteem is shattered.

Snake trains the barrel of his gun on Ocelot. He speaks to him in a no-nonsense manner, like an instructor.

SNAKE

*feels like saying something to this youngster who's tried to copy a trendy technique just from seeing it* You ejected the first bullet by hand, didn't you? I see what you were trying to do. But testing a technique you've only heard about in the middle of battle wasn't very smart. You were asking to have your gun jam on you.

OCELOT

...

SNAKE

Besides, I don't think you're cut out for an automatic in the first place.

OCELOT

?

SNAKE

You tend to twist your elbow to absorb the recoil. That's more of a revolver technique.

Ocelot draws the knife on his hip and challenges Snake one more time.

OCELOT

You filthy American dog!

But Snake easily sends him back to the ground with more CQC.

OCELOT

*groans*

As a result of this overwhelming humiliation, Ocelot develops a sort of attraction to Snake. Also, just before the first Ninja fight in MGS1, he borrows what Snake is about to say to him here.

SNAKE

But that was some fancy shooting... You're pretty good.

OCELOT

Pretty good...

Ocelot shudders, then loses consciousness.

Snake gets back on the radio.

Meeting Sokolov

Radio Call 2

SNAKE

Major, do you read me?

MAJOR TOM

I read you. Snake, are you all right?

SNAKE

I've run into a few snags.

SNAKE

These guys were after Sokolov, too. Apparently they were taking orders from a GRU colonel named Volgin.

MAJOR TOM

A GRU colonel?

SNAKE

Part of an internal Soviet power struggle, according to Sokolov.

SNAKE

Something between the KGB and GRU, between Khrushchev's supporters and Volgin's...

MAJOR TOM

Sokolov was being guarded by the KGB and hunted by GRU? Snake, it sounds like this could be even hotter than Cuba.

SNAKE

I don't like it. Something about the whole thing stinks.

MAJOR TOM

I agree. You'd better hurry.

SNAKE

Sokolov ran off by himself, but I'll catch up to him.

MAJOR TOM

We're counting on you.

Snake goes after Sokolov, who got a head start when he escaped the factory.

Snake retraces his steps, catching up with Sokolov at the rope bridge over the canyon.

Rope Bridge

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (change view button partially available)

Snake arrives at the bridge. Sokolov has his eyes fixed on the test site.

SNAKE

You OK?

SOKOLOV

Those men were from the Ocelot Unit.

SNAKE

Spetsnaz?

SOKOLOV

Yes. The best GRU has to offer. They're coming for me. I'm finished!

SNAKE

Calm down. I'll get you out of here, I promise. And we've got some of the best backup (The Boss) we could ask for.

Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of a large cannon. It comes from their side of the bridge, from the direction of the Sokolov Design Bureau.

SOKOLOV

Look!

Snake aims his binoculars at the direction Sokolov is pointing.

Change view notification. First person prompt appears.

If the player presses the First Person View Button, the view changes to that of the binoculars.

We see the Shagohod. Its front arms are dug into the ground, allowing it to sit upright. Its cannon is pointed straight up. Smoke rises from it into the sky. (This is the old Shagohod, and it's shown in silhouette.)

SNAKE

That's what they were making you build?

SOKOLOV

Yes. The Shagohod- "The Treading Behemoth" - a tank capable of launching nuclear IRBMs.

SNAKE

It can launch nuclear missiles from that kind of terrain?

SOKOLOV

Oh yes. And without support from friendly units.

SNAKE

A nuclear-equipped tank capable of operating solo...

SNAKE

Is that thing finished?

SOKOLOV

No, this is only the end of Phase 1. It won't be truly finished until we complete Phase 2.

Snake puts away his binoculars and looks at Sokolov.

SNAKE

Phase 2?

SOKOLOV

The weapon's true form. If it is completed and the Colonel gets his hands on it, it will mean the end of the Cold War.

SNAKE

The end of the Cold War?

SOKOLOV

And then the age of fear will truly begin...

SNAKE

A world war?

SOKOLOV

*making excuses* I had no choice but to cooperate! I didn't want to die. I wanted to see my wife and child again in America...

SOKOLOV

Please, take me to America, quickly. They cannot complete it without my help!

SNAKE

Got it. Let's go!

The two of them start to make their way across the bridge.

Rope Bridge

3D Cutscene 2

They can only cross single file, so Snake walks onto it first. Sokolov follows.

But then, a figure approaches from the other side. Snake stops.

The figure proceeds slowly. The bridge is unaffected by their presence, almost like the figure is weightless. They're carrying a large case in each hand (Davy Crocketts⁴).

The figure continues to approach, then stops. We recognize the face.

Caption: The Boss (Lori Alan)

SNAKE

Boss?

The Boss drops the cases, causing the bridge to sway violently.

This knocks Sokolov, still behind Snake, to the ground.

SOKOLOV

! (Vocalization blurted out after losing his balance.)

The cases bear a United States insignia, as well as lettering indicating they contain a nuclear warhead. They also have the official name of the Davy Crockett and its range—Atomic Battle Group Delivery System M29 "Heavy" Launcher: 2.5 mi (approxmately 4 kilometers).

THE BOSS

Good work, Jack.

SNAKE

What are you doing here?

The Boss answers Snake in a cold voice, as if she were talking to a complete stranger.

THE BOSS

Sokolov comes with me.

Suddenly, the sky turns dark, like when the sun goes behind a cloud. This is followed by the sound of hornets.

Snake looks up at the sky. A dark cloud has indeed formed, now blocking out the sun entirely.

Snake immediately gets into a CQC stance. A swarm of hornets has appeared, and he can no longer see The Boss. In fact, he can barely see at all. The hornets whizz back and forth in front of him.

SNAKE

Hornets!?

The nature of the "cloud" has become clear.

SOKOLOV

*screams*

From behind Snake comes the sound of Sokolov screaming. Snake turns around. Out of the darkness, The Fear swiftly drops down (like a spider), grabs Sokolov, and shoots back up.

At the same time, the sound of the hornets crossfades into the sound of a helicopter's rotors. The cloud dissipates, revealing a Soviet transport helicopter (a Hind) hovering behind the bridge. The cloud then gathers around the body (both arms) of The Pain, who hangs out of the chopper's cargo area.

Other members of the old Cobra Unit are also on-board the chopper—The End, The Fear, and The Fury.

The Fear has set down Sokolov behind them.

The End is asleep. The Fury is shown in silhouette only.

Editor's Note: These two shots were cut from the release version.

These survivors of the Cobra Unit have come to pick up The Boss.

From atop the rope bridge, The Boss looks up at her old comrades and greets them with a slight nod.

THE BOSS

My friends, let us fight together again!

The Cobras rejoice upon hearing these words.

THE FEAR

I have waited long for this day.

THE PAIN

We will fight with you once more.

The End's eyes pop open, to the point where they look like they're about to literally pop out their sockets.

Perched on his shoulder is the same parrot that belongs to Emma in MGS2.

The End doesn't move. He simply mutters (without looking at The Boss).

THE END

Welcome back, Boss.

The Boss is stern-faced.

THE BOSS

Now that all five of us (including me) are together, it's time we go to the depths of hell itself...

Suddenly, it starts to rain blood.

A figure emerges behind The Boss. It is a man (The Sorrow) in a hoodie.

THE BOSS

It's raining blood... Is he crying?

The Sorrow floats across the bridge, stopping next to The Boss to be by her side. We don't see his face. Just two red, glowing eyes.

He whispers something into The Boss' ear ("I'm here"), but she can't hear it. The Sorrow died in battle here in Tselinoyarsk, and is now a spirit cursed to wander it.

The Boss is taken aback. She looks around, but no one is there.

The Sorrow disappears, becoming a long trail of smoke that rises up to the chopper (he's a haunting spirit).

A drop of The Sorrow's bloody tears has landed on The Boss' shoulder. They fought here together two years ago.

From behind, a man in a coat (Colonel Volgin) approaches The Boss on the bridge. His coat is Soviet military (the GRU). Sparks flicker from the edges of his coat, giving us a look at his face. The rain has already turned to drizzle. Volgin hates the rain. To help avoid being struck by lightning, he mutters the word "kuwabara⁵."

VOLGIN

Kuwabara, Kuwabara... (Intonation.)

The rain stops. Volgin speaks to The Boss.

VOLGIN

Ah, what a joyful scene.

The Boss doesn't turn around.

THE BOSS

Colonel Volgin...

VOLGIN

Welcome to my country... and to my unit.

Caption: Colonel Volgin (Neil Ross)

The Boss approaches Snake.

SNAKE

Boss? What is this?

THE BOSS

I'm defecting to the Soviet Union. Sokolov is a little gift for my new hosts.

The helicopter circles above. Volgin picks up both cases and carries them under his arms.

VOLGIN

Recoilless nuclear warheads... These will make a fine gift for me...

Volgin can speak English.

SNAKE

This can't be happening!

Volgin looks at Snake.

VOLGIN

Who is he? Another one of your disciples? Are we taking him with us?

THE BOSS

No, this one is still just a child. Too pure for us Cobras.

THE BOSS

He has not yet found an emotion to carry into battle. (The Cobras' code names are the emotions they each take into battle.)

SNAKE

What are you talking about!?

Snake points his gun at The Boss.

THE BOSS

Think you can pull the trigger?

Snake gets a tighter grip on his gun, but the barrel won't stop shaking.

The Boss closes in on Snake in the blink of an eye, then slams him to the bridge with CQC.

SNAKE

*groans from being slammed*

She field strips his tranquilizer gun (high-speed camera). Snake gets back up and comes back at The Boss with his knife, but she again neutralizes him with CQC.

SNAKE

*groans from being knocked down*

The sequence of cuts here shows just how incredible CQC is. Snake used it to defuse Ocelot, but even he is like a child before The Boss.

She then breaks Snake's arm.

SNAKE

*screams*

The Boss remains cool and unaffected.

Things on the bridge settle down a little.

VOLGIN

He's seen my face. We can't let him live. If Khrushchev (the KGB) finds out about this, we're finished. He must die.

Volgin takes his hands out of his pockets. He's wearing a pair of crimson gloves. Electricity arcs from his hands. He removes rifle cartridges from his belt (sticking them between his fingers) and gets into a fighting stance, both arms cocked (his Bullet Punch stance). The bullets don't fire yet. The arcs from his fingertips illuminate his tongue, which sticks out of his mouth.

The Boss stops Volgin.

THE BOSS

Wait. He's my apprentice (son). I'll take care of him.

She faces Snake.

THE BOSS

Jack, you can't come with us.

The Boss offers him her hand. Snake is momentarily confused.

After this hesitation, Snake takes her hand, clinging to it as though seeking help. This is met, however, with another CQC blow!

The Boss flings Snake from the rope bridge like a ragdoll.

The Cobras look on from the helicopter. Behind them is The Sorrow.

Editor's Note: This shot was cut. In the release version, only The Pain looks on.

THE PAIN

The new blood has been rejected...

Volgin glances at Snake being carried away by the river.

VOLGIN

Are we done here?

THE BOSS

Now, on to Sokolov's research facility.

VOLGIN

Shagohod is ours!

The Boss watches Snake get swallowed by the muddy waters. She mutters under her breath.

THE BOSS

Drift away. My place is with them now.

Overhead, the chopper descends (high-speed camera).

Rope Bridge

3D Cutscene 3

Snake washes up on the bank of the river. The water is dirty.

Snake is lying face-down.

We hear the non-stop sound of a radio call.

Snake is only semi-conscious.

Washed Ashore

3D Cutscene 1

Snake starts to regain full consciousness.

It's been about 2 hours since he was thrown into the river. It's started to get dark.

His broken arm is bent at an odd angle.

The radio call sound continues.

Washed Ashore

Radio Call 1

MAJOR TOM

Snake! Can you hear me?

SNAKE

Yeah, just barely...

MAJOR TOM

Snake, listen to me! You need emergency medical treatment. Can you move?

Snake tries to move, but the pain is intense.

SNAKE

*screams*

MAJOR TOM

You've got to get those wounds treated. Hang in there!

MAJOR TOM

All right, let's get you fixed up... Para-Medic?

Washed Ashore

Survival Viewer Sequence 1

PARA-MEDIC

OK, Snake. Just relax and it'll all be over before you know it.

Snake is barely breathing. He doesn't even have the energy to spring a joke.

SNAKE

... (Faint breathing.)

PARA-MEDIC

Stay with me! I've seen people in worse shape before. Think you can handle it?

SNAKE

Major? The Boss... she's defected.

MAJOR TOM

We'll talk about that later. First we've got to get you patched up.

PARA-MEDIC

OK, here we go!

Snake has to perform first-aid on himself.

Video of opening Survival Viewer-->selecting Cure.

PARA-MEDIC

First, open the Survival Viewer with the Menu Button.

PARA-MEDIC

If you select "CURE" you can start the treatment.

Close-up video of Left and Right Step Button functions in the Cure menu.

PARA-MEDIC

Healing is divided into treatment using medicine with the Item Window Button, and surgical treatment using the Weapon Window Button.

Video of selecting wounds with the cursor.

PARA-MEDIC

Your injuries include a fractured left elbow and rib bone, and lacerations on your upper arms, right elbow, and abdomen.

PARA-MEDIC

They need to be fixed using surgical treatment.

Video of selecting a cut and using Disinfectant.

PARA-MEDIC

Move the healing cursor with the left analog stick to the affected part of your body.

PARA-MEDIC

Once you've selected the affected area, hold the Weapon Window Button and use the left analog stick to select the medical item and then press the Enter Button.

PARA-MEDIC

With this method, you can use items to help your recovery process.

Video of selecting a broken bone and using a Splint and a Bandage.

PARA-MEDIC

To treat a bone fracture, first secure the affected area with a fastener and then wrap it in bandages. That should do it.

Video of selecting a cut and using Disinfectant, a Suture Kit, Styptic, and a Bandage.

PARA-MEDIC

For lacerations, you'll need disinfectant to clean the wound, sutures to stitch it up, styptic to slow the flow of blood, and bandages to wrap the wound.

Video of performing and completing treatment.

PARA-MEDIC

If you do everything I mentioned, the wound should heal completely.

PARA-MEDIC

Understood?

SNAKE

Yeah...(Starting to space out.)

PARA-MEDIC

Stay with me! Go into the Survival Viewer and treat those wounds!

When the player has finished treating themselves, another call comes in.

PARA-MEDIC

Good job, Snake!

MAJOR TOM

We're coming to get you now. Just stay where you are... We'll drop a recovery balloon. Can you set it up?

Washed Ashore

3D Cutscene 2

Snake lies face-up at the edge of the river. His body is covered in bandages.

As his consciousness fades, he looks up to the sky. Against the setting sun, he sees the massive frame of the Shagohod being airlifted by five Hind helicopters. The Boss and the Cobras are aboard one of them.

The Boss is windblown.

As the chopper passes over the river, she takes off her bandana and throws it. The bandana dances gracefully in the wind, like a snake flying through the air.

Editor's Note: This sequence is not in the release version. In that version, Snake grabs the bandana off The Boss' head when he is thrown from the bridge.

SNAKE

Shagohod...

Snake holds his hand up high, as if desperately reaching out for The Boss.

The Boss' bandana comes flying down on the wind. Snake grabs it.

Washed Ashore

3D Cutscene 3

In the cargo area of another of the Hinds are Volgin, Ocelot, and his Ocelot Unit. Ocelot is not himself. He stares at the Makarov that jammed and the cartridge that caused it. EVA is also on-board, dressed in her secretary attire (close-up of her glasses and bangs). Directly ahead (below) is the massive frame of the Shagohod, airlifted by two large transport helicopters. The Boss and the Cobra Unit are on one of them. On the other are scientists abducted from the Sokolov Design Bureau.

VOLGIN

Excellent. A great success.

Volgin nods to himself as he opens one of the Davy Crockett cases.

VOLGIN

Thanks to The Boss and her Cobras, I have both Sokolov and the Shagohod.

He's infatuated with the Davy Crocketts.

Meanwhile, Ocelot starts sniffing.

OCELOT

*sniffs*

He's reacting to EVA's perfume (foreshadowing).

Ocelot looks at her, sitting in the rear seat. She averts her gaze.

OCELOT

What are we going to do with the girl?

Volgin glances at her.

VOLGIN

Who is she?

OCELOT

Apparently she's Sokolov's woman (lover).

Volgin reacts to her.

He brings his face close to EVA's, lifts her chin, and evaluates her.

Her lips are blood red. (Foreshadowing the lipstick pistol.)

VOLGIN

She's a nice catch. I'll take her.

Sensing danger, EVA searches her pocket.

But Volgin realizes what she's doing and grabs her arm.

VOLGIN

Not so fast, my dear.

EVA looks away from Volgin. He slowly pulls her arm out of her pocket and brings her hand up to his face. She's holding a tube of lipstick (a lipstick pistol, a.k.a. the Kiss of Death).

Volgin takes the lipstick from her. He opens it, then notices the gun barrel.

VOLGIN

A Kiss of Death?

Ocelot reacts to those words.

OCELOT

...Are you KGB?

EVA is looking away.

VOLGIN

We may be able to use her.

Volgin sneers. He returns the lipstick to EVA.

VOLGIN

She has spunk.

He lets her go. EVA sinks into her seat. Ocelot address Volgin.

OCELOT

Shall we take her back to the base?

VOLGIN

Perhaps we should.

Volgin returns his full attention to the Davy Crockett.

He puts it together.

VOLGIN

We have no further use for Sokolov's research facility. I think it's time I gave this marvelous new toy a try.

Volgin shoulders the Davy Crockett and aims it at the Sokolov Design Bureau below.

OCELOT

Colonel! Even if they are our enemies, they're still our countrymen!

VOLGIN

But it won't be me that pulled the trigger. It will be our friend the American defector.

OCELOT

You're going to nuke your fellow Russians!?

VOLGIN

"Remember the Alamo."

OCELOT

Colonel!!!

Volgin fires. Ocelot is shocked at this act of insanity.

Washed Ashore

3D Cutscene 4

Snake is near death on the riverbank.

A package containing his recovery balloon drops down.

If the player switches to First Person View, they can see the remains of The Sorrow, buried in the dirt.

At the Sokolov Design Bureau, the nuclear warhead detonates. A mushroom cloud appears behind the five Hinds and the Shagohod.

Snake lifts his head. He sees the giant mushroom cloud beyond the river.

The game's title appears on top of this.

Footnotes

¹Acronym for the Soviet Union's Glavnoye Razvedyvatelnoye Upravlenie ("Main Intelligence Directorate"). A secretive state apparatus set up within the military, its subordinate organizations involved the use of Spetsnaz special forces.

²First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, he succeeded Stalin and Malenkov. Removed from power in 1964.

³Accidentally firing upon or bombing a friendly combatant.

⁴See the Sigint Radio Conversation: "The Davy Crockett" for details (p. 908).

⁵The legend of Sugawara no Michizane, 9th century Japanese aristocrat: After being exiled to Kyushu and dying there in agony, Michizane returned as a god of lightning and attacked Kyoto to exact his revenge, though the land he had owned—Kuwabara ("mulberry field")—was spared. "Kuwabara" thus became an incantation to ward off lightning, similar to the English phrase "rain rain go away."

Radio Conversations

•Major

Reached Rope Bridge

Return to the rope bridge

(1)

ZERO

Snake, stay alert. The KGB and GRU both have their sights set on Sokolov.

ZERO

GRU is a military espionage outfit, the intelligence wing of the Soviet Defense Ministry's General Staff Office. It competes with the KGB, which is under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the two are always watching each other.

SNAKE

Never let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.

ZERO

Exactly. Now, added to that rivalry, there's a vicious power struggle going on between the Khrushchev faction and the anti-Khrushchev faction.

SNAKE

So Khrushchev is using the KGB, and Volgin and the anti-Khrushchev forces are using the GRU?

ZERO

That's the idea. The two factions are fighting over Sokolov. We're in an extremely dangerous situation here.

SNAKE

Yeah. I'm aware of that.

(2)

ZERO

Get Sokolov out of there safely. He must not be turned over to the KGB or to the GRU.

ZERO

Sokolov took off in the direction of the rope bridge. Get after him. Hurry!

Lost contact with The Boss

(1)

SNAKE

Major, have you been able to contact The Boss?

ZERO

No.

(2)

*If player tried calling her but received no response

ZERO

What about you?

SNAKE

No good.

(3)

SNAKE

You really think it's bad reception?

ZERO

We're looking into it.

SNAKE

Major...

ZERO

Snake, you've got more important things to worry about than contacting The Boss.

ZERO

Right now, Sokolov is out there wandering around the jungle alone. What are you going to do if he gets caught by the enemy?

SNAKE

...

(4)

ZERO

We're still looking into why we lost contact with The Boss. I'll let you know as soon as we find anything out.

ZERO

In the meantime, it's your job to find Sokolov and get him to safety. Got it?

Granin Design Bureau

SNAKE

Major, what's this Granin Design Bureau Sokolov was talking about?

ZERO

OKB-812. It's the same type of top-secret facility as Sokolov's own OKB-754.

ZERO

The director is a man by the name of Aleksandr Leonovitch Granin. He's Sokolov's archrival, and the two have competed fiercely against each other since the days of the war.

ZERO

To hear Sokolov tell it, though, the rivalry was really all in Granin's head.

ZERO

In any case, Granin seems to harbor an unusually intense hatred for Sokolov.

ZERO

Knowing that Sokolov was protected under the aegis of Khrushchev, Granin threw in his lot with Volgin, the vanguard of the anti-Khrushchev movement.

ZERO

Apparently, Granin meant to use the funds provided by these opposition forces in order to defeat his old foe.

ZERO

Volgin, for his part, was intrigued by the possibility of using the high-tech weapons Granin created in the fight against Khrushchev.

ZERO

Thus, the two formed an alliance, and Volgin took the Granin Design Bureau under his control.

SNAKE

But now Volgin's got his sights set on Sokolov?

ZERO

Yes. It would seem he and Granin aren't getting along so well after all.

Who is Thunderbolt?

SNAKE

Major, do you know anything about this GRU colonel Sokolov was talking about?

ZERO

Yes.

SNAKE

Who is he?

ZERO

A most dangerous man indeed.

ZERO

His name is Yevgeny Borisovitch Volgin. His code name in the West is "Thunderbolt."

ZERO

He's gained a reputation as the most brutal and cold-blooded of the Soviet spymasters.

ZERO

During the war, Volgin was assigned to the domestic branch of the NKVD. He was stationed in the rear of the Soviet line to catch and punish any troops who tried to retreat or desert.

ZERO

He's also notorious for his "accomplishments" in anti-guerilla operations in the Ukraine and the Baltic states. Apparently, he likes to boast that he "disposed of" over 100,000 anti-communists.

ZERO

We also know that he was instrumental in putting down the 1953 insurrection in East Germany and the 1956 uprising in Hungary.

ZERO

He is truly a fearsome man. There's no telling what he might be plotting. Be careful.

SNAKE

I will.

Snake's lesson for Ocelot

*If player calls the Major

ZERO

By the way, Snake, what were you doing back there?

SNAKE

Back where?

ZERO

You were giving some kind of advice to a GRU commander, weren't you?

SNAKE

Yeah...

ZERO

He's your enemy. What the hell were you think...

PARA-MEDIC

*cuts in* Really! What was all that about doing the thing with your hand on the first round or whatever?

SNAKE

Mmm...

-->Para-Medic Radio Conversation: Snake's lesson for Ocelot (2)

•Para-Medic

Reached Rope Bridge

Snake's lesson for Ocelot

(1)

*If player calls Para-Medic

PARA-MEDIC

By the way, Snake.

SNAKE

What?

PARA-MEDIC

What was that little lecture back there?

SNAKE

Lecture?

PARA-MEDIC

You were instructing the GRU commander, weren't you? Something about the first round, or his hand.

SNAKE

Yeah...

SNAKE

What was that supposed to mean?

SNAKE

Mmm...

(2)

SNAKE

Whenever he put a new clip in his gun he'd always load the first round by hand, whether there was a round left in the chamber or not.

(3)

SNAKE

It's a technique they teach in the Middle East. By making sure there's always a round in the chamber, you eliminate the risk of pulling the trigger with nothing to fire.

SNAKE

He must have heard about it from someone, or read it somewhere... In any case, he probably wanted to try it out for himself.

SNAKE

And he was obviously motivated by vanity to show off his new technique. That's when you make mistakes.

SNAKE

The battlefield is an unforgiving place. The only techniques you can rely on are the ones you've mastered through experience and practice.

PARA-MEDIC

Uh huh. And what were you saying about him being more suited to revolvers?

(4)

SNAKE

When he fired, he was bending his elbow sharply to avoid the recoil.

(5)

SNAKE

It looked like he wasn't aware he was doing it, but that habit can be either a fatal flaw or a gift.

PARA-MEDIC

What do you mean?

SNAKE

Automatic weapons use recoil to operate, so if you don't let the recoil hit you, it interferes with the operating cycle of the gun.

SNAKE

Basically, he shouldn't be trying to avoid the impact like that.

SNAKE

But with a revolver, there's no need to let the recoil hit you.

SNAKE

Just the opposite - avoiding the recoil lets you reduce the strain on your hand and arm.

SNAKE

That kid might just be handy with a high-caliber revolver.

PARA-MEDIC

Handy...?

PARA-MEDIC

Are you listening to yourself?

SNAKE

What do you mean?

PARA-MEDIC

He's the enemy! Why are you giving him advice?

SNAKE

*pondering since he honestly doesn't know why* I...

PARA-MEDIC

Snake?

SNAKE

... I don't know. For some reason, I couldn't help but point it out to him...

PARA-MEDIC

*a little worried since he's said something she can't comprehend* ...Snake, are you all right?

SNAKE

*still pondering* ... Yeah...

•Major

End of Virtuous Mission

Serious injuries Cure event - before treatment

ZERO

Snake, hurry and get those injuries treated!

Serious injuries Cure event - during treatment

ZERO

Snake, you're not done treating your injuries. Go into the Survival Viewer and treat the rest of your injuries!

•Para-Medic

End of Virtuous Mission

Before treatment

PARA-MEDIC

Snake, what are you doing!? Hurry up and treat those wounds!

-->Survival Viewer explanation conversation (p. 72)

During treatment

PARA-MEDIC

Snake, you're not done treating yourself. Go back into the Survival Viewer and treat the rest of your wounds!

-->Survival Viewer explanation conversation (p. 72)

Section 3

Start of Operation Snake Eater – Prior to Meeting EVA

Main Story Opening

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (night - change view button unavailable)

Night. Ultra-high altitude. It's pitch black overhead, and there's a sea of clouds far below. A YF-12A (loaded with a drone) shoots through the sky at the speed of sound. We can't see anything below the Blackbird for the cloud cover. The impression here is almost identical to that of the prologue. This isn't a transport aircraft, so the sense of speed is entirely different.

Caption: One week later. 11:30PM August 30, 1964 Arctic Ocean airspace

*The text appears one letter at a time in a 1960s sort of style.

Radio conversation between pilot and loadmaster.

PILOT

Currently flying over the Arctic Ocean. Altitude 30,000 feet. Approaching Soviet airspace. Arriving at the designated drone launch point.

PILOT

Drone oil pressure and voltage are nominal.

PILOT

Payload (Snake's) oxygen supply is nominal.

PILOT

Power supply to payload antifreeze system shows no problems.

PILOT

No gusts. All systems go for drone detachment.

Major Zero delivers a succinct overview of the mission and the insertion method.

ZERO

Snake, we can't risk a HALO jump this time around. Airspace Security has gotten tighter since we were last here. We can't get as close to the ground as we did during the Virtuous Mission.

The drone is on the back of the Blackbird.

ZERO

So instead we'll be using one of our newest weapons (a drone)... Snake, you're being given an honor on par with Alan Shepard¹.

ZERO

This is our last chance. Show your patriotism.

ZERO

If you fail, you'll be back in a hospital bed again, waiting for the firing squad.

The Blackbird does a barrel roll as it gracefully arcs across the sky, then flies upside down.

Major Zero and Snake's conversation during their second briefing plays out here.

Main Story Opening

Movie 1

(Shinkawa Theater)

A conversation in a hospital ICU room.

Snake is connected to tubes (though he can still walk).

ZERO

So, how does it feel to be a patient in one of the most advanced ICUs in the world?

SNAKE

Would you do me a favor and tell the suits about visiting hours? I'll never get better with them assaulting me day and night with their questions.

ZERO

Must be part of the top brass' inquiry.

SNAKE

More like an interrogation. According to them, I'm a traitor and an accomplice to The Boss' defection.

ZERO

They're just looking for a scapegoat.

SNAKE

Does that mean they're after you, too?

ZERO

Let's just say neither one of us is going to be made a national hero out of this.

SNAKE

Does this mean FOX is going to die? (FOXDIE.)

ZERO

No. This fox is still one step ahead of the hounds. (FOX NEVER HOUNDS.)

ZERO

The reason I came to see you today... Jack, it's time for FOX to clear its name.

SNAKE

What are you talking about?

ZERO

The situation has changed. We've still got a chance to come out of this one alive.

SNAKE

Yeah? What kind of chance?

ZERO

Don't get too excited. Here, have a cigar... It's Cuban.

Snake accepts the king-size cigar and takes a long drag.

He exhales as he ponders the situation.

ZERO

This morning, I had a meeting with the CIA.

SNAKE

They decided when they're going to execute us?

ZERO

No. Something even bigger.

Main Story Opening

Movie 2

(Shinkawa Theater)

ZERO

Yesterday, the White House received an unexpected call.

KHRUSHCHEV

President Johnson²?

JOHNSON

Yes, I hear you, Mr. Chairman.

ZERO

It was a hotline call from Khrushchevto President Johnson.

SNAKE

From the head of the Soviet Union?

ZERO

That's right.

Depict the leaders of the US and the Soviet Union, the historical background, events, etc., with illustrations and movies. 60s style. Shows a map illustrating the eastern 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of Tselinoyarsk.

KHRUSHCHEV

A few days ago, one of our country's main Design Bureaus, OKB-754, was destroyed in a nuclear explosion. At about the same time, our anti-aircraft radar picked up a signature that appeared to come from one of your military aircraft. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

KHRUSHCHEV

In retaliation, I have placed our armed forces on secondary alert. Depending on your response, I may be left with no choice but to order the military to maximum alert and unleash Armageddon.

KHRUSHCHEV

With the help of your predecessor (Kennedy), I was able to survive the Cuban incident.

KHRUSHCHEV

But my power (within the party/over the Brezhnev faction) is not as great as it once was. If I am to survive this crisis, I must have your (the American government's) full cooperation.

Faced with a second Cuban Missile Crisis, the president is frank.

JOHNSON

I should have contacted you myself... Did you know that one of our soldiers defected to your country a week ago?

KHRUSHCHEV

... No.

JOHNSON

So you haven't heard, then.

JOHNSON

The man who arranged the defection was a GRU colonel by the name of Yevgeny Borisovitch Volgin.

Show photo of Colonel Volgin, his bio, etc.

KHRUSHCHEV

Volgin? Of the Brezhnev³ faction (leading the power struggle)?... Go on. Who was this soldier?

JOHNSON

Her name is The Boss. She's a living legend. During World War II, she was the one who led us (the U.S. and Soviet Union) to victory in that war.

JOHNSON

In Russia, you know her as Voyevoda⁴.

Data, bios, etc., for The Boss and the Cobra Unit.

KHRUSHCHEV

You mean... THE Boss? The mother of your Special Forces?

JOHNSON

Yes, that's the one.

JOHNSON

And she took two miniature nuclear shells along with her.

KHRUSHCHEV

The Boss took two miniature nuclear shells?

JOHNSON

I'm afraid so... I believe they were a gift for her new hosts.

JOHNSON

The "Davy Crockett" Atomic Battle Group Delivery System was completed two years ago. But serious problems were found with the launcher's range and precision. Although they were mass-produced, they've never been deployed in battle.

KHRUSHCHEV

But Sokolov's research facility was completely wiped out. The whole area is polluted!

JOHNSON

I can only offer you my deepest condolences over this terrible tragedy.

KHRUSHCHEV

So... The Boss, with Colonel Volgin's help, stole two experimental nuclear shells and took them with her as a gift when she defected. Then, shortly thereafter, Sokolov's design lab, a top-secret military research facility was destroyed by one of these weapons. Am I right so far?

JOHNSON

Yes, that's correct.

KHRUSHCHEV

And the American government denies any involvement in the affair, is that right as well?

JOHNSON

That's correct. We were not involved in any way.

KHRUSHCHEV

Then what was a U.S. military aircraft doing on our radar screen?

JOHNSON

...

KHRUSHCHEV

It was clearly in violation of our airspace.

KHRUSHCHEV

And yet you say it was not acting under your orders?

JOHNSON

That's correct.

KHRUSHCHEV

You expect me to believe that this was all the work of a single soldier?

JOHNSON

I don't know what else to tell you.

KHRUSHCHEV

The army insists that this is all a ploy on your part.

JOHNSON

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Our government had nothing to do with it.

KHRUSHCHEV

And I would like dearly to believe you. However, I'm afraid my power over the military has weakened since the Cuban incident.

KHRUSHCHEV

I will need some kind of proof that this was not the action of the American government.

KHRUSHCHEV

You have one week (while I'm still in power).

KHRUSHCHEV

You must catch The Boss yourselves and recover the remaining nuclear device.

KHRUSHCHEV

Then, you must find some way to prove your innocence.

JOHNSON

Prove our innocence?

KHRUSHCHEV

Yes. Preferably something... painful... (an assassination)

KHRUSHCHEV

Prove to me that this is not merely another one of your tricks.

JOHNSON

The Boss should be close to Colonel Volgin. How about a little coaction?

KHRUSHCHEV

I would not expect too much if I were you. The political situation here is unstable.

KHRUSHCHEV

And Colonel Volgin is a member of the Brezhnev faction, which seeks to topple my government...

KHRUSHCHEV

One week. You have only one week... and, if it is not too much to ask, do something about Volgin as well...

JOHNSON

What is that supposed to mean?

KHRUSHCHEV

Nothing... It means nothing. Call it a modest gentleman's agreement... to ensure our continued relationship.

JOHNSON

What if we can't "prove our innocence"?

KHRUSHCHEV

Then I will be unable to restrain the military. I will be ousted... and they will seek their revenge.

JOHNSON

A nuclear attack on the United States?

KHRUSHCHEV

I leave the disposal of this situation entirely to your discretion, Mr. President.

JOHNSON

Disposal, huh...

KHRUSHCHEV

If you fail, it will mean the beginning of a new world war.

ZERO

To put it simply, in order to avoid a full-scale nuclear conflict, we have to prove that America was not involved in that explosion.

SNAKE

And eliminating The Boss ourselves will prove America's innocence?

ZERO

The higher-ups have decided that you're the only one capable of pulling this off. You were her last apprentice (son). Screw this one up, and we'll both be six feet under.

ZERO

There's no choice.

Main Story Opening

3D Cutscene 2

3D cutscene (night - change view button unavailable)

Night. We're back to the Blackbird.

The northern lights dance in the background. They're approaching from the North Pole this time.

More of the conversation from the hospital plays over the Blackbird insertion sequence.

SNAKE

Are the Russians going to be helping us?

ZERO

The KGB has promised to lend us one of their communications satellites so that you and I can talk to each other.

SNAKE

That's it?

ZERO

They've also put us in touch with a couple of insiders.

SNAKE

Insiders?

ZERO

There was a defection in September 1960... Do you remember it?

SNAKE

You mean the two NSA code breakers who went over to the Soviet Union?

ZERO

Precisely. Since then, they've apparently been training with the KGB for exactly this kind of situation. Their code names are ADAM and EVA... I've been told that ADAM has infiltrated Volgin's ranks.

The D-21 reconnaissance drone is released. It slowly pulls away from the carrier aircraft.

ZERO

We've also arranged for him to provide you with an escape route.

ZERO

You'll need to rendezvous with him when you get there.

Once it's reached safe distance, the drone's ramjet engine kicks in!

To return to safe positions, the Blackbird and the drone barrel roll as they pull away from each other (the drone is headed for the ground).

A MiG, part of the tight aerial surveillance in place (Snake has already infiltrated once), picks up the drone on its radar.

MIG PILOT

Control, unidentified aircraft detected. Altitude, 30,000 feet.

The MiG attempts to approach the drone.

MIG PILOT

It's fast! Estimated air speed, exceeding Mach 3. Bearing south... I'm about to lose it.

The flying object gets smaller and smaller before the pilot's eyes, and is soon out of sight.

Main Game Opening

3D Cutscene 3

3D cutscene (night - change view button unavailable)

The drone rockets through the air at incredible speed. Like a Tomahawk missile, the drone flies at an ultra-low altitude undetectable by radar, infiltrating Soviet airspace. It has crossed national borders.

The drone fires its reverse thrusters. Simultaneously, the ramjet engine cuts off.

A parachute deploys from the belly of the drone!

Snake rolls out of the drone, pulled by the parachute.

The drone disappears into the jungle, carried onward by inertial energy.

It collides with trees and rocks, flying around in a circle as it comes to a stop, though it doesn't explode.

Snake descends by parachute for one map south (he drifts).

The night forest draws closer. Snake drops into the jungle. He hits the ground and rolls forward.

Radio call. Snake crouches down and touches his fingers to his head (the radio switch). Reminiscent of Snake's nanomachine⁵ communication pose in MGS1. He's wearing camo fatigues.

Since it's night, he has on black face paint.

Editor's Note: In the release version, Snake doesn't have on face paint, though he does have on The Boss' bandana, which he got from her during the Virtuous Mission.

Main Story Opening

Radio Call 1

(mandatory outgoing call)

SNAKE

This is Snake. Do you read me?

ZERO

Loud and clear. Glad to see you landed safely.

SNAKE

I got blown pretty far off target...

ZERO

Snake, let's go over your mission objectives one more time. Rescue Sokolov. Find out what's happened to the Shagohod - then destroy it. And finally, eliminate The Boss...

SNAKE

Eliminate The Boss...

ZERO

This mission will be code-named "Operation Snake Eater."

SNAKE

Because I'll be taking on The Boss and her Cobra Unit, right?

ZERO

Don't forget about Colonel Volgin.

SNAKE

I'm not a hired killer.

ZERO

I know. But that was the Kremlin's demand.

SNAKE

Demand? You mean it wasn't just a request. What's it to us if the Khrushchev regime is threatened by the Colonel and his faction?

ZERO

If supporting the current regime helps us avoid a nuclear exchange, then that's what we'll do.

SNAKE

And what are the CIA's (our country's) demands?

ZERO

Our priorities are the rescue of Sokolov and the destruction of the Shagohod.

SNAKE

Roger that, Major Tom.

ZERO

Hold on, Snake.

SNAKE

What now?

ZERO

I'm changing my code name. It turns out "Tom" wasn't the most auspicious choice.

SNAKE

What do you mean?

ZERO

Well, the truth is, when I chose my code name... I picked the wrong one.

SNAKE

The wrong one?

ZERO

Did you ever see the movie "The Great Escape"? It came out last year.

SNAKE

Must have missed that one.

ZERO

Anyway, it's based on a true story about prisoners who escaped from a POW camp in Nazi Germany. The prisoners dig three tunnels as part of their plan. But the Nazis find two of the tunnels before they're finished. The prisoners succeed in escaping by using the last remaining tunnel.

ZERO

The names of those three tunnels were Dick, Harry, and Tom.

SNAKE

I get it. You used the name of the tunnel they escaped in as your code name because you thought it would bring you good luck.

ZERO

Yes, that's exactly right. At least, that was the plan...

SNAKE

... But?

ZERO

But I got the name wrong. The one they escaped in was Harry.

ZERO

Tom was one of the unlucky tunnels - it was discovered by the Nazis before it was finished.

ZERO

I watched the movie again, just to make sure.

ZERO

In fact, I even ordered the actual film from the movie company.

SNAKE

Yeah, it doesn't sound like the greatest name to use. So, what should I call you?

ZERO

Hmm. You know, let's just use Zero, like we've been doing all along.

SNAKE

All right, then. Major Zero it is. We'll start over from square one.

ZERO

From square zero. My frequency is 140.85.

ZERO

Oh, I almost forgot... Para-Medic is with us again on this mission.

She and Snake exchange the kind of pleasantries they did when they first met.

Para-Medic reminds Snake he should really still be in the hospital.

After this mission is over, her medical license is revoked, but she will lend a hand to the paramedic movement.

SNAKE

Is this her last chance, too?

ZERO

If we fail, she'll have her medical license revoked. It's more or less the same kind of fate...

ZERO

Her frequency is the same as during the Virtuous Mission, 145.73.

ZERO

She'll be recording your mission data as well, just like last time. That frequency is also the same: 140.96.

ZERO

And there's one more person on your support team. His name is Mr. Sigint. He's an expert on the latest in weapons and equipment technology. You'll be going up against some of the world's most advanced weaponry when you infiltrate the research facility. If you have any questions, just ask him. His frequency is 148.41.

SNAKE

Mr. Sigint. Got it.

ZERO

ADAM, your KGB contact, is waiting for you at the abandoned factory up ahead.

SNAKE

The same factory Sokolov was being held in last week.

ZERO

Yes. Meet up with ADAM first. He's cleared the way for you to rescue Sokolov.

SNAKE

How will I know this ADAM guy when I see him?

ZERO

You'll know once you reach the factory. The whole area's been polluted by the fallout from that nuclear blast. No one else would dare come close. The password is..."Who are the Patriots?" and "La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo."

SNAKE

"La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo." Gotcha.

ZERO

You've been equipped with a .45 for this mission. Be careful... It's noisy.

SNAKE

I thought standard FOX procedure was procure on site weapons acquisition.

ZERO

The circumstances are different this time. You're now on an official mission for the United States government...

ZERO

It will be necessary to make your presence known to a certain extent. To the Khrushchev regime, at the very least.

ZERO

But remember - this is still a sneaking mission. Snake, if you fail this mission, it will mean an all-out nuclear war. Keep that in mind and proceed with extreme caution.

SNAKE

Understood. Commencing Operation Snake Eater.

Having successfully completed his drop into the jungle, Snake makes his way deeper into it. He soon hears a horse neighing. Snake continues in that direction.

The Boss Post-Drop Encounter

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (night - change view button partially available)

A beautiful white horse (an Andalusian) is standing deeper into the forest. Its mane is colored. Snake approaches it. It's calm. It snorts. The moonlight accentuates its beauty. As Snake admires it, he hears a voice from behind him.

THE BOSS

Looks like death wasn't ready for you yet.

Snake turns around and aims his 1911 Government in a CQC stance.

The Boss stands there unprotected. She wears a cloak on top of a white Sneaking Suit.

SNAKE

Boss?

THE BOSS

That arm still hurt?

Snake is on guard.

SNAKE

What are you doing here? (Her defection is a ruse, so she knows about Operation Snake Eater.)

In one quick motion, The Boss sheds her cloak and closes the gap.

She launches into another impressive display of CQC! More high-speed camera action!

She slams Snake to the ground.

THE BOSS

*yells*

SNAKE

*groans*

The Boss then field strips Snake's 1911.

THE BOSS

Go home!

Snake challenges her again.

But The Boss uses her CQC again! And again! All in high-speed camera!

Snake sinks to the ground.

THE BOSS

*yells*

SNAKE

*groans*

THE BOSS

Go home! GRU and my sons (the Cobras) are waiting up ahead. You don't have a prayer of finishing your mission — you're not even armed.

Snake rises.

SNAKE

Boss!!

But The Boss delivers a finishing CQC blow! Snake lies on the ground, exhausted.

THE BOSS

*yells*

SNAKE

*groans*

The damage Snake sustains here is not reflected in-game.

THE BOSS

I'm not your boss anymore (America is).

The Boss draws her Patriot pistol from her hip.

THE BOSS

There's nothing for you here. Go home. Go back to your boss.

THE BOSS

There's no need to prove that you are virtuous here.

THE BOSS

This isn't America.

She fires her Patriot at the drone (high-speed camera).

The gun barrel is short, meaning the bullets spin like hollow point rounds (shown via high-speed camera). Maybe the sound they make resembles the warning sound a rattlesnake makes? No one hears this sound and lives.

The bullets fire without interruption, punching countless holes in the drone. It explodes, but The Boss continues to pull the trigger. She continues to fire, as though trying to quell some sort of anger within her. The fire from the drone spreads to the forest, quickly turning it into a sea of flames. This sequence serves to demonstrate the power of the Patriot. The Boss continues to fire. The forest (Yakushima⁶) burns.

THE BOSS

That should stir things up a bit. You'd better hurry.

The Boss holsters the Patriot.

There is a clap of thunder, and a flash of lightning reveals The Sorrow behind The Boss.

If the player doesn't press the First Person View Button, the camera stays on Snake's expression.

First person prompt appears on-screen.

If the player looks in First Person View, they see The Sorrow standing close to The Boss.

THE BOSS

The border is 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of here. You ought to be able to run that far.

The Boss turns and walks away without looking back at Snake.

It starts to rain. Snake is kneeling on the ground.

SNAKE

Why'd you defect?

The Boss approaches her horse and stops.

The rain turns into a downpour, extinguishing the surrounding flames.

THE BOSS

I didn't.

THE BOSS

I'm loyal... to the "end." To my purpose.

The Boss turns back around.

THE BOSS

What about you, Jack?

THE BOSS

What's it going to be? Loyalty to your country, or loyalty to me? Your country, or your old mentor? The mission, or your beliefs? Your duty to your unit? Or your personal feelings?

She puts her cloak back on and continues making her way toward her horse.

THE BOSS

You don't know the truth yet. But sooner or later you'll have to choose. I don't expect you to forgive me. But you can't defeat me, either. You know me too well.

The Boss hops on her horse and walks it right up to Snake.

She turns her nose up at him and points at his bandana.

THE BOSS

Just look at that bandanna. If you can't put the past behind you, you won't survive long.

She pulls on the reins, causing the horse to rear.

One of its hooves comes crashing down on Snake's hand.

Snake yells in pain (this is not reflected in the Survival Viewer).

SNAKE

*groans*

THE BOSS

If we meet again, I'll kill you.

THE BOSS

Now, go home!

The Boss gallops away.

Snake gets up, cradling his hand. He calls Major Zero on the radio.

The Boss Post-Drop Encounter

Radio Call 1

(mandatory outgoing call)

SNAKE

This is Snake. Major Zero?

ZERO

I read you, Snake.

SNAKE

I was ambushed by The Boss.

ZERO

You were what!?

SNAKE

The drone's been shot to hell. It's up in flames.

ZERO

That's not good. Enemy scouts are going to come looking for you.

SNAKE

Yeah, I know. But what was The Boss doing here in the first place? There's got to be a leak somewhere.

ZERO

No, that's impossible. The man The Boss is working with, Volgin, isn't exactly on speaking terms with Khrushchev.

SNAKE

I lost my gun... The Boss destroyed it...

ZERO

Snake, I know how you're feeling. It's hard for me to believe, too - that a legendary hero like The Boss would go over to the Russians, that she'd double-cross us like this... But that's how it is, and if you don't accept it, you'll never be able to beat her.

SNAKE

That's not the problem. In terms of sheer technique, I'll never be able to beat her. I know that all too well.

ZERO

You've got to do it, Snake. She's your enemy and your objective.

SNAKE

Enemy! We were together for 10 years. And now you tell me she's my enemy?

ZERO

Enough. Hurry to the factory where ADAM is waiting. Scouts have probably already been sent out to investigate the explosion. You've lost your weapon, right? That means you've got no chance of winning in a battle situation. Whatever you do, don't let them see you.

Despite losing to The Boss and losing his weapon yet again, Snake manages to slip through the enemy's security net and makes it to the abandoned factory, where he's supposed to rendezvous with ADAM.

Meeting EVA

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (night - change view button partially available)

Snake arrives in front of the factory, CQC knife in hand. Suddenly, he's hit with a bright light. He turns his face away and covers his eyes.

First person prompt appears on-screen.

If the player goes into First Person View, they can see the headlights of a motorcycle. With the backlighting, only the outline of a person is visible.

The person on the bike speaks. Its engine is running.

VOICE

Sorry I'm late. (Said in English.)

Snake can't make them out. All he knows is the voice is that of a woman.

First person prompt disappears.

SNAKE

Cut the engine. They'll hear us.

VOICE

Are you the agent they sent?

SNAKE

Are you ADAM? I thought you were supposed to be a man.

VOICE

ADAM couldn't make it.

Snake strains his eyes, but he still can't make out who's speaking.

SNAKE

All right, say the password.

Snake tries to confirm the individual's identity. She becomes slightly flustered.

SNAKE

Who are the Patriots?

The individual still doesn't answer. Snake grows uneasy.

SNAKE

Who are the Patriots?

The individual is now frantic.

SNAKE

Answer me.

Tired of waiting, Snake is about to take action, but suddenly, out of the darkness, a GRU unit of four appears, surrounding him.

SNAKE

!

Snake doesn't have a gun, and now there are four of them pointed at him. He can't see well enough to use CQC either.

SNAKE

Trapped?

VOICE

Get down! (Said in English.)

Snake gets down. The figure, still on the bike, draws a Mauser Military and pulls the trigger without hesitation (high-speed camera). She uses a special shooting technique for full auto fire (she holds the pistol sideways, allowing her to use the kick from the full auto to sweep the gun horizontally and take out her adversaries in one fell swoop).

The intense muzzle flashes traveling horizontally (high-speed camera) light up the darkness. In the blink of an eye, she has emptied the gun's 10-round magazine. The enemy soldiers don't even have time to react, and all of them fall.

SOLDIER 1-4

*screams*

The biker ejects the magazine and inserts another.

Snake gets back up.

VOICE

There... (referring to the magazine) ... is your answer.

The woman turns off the light and removes her full face helmet, shaking her head as her long blond hair is freed.

As she stands there under the moonlight, Snake is overwhelmed by her beauty.

EVA

The name's EVA.

Caption: EVA (Suzetta Miñet)

First person prompt appears on-screen.

If the player goes into First Person View here, they'll get a look at EVA's cleavage. Only those who go into First Person View will understand just how Snake feels.

SNAKE

*amazed*

Meeting EVA

3D Cutscene 2

3D cutscene (night - change view button partially available)

Fade in. Snake and EVA have moved to the room Sokolov was in.

Snake is sitting on the bed. EVA watches him from a little distance away. Her helmet is sitting next to her. The Mauser Military is still in her holster. She's unzipped her coveralls quite low (she's relaxed).

Snake is naked from the waist up, treating the injuries The Boss inflicted upon him.

Editor's Note: In the release version, he's smoking a cigar.

SNAKE

This wasn't part of the plan. What happened to ADAM?

EVA

What's your code name?

SNAKE

It's... Snake.

EVA

Snake, huh? Well, I'm EVA... Are you here to tempt me?

SNAKE

*ignores EVA's quip* What happened to ADAM?

EVA's somewhat sour expression and body language hint that she wants to say to Snake "Well you're no fun."

EVA

Colonel Volgin is a very suspicious man. He decided ADAM wasn't the right person for this mission.

SNAKE

And you were?

EVA

Yes.

SNAKE

Why?

EVA

Because I can do things he can't.

EVA twists her body a little.

Snake looks at her appearance.

SNAKE

I heard you used to be a codebreaker for the NSA (National Security Agency).

EVA

I was. Four years ago, I defected to the Soviet Union with ADAM.

The Mauser on EVA's hip reminds Snake of her shooting performance earlier.

SNAKE

Mauser Military... the "Broomhandle."

EVA

It packs quite a punch. Nice to have when you're on a bike.

SNAKE

You held it sideways and used the muzzle jump to create a horizontal sweep - that was impressive.

EVA

Bet you've never seen that technique (the Chinese technique) in the West.

EVA shows Snake the Mauser Military. He catches a glimpse of the engraving.

SNAKE

It's imitation, isn't it?

EVA

Yeah, it's a Chinese Type 17 pistol.

EVA

Around here, even that's hard to come by.

Snake sees right through the fact that it's a Chinese model. EVA deflects.

EVA

Don't worry, though. The one I've got for you is American made.

EVA takes out a custom 1911 Government and hands it to Snake.

SNAKE

.45, huh.

Snake instantly notices all the meticulous modifications this pistol has. He's blown away.

SNAKE

*amazed* Incredible...

Snake starts to really study the gun closely.

EVA

Do you like it?

Snake handles it like a pro as he checks all its parts and mutters to himself. Quick cuts.

SNAKE

The feeding ramp is polished to a mirror sheen...

SNAKE

The slide's been reinforced. And the interlock with the frame is tightened for added precision.

SNAKE

The sight system is original, too.

SNAKE

The thumb safety is extended to make it easier on the finger...

SNAKE

A long-type trigger with non-slip grooves...

SNAKE

A ring hammer...

SNAKE

The base of the trigger guard's been filed down for a higher grip.

SNAKE

And not only that, nearly every part of this gun has been expertly crafted and customized.

Sigint provides a more detailed explanation over radio later.

Snake checks the sound of the hammer. He's in love with this custom firearm.

SNAKE

Where'd you get something like this?

EVA

I grabbed it from a Western munitions armory. It probably used to belong to one of your officers, and there are more where that came from.

EVA also places Snake's tranquilizer gun on the bed. (She reassembled it after The Boss field stripped it on the rope bridge during the Virtuous Mission.)

Snake glances at it before going back to the 1911. He checks its trigger pull.

EVA

You had this with you, didn't you?

EVA

Better take this, too.

EVA places a scientist disguise on the bed as well.

SNAKE

What's that?

EVA

A disguise to make you look like a scientist.

SNAKE

A disguise?

EVA

Yes. You're here to rescue Sokolov, right?

SNAKE

... Sokolov's still safe, then.

EVA

Yes. He's being forced to continue his work on the Shagohod.

SNAKE

Where?

EVA

At the lab. They've got a whole army of scientists there developing new weapons. Security is tight, but if you disguise yourself as a scientist, you might be able to sneak in.

SNAKE

Can we get Sokolov out of there?

EVA

We'll see, won't we.

SNAKE

Tell me how to get to the lab.

As he listens to EVA, Snake takes his CQC knife and starts carving into the 1911's wooden grip.

Split-screen: One half explains the route Snake has to take, the other shows what he's doing with the gun..

EVA

The safest way in is from the rear.

EVA

First, you'll need to head north through the jungle. You'll come to a heliport used for shipping materials.

EVA

Pass the heliport and continue north, and there will be a large crevice. Descend into that area and you'll reach a cave.

EVA

Move through the cave and you will arrive at a mangrove swamp.

EVA

After the swamp, there'll be a warehouse. Make your way through the warehouse, and you'll come out just south of the lab.

SNAKE

Got it.

EVA

And just what are you doing there?

EVA doesn't understand why Snake is carving into the grip.

SNAKE

In close-range combat, a knife can sometimes be more useful than a gun. By doing this, I'll be able to hold a knife at the same time and still keep the gun steady. That way, I can instantly switch between a gun battle and a knife fight.

Snake readies the 1911 in a CQC stance again. He finally seems happy with it. Snake lowers his weapon.

SNAKE

Right. Let's get going...

EVA

Wait a minute!

SNAKE

What now?

EVA

You must be tired. Why don't you take a little rest?

SNAKE

I'll be fine.

EVA

You'll never make it in your condition. It's a jungle out there.

EVA

There's still an hour before dawn. It's dangerous to be out in the jungle at night without a guide.

SNAKE

What about you? (You're not going to guide me?)

EVA

I have to get back. I can't be gone for too long. They'll start to suspect something.

SNAKE

...

EVA

Don't worry. I'll keep you updated over the radio.

SNAKE

That's it?

EVA

My orders are to provide you with information. Nothing more.

SNAKE

...

EVA

You look disappointed.

EVA

All right, then. I'll do something special for you.

EVA leans in to Snake.

EVA

I'll stand watch until dawn. Now be a good boy and lie down.

But Snake doesn't lie down.

EVA

What's the matter?

SNAKE

I don't know you well enough to trust you.

EVA

How well do you have to know me to trust me?

SNAKE

I don't know if I can trust anybody. (Not after The Boss betrayed him.)

EVA's body language indicates she's thinking "Oh, boy."

Snake's radio rings.

EVA

Gonna get that?

Snake answers.

Meeting EVA

Radio Call 1

Para-Medic advises Snake to get some rest too.

PARA-MEDIC

She's right, Snake. You should get some sleep.

PARA-MEDIC

Although, in your condition you really ought to be back in the ICU...

Para-Medic gives Snake a tutorial about sleeping (saving).

PARA-MEDIC

Whenever you save the game and quit, you'll go to sleep. Sleeping allows you to gain back stamina naturally. Depending on how long you sleep, you may also recover naturally from sickness and injury.

PARA-MEDIC

When you're tired or hurt, the best thing to do is just get some sleep. So do yourself a favor and take a nap. Doctor's orders. OK?

SNAKE

Yeah, OK...

Meeting EVA

3D Cutscene 3

Snake is asleep.

Outside the window, EVA uses a portable Russian radio to send a message. (She's contacting China.)

The next day, Snake's LIFE and stamina have regenerated (An exception—this was a practice run for the player).

Day breaks.

Meeting EVA

3D Cutscene 4

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button partially available)

The next morning (fade in).

First person prompt appears on-screen.

EVA is in her underwear, putting on her coveralls.

While not visible through the normal camera, if the player goes into First Person View they can get a look at her panties.

Outside, there's a noise. The Ocelot Unit is launching a raid.

First person prompt disappears.

Snake jumps up. He peeks outside the window to see the Ocelot Unit has surrounded them.

EVA

What's the matter?

He hides at the window and looks around.

SNAKE

We're surrounded...

SNAKE

I see... Four of them...

EVA

We've got company! It's the Ocelot Unit!

If the player goes into First Person View again, they'll get another look at EVA's cleavage.

EVA

Let's get out of here! Hurry!

EVA

Don't forget your gear!

EVA walks to the middle of the room and places her helmet on the bed.

EVA

Here, give me a hand.

EVA grabs the edge of the bed. Snake grabs another edge and they move it, revealing a trapdoor. EVA opens it. Until this point, the player can't open this door from underneath.

EVA

We can use this to get to the basement.

EVA jumps down under the floor.

She peeks out the building from below. She sees the legs of the Ocelot Unit in motion.

On the other side of their legs she sees Ocelot himself.

EVA

Dammit!... Ocelot!

EVA pops her head up the trapdoor.

EVA

I'll get past them on my bike. I'll call you later!

SNAKE

OK. I'll keep them busy.

EVA gives Snake a sharp look as she brings her face close to his. But she surprises him by giving him a peck on the cheek.

SNAKE

!

EVA

Don't go dying on me now.

EVA puts on her helmet, concealing her face.

She crawls away beneath the building.

After this cutscene ends, the player won't know where EVA or her bike are. She won't answer the radio either.

The members of the elite Ocelot Unit attack. Snake moves about the abandoned factory, taking them out. Once he has eliminated them all, he attempts to leave.

After Ocelot Unit Battle

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button partially available)

Snake leaves the factory. He hears gunshots behind him.

Snake turns around.

OCELOT

I've been waiting for this moment...

First person prompt appears on-screen.

Snake takes his 1911 out in a CQC stance.

He sees Ocelot holding EVA (helmet still on) from behind in a full nelson. He has a knife in his left hand.

EVA is now Ocelot's hostage.

Ocelot has brought a revolver with him this time. The cartridge that jammed on him hangs from his neck. It's got an attachment on it, which allows it to be fired from even a revolver.

He's placed that Makarov round in a ring of the same diameter as Single Action Army rounds, then turned it into a pendant. When he wants to fire it, he can simply take it off and load it into the SAA.

OCELOT

*happily* That's it! That's the stance! (He's been hoping he'd get to see it again)

Ocelot is decidedly happy to see Snake again.

Actually, he's ecstatic. EVA squirms in an attempt to get away.

OCELOT

I don't think so!

Ocelot points his gun at Snake and tightens his hold on EVA. In the process of doing so he touches her breast, and now realizes that she's a woman.

OCELOT

Wha...?

Ocelot grabs a handful of EVA's breast and squeezes it to double-check.

OCELOT

A female spy?

He brings his nose close to her neck and sniffs.

OCELOT

This bitch is wearing perfume.

This fragrance almost blows EVA's cover during the later torture scene.

Snake slowly closes in. Ocelot being on a higher floor of the abandoned factory puts Snake at quite the disadvantage.

OCELOT

Stay where you are! I've had enough of your judo (CQC)!

Snake stops. Ocelot points his revolver at him.

It has an engraving.

SNAKE

*buying time to try to seize an opportunity since EVA is a hostage* I see you've got yourself a single action army. (You've changed from the Makarov.)

OCELOT

That's right. There'll be no accidents this time.

SNAKE

You call that an accident? Well... It wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been showing off.

OCELOT

What did you say!?

SNAKE

It's a nice gun, I'll give you that. But the engraving gives you no tactical advantage whatsoever. Unless you were planning to auction it off as a collector's item.

OCELOT

*pretty hurt*

SNAKE

And you're forgetting one more very basic thing...

OCELOT

?

SNAKE

You don't have what it takes to kill me.

OCELOT

We'll see!!

Ocelot pulls the trigger.

Click!

OCELOT

! *shocked*

He's surprised.

He pulls the trigger again.

Click!

And again.

Click!

The revolver is empty. The Makarov holds 8+1, so with Ocelot having fired 6, it's out of ammo! Ocelot is used to a Makarov. He got careless.

As Ocelot tries to reload, EVA springs into action.

She breaks free from his hold and knocks him off the platform with a body blow or a kick.

EVA

*yells*

OCELOT

*groans*

Wasting no time, EVA then jumps down onto her bike.

She starts the engine.

Ocelot jumps down after her and grabs her arm.

The two of them struggle. Snake can't pull the trigger.

EVA revs the accelerator all the way, rears the bike like a horse, and attacks Ocelot with its front tire.

Ocelot loses his balance, but she can't shake him.

EVA spins the rear wheel in place a little.

Editor's Note: This part of the scene was cut from the release version.

Ocelot comes at EVA with his knife.

While up on the rear wheel, EVA spins the front tire to block the knife.

She then goes full throttle, doing a somersault with the bike and running over Ocelot's face with its rear tire (high-speed camera).

He's thrown up and hits the ground hard. His knife flies through the air.

OCELOT

*groans*

EVA takes off and hits the brakes hard a few steps away from Ocelot!

She's situated next to Snake.

EVA grabs Ocelot's falling knife. His revolver lands in front of him a moment later.

Snake approaches Ocelot in a CQC stance, keeping his gun pointed at him.

Snake looks at Ocelot's gun.

SNAKE

Six shots.

OCELOT

?

Ocelot looks up at Snake.

Snake continues the lecture.

SNAKE

That thing only carries six shots. The Makarov carries eight. You have to get a feel for how many you have left.

Ocelot scowls as he has to swallow this second humiliation. But it also makes him like Snake even more.

SNAKE

This is a high-class weapon. It's not meant for shooting people.

Ocelot slaps his own head as he picks up the empty revolver and stands.

EVA and her bike are next to Snake.

Ocelot makes up his mind to flee.

OCELOT

Damn! This isn't over yet!

He goes running off. EVA takes out her Mauser and is about to kill him.

But Snake pushes her gun away.

SNAKE

Don't! (He's started to like Ocelot.)

EVA

Why?

SNAKE

He's still young.

EVA

You'll regret stopping me.

EVA holsters her Mauser and revs the engine.

EVA

Dammit! I've got to get back before he does (so I don't blow my cover).

She races off on her bike to get back to Volgin ASAP!

Snake watches her leave.

She drives up the factory stairs, then does a massive jump!

She lands on the roof, then revs the engine some more! After a run-up, she does another massive jump off the roof!

She drops down on the fence that blocked Snake's path before, destroying it with her jump.

EVA disappears into the forest.

Footnotes

¹The first American to travel into space. On May 5, 1961, Shepard orbited the Earth for 15 minutes aboard space capsule Freedom 7.

²36th president of the United States.

³Khrushchev's political rival. Ousted Khrushchev in 1964, following which he became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

⁴English: Voyevoda, Russian: Воевода. Can refer to a warrior, a knight (traveling to gain skill), a leader or chief of a town or municipality, or one who wields power in the military or government. In the case of a female character, it also has the meaning of "lady knight/warrior," and when one looks at all the famous queens throughout Russian history, this isn't at all an odd choice of characterization—in fact, it's a poetic, complimentary way to refer to someone.

⁵In MGS1, all communications with Snake's support team were conducted through body-internal communications powered by nanomachines.

⁶Refers to Dremuchij, this forest area of the game. It was based on Yakushima, a Japanese island with a temperate forest, so it came to be called this by the development team.

Radio Conversations

•Major

Prior to Meeting The Boss

Head for the abandoned factory to the north

(1)

ZERO

Snake, your first task is to meet up with ADAM, the contact provided by the KGB.

ZERO

The rendezvous point is the abandoned factory to the north of your current position. Head north.

(2)

SNAKE

The abandoned factory... that's where I met Sokolov during the Virtuous Mission.

ZERO

Correct. But we can't afford to have the same thing happen this time.

SNAKE

I know.

Camouflage yourself

ZERO

Like the Virtuous Mission, Operation Snake Eater is a solo sneaking mission.

ZERO

There are no units in the field to back you up. Avoid engaging the enemy whenever possible. Your first priority is to remain unseen.

ZERO

Use the "CAMOUFLAGE" option in the Survival Viewer and choose your camouflage wisely. Proceed with caution.

It was daytime before, this time it's night

(1)

ZERO

Unlike the Virtuous Mission, this is a night operation.

ZERO

You'll get lost more easily in the dark, but it will also make your camouflage more effective and make it harder for the enemy to see you. On the other hand, it will also be more difficult for you to see them.

ZERO

You'll also find that different animals are active. Some of these nocturnal animals are poisonous. So stay alert.

(2)

ZERO

Para-Medic is with us again to provide information on the local plants and animals. Give her a call if there's anything you need to know.

Prior to The Boss appearing - procuring food

(1)

ZERO

Operation Snake Eater is different from the Virtuous Mission in that you won't be able to complete it in just a few hours.

ZERO

The time limit set by Khrushchev is one week. Within that time, you'll have to rescue Sokolov, defeat Volgin, destroy the Shagohod and... (He's about to say "and kill The Boss" but he can't bring himself to do it.)

SNAKE

I know. (Saying it so he himself hears it.)

ZERO

... Good.

ZERO

In any event, you will not be allowed to return until you've accomplished your objectives.

ZERO

Survival in the field will be critical in this mission. And the most important survival technique of all is, of course, finding food.

(2)

ZERO

You can get food in the same way you did during the Virtuous Mission - by capturing it.

ZERO

The enemy presence in that area is still light. You should try and get as much food as possible while you can.

The crashed drone

SNAKE

Major, what should I do with this wreck of a drone?

ZERO

Just leave it there.

SNAKE

Are you sure?

ZERO

Yes.

SNAKE

But isn't this thing top secret?

ZERO

Yeah, it is.

ZERO

After the U2 spy plane incident four years ago, plans were laid out for future spy missions in Soviet airspace to be carried out by an unmanned craft.

ZERO

That craft was the D21 spy drone, the basis of the one you came in on.

ZERO

The D21 is launched from a craft called the M21. The M21 itself is a derivative of the A-12, a supersonic long-range spy plane currently being developed as the successor to the U2.

ZERO

However, for this mission we used a modified YF-12A, a long-range interceptor version of the A-12.

ZERO

After being released from the mother ship, the drone can achieve speeds upwards of Mach 3 at high altitude using its ramjet engine.

ZERO

It can't be shot down by ground-to-air missiles, and it's nearly undetectable by radar.

ZERO

With Tselinoyarsk in such a high state of alert after our last escapade, this was the only reliable way to get you in.

SNAKE

This is all top-secret military technology. Are you telling me I'm supposed to just leave it here?

ZERO

That's right.

SNAKE

Why?

ZERO

The purpose of Operation Snake Eater is to send an American agent into the field in order to eliminate a defector and traitor. Namely, The Boss.

ZERO

Part of that mission involves making sure the Soviets find out what we're doing.

SNAKE

So we have to leave behind some kind of evidence that the U.S. was involved.

ZERO

Don't worry. The technologically sensitive components of the craft were rigged to self-destruct when it landed.

ZERO

The only thing the Soviets are going to find is a pile of American-made scrap metal.

SNAKE

Got it. Just one thing, though.

ZERO

What is it?

SNAKE

I think they'd better redesign the landing impact buffer. People are gonna get hurt landing that thing.

ZERO

I'll let them know.

The situation following the Virtuous Mission

ZERO

Thanks to last week's nuclear incident, the Soviet Union is now on secondary alert. We're one step away from a nuclear war.

SNAKE

Defcon 2, huh.

ZERO

In American parlance, yes.

ZERO

From what Western intelligence has been able to gather, the radical elements in the Soviet command are showing signs of impatience.

ZERO

They say we're on the brink of World War III here.

ZERO

And with Khrushchev's position getting weaker every day, I worry whether he'll be able to hold them back...

SNAKE

...One week. (That's how much time Khrushchev has given them.)

ZERO

Yes. America must eliminate The Boss by its own hand to prove its "innocence." There is no other way to resolve the crisis.

ZERO

Everything rests on your shoulders, Snake. Failure is not an option.

SNAKE

... I know.

Voyevoda

ZERO

The Soviet intelligence community must be up in arms about The Boss' defection.

ZERO

The great Voyevoda has abandoned America and embraced the Soviet Union.

SNAKE

Voyevoda?

ZERO

Apparently that's what they call The Boss behind the Iron Curtain.

ZERO

It means "warrior" or "mighty soldier" in Russian. When used to refer to a woman, it means something close to "lady knight."

ZERO

In Russia, where they've had a number of female emperors throughout their history, it's a term of great respect. Well, poetic, in a way.

ZERO

The Boss' exploits have made her name famous in the East as well.

The Boss' defection

SNAKE

Major, why did The Boss defect?

ZERO

I don't know. But I will tell you this. America is all too eager to get rid of her.

SNAKE

What do you mean?

ZERO

She knows too many of our secrets.

ZERO

If she were to relay all the top-secret information she knows to the Soviet bloc, it would put us at a severe disadvantage.

ZERO

It might even lead to the downfall of the West.

ZERO

Even if we survive, The Boss is still too much of a hero to us.

ZERO

With her in the Soviet camp, we'd suffer a fatal loss of morale at home.

ZERO

There are even whispers that some of the less stalwart elements of the military might follow her example and defect themselves.

ZERO

I assume you're aware that since your last mission, several key figures within the CIA have been placed under house arrest.

SNAKE

Yeah.

ZERO

The loss of The Boss has been a painful one indeed.

SNAKE

What about you?

ZERO

Me? I still can't believe it. As a comrade, I would have placed my trust in her before my own family.

ZERO

But now that I think about it, The Boss always seemed to have an aura of mystery about her.

ZERO

I never would have expected it to manifest in this way, though.

SNAKE

...

ZERO

Ah well, it won't do to get all misty-eyed about it. She's an enemy now, worthy of nothing more than our contempt.

SNAKE

Understood.

Go investigate that horse neigh

(1)

ZERO

You just heard a horse?

SNAKE

Yeah.

ZERO

You're sure it wasn't something else?

SNAKE

I know a horse when I hear one.

ZERO

Para-Medic, are there any wild horses in Tselinoyarsk?

PARA-MEDIC

Do you really expect me to say "yes"?

ZERO

No.

SNAKE

So what should I do?

ZERO

There's only one way through that area. All you can do is move forward.

(2)

ZERO

Head towards the sound of that horse. It came from the north. Be careful.

•Para-Medic

Prior to Meeting The Boss

Effects of the injuries sustained during the Virtuous (VR) Mission

SNAKE

Para-Medic.

PARA-MEDIC

Snake! It's so good to hear from you again.

SNAKE

Same here. It's been a week, hasn't it?

PARA-MEDIC

Four days, actually.

SNAKE

?

PARA-MEDIC

I visited you in the hospital. You were still unconscious, though.

SNAKE

Huh. Then you must have seen me naked.

PARA-MEDIC

Yeah. But you were all wrapped up in bandages and tubes, so I couldn't do anything but look.

SNAKE

Better luck next time.

PARA-MEDIC

Let's hope so... But seriously, don't forget that you were like that until just yesterday. In fact, you really shouldn't even be on this mission.

PARA-MEDIC

Keep an eye on your stamina gauge. If you start to run low, don't push yourself. Eat something to replenish your stamina.

PARA-MEDIC

And try not to get yourself hurt. If you're wounded, or get bitten by a venomous animal, go into the Survival Viewer immediately and treat yourself using "CURE."

SNAKE

Yeah, yeah. I can see you still know how to nag.

PARA-MEDIC

You're welcome. And I can see you still don't know when to keep your mouth shut.

SNAKE

Maybe so... By the way, I heard you're going to lose your medical license if this mission fails.

PARA-MEDIC

Yes, there was talk of that, but the mission won't fail, WILL it?

SNAKE

Of course not.

PARA-MEDIC

Good, I believe in you... But you know what? I really don't care about my medical license.

SNAKE

Didn't they use that to force you to participate in this operation?

PARA-MEDIC

No. I volunteered.

SNAKE

Why?

PARA-MEDIC

So that I could watch over you.

SNAKE

?

PARA-MEDIC

Snake, you're the best agent I've ever seen. But you push yourself too hard. You're reckless.

PARA-MEDIC

Someone has to stop you from getting into trouble... to make sure you and The Boss don't kill each other.

SNAKE

... (hit the nail on the head)

PARA-MEDIC

So that's why I volunteered. I mean, you couldn't ask for a better guardian angel than me, right?

SNAKE

... Thanks.

PARA-MEDIC

Stop right there!

SNAKE

?

PARA-MEDIC

You can thank me when you get back.

SNAKE

All right.

Nocturnal flora and fauna

PARA-MEDIC

Snake, unlike the Virtuous Mission, this is a night operation.

PARA-MEDIC

You'll be encountering nocturnal animals that you didn't encounter your last mission.

PARA-MEDIC

Some of them are venomous, like the king cobra, so be careful.

PARA-MEDIC

If you get bitten by a venomous animal, the poison will spread through your body and rapidly drain your LIFE gauge.

PARA-MEDIC

If that's the case, go into the "CURE" screen in Survival Viewer immediately and inject yourself with serum. Got it?

•Major

Prior to Reaching Abandoned Factory

After The Boss appears - head for the abandoned factory

(1)

SNAKE

Major...

ZERO

*reminding himself too* Snake, The Boss is your enemy. You've got to accept that reality.

SNAKE

...

(2)

ZERO

ADAM is waiting for you at the abandoned factory to the north of your current position. Head north.

After The Boss appears - head for the abandoned factory (2)

ZERO

Remember that you've lost your gun. You don't stand a chance in a fight against an enemy unit.

ZERO

Use your camouflage and don't let the enemy see you.

After The Boss appears - enemy soldiers will show up

ZERO

The enemy must have seen the drone explode. They've probably already sent out patrol units.

ZERO

You never know when you'll encounter the enemy. Use your camouflage wisely and proceed with caution.

After The Boss appears - security leak?

(1)

SNAKE

Major, why was The Boss there... Did they detect my infiltration?

ZERO

That's impossible. The drone shouldn't have been picked up by their radar at all.

SNAKE

Then how did she know? It couldn't have been...? (A leak?)

ZERO

That's also out of the question. We've taken all measures to ensure this mission stays secret.

SNAKE

... Then what's going on?

ZERO

I don't know.

SNAKE

...

ZERO

It won't do you any good to dwell on it, Snake.

(2)

ZERO

Hurry to your rendezvous with ADAM. Head for the abandoned factory to the north.

ZERO

Watch out for enemy patrols. Stay alert at all times. Okay?

The Boss' betrayal

SNAKE

Major...

ZERO

What is it.

SNAKE

... Why did The Boss betray us?

ZERO

Leave it alone, Snake.

SNAKE

But...

ZERO

We've been through this before. Besides, asking for reasons now won't change anything.

SNAKE

*not listening* I thought I'd find out if I met her face to face. I thought for sure she'd tell me. But... (When he met her she kicked his butt.)

ZERO

Then you'll have to find your own answers.

SNAKE

... By completing my "mission"? (His mission being to eliminate The Boss.)

ZERO

Yes.

SNAKE

...

You don't have a gun, so use your knife to capture food

ZERO

Snake, you don't have a tranquilizer gun right now. That means you'll just have to capture animals with your bare hands or with your survival knife.

ZERO

You should be able to harvest mushrooms and other low-lying plants with no problem by punching them or using your knife.

ZERO

It'll be tougher to catch small animals, but you might have a chance if you use stalking from behind.

Rope bridge tactics without a gun

(1)

ZERO

A rope bridge, huh... You'll stick out like a sore thumb if you walk on top of it. To cross it without being seen, you'll have to do something about the enemies.

(2)

*If player didn't hear about this during Virtuous Mission

SNAKE

Seems that way.

(3)

*If player did hear about this during Virtuous Mission

SNAKE

You told me this before.

ZERO

Did I?

SNAKE

Yeah.

(4)

ZERO

In the Virtuous Mission, you had your tranquilizer gun to use, but this time around you're unarmed. You won't be able to take out the enemies safely from a distance.

ZERO

You'll have to find some way of reeling them in close.

ZERO

Try distracting the enemy by making a noise or throwing something.

ZERO

You might also try cutting one of the ropes with your survival knife to make the bridge shake...

•Major

Prior to Meeting EVA

ADAM's location at the abandoned factory

(1)

ZERO

You've arrived at the factory, I see.

SNAKE

Yeah. Now to meet up with this ADAM guy.

ZERO

Good, go to it.

SNAKE

So where is he?

ZERO

We weren't given an exact location.

SNAKE

How about a time?

ZERO

Nothing was specified.

SNAKE

A physical description.

ZERO

I'm not sure.

SNAKE

... How am I supposed to find him, then?

ZERO

You won't need to.

SNAKE

?

ZERO

He'll find you.

SNAKE

...

(2)

ZERO

Why don't you try the room to the northeast where you met Sokolov? ADAM might be in there.

ADAM will only appear during Normal Phase

(1)

ZERO

ADAM is a spy sent by the KGB to infiltrate Volgin's ranks. You'll need to be extremely careful in how you approach him.

SNAKE

Obviously. He can't let Volgin know he's meeting me.

ZERO

That's right.

(2)

ZERO

ADAM won't show up if you're being pursued by the enemy.

ZERO

Before you go to rendezvous with ADAM, make sure you haven't been seen by the enemy.

ZERO

Meet up with him in Normal Phase. Got it?

•Ocelot Unit Battle

Ocelot Unit battle - take them all out

(1)

ZERO

It appears you've been completely surrounded.

SNAKE

Yeah. So I gathered.

ZERO

If EVA is to escape from there...

SNAKE

Right. I'll have to take them all out.

(2)

ZERO

Snake, you must defeat all the Ocelots. That's the only way to ensure EVA's safe escape, as well as your own.

ZERO

But you're up against a lot of them. Don't try to take them head on. Approach them without being seen, and dispatch them one by one. And don't forget to use your camouflage.

Ocelot Unit battle - get out of that room

(1)

ZERO

Snake, they're conducting a sweep of the inside of the factory. Sooner or later, they'll come to your room.

ZERO

If you're just standing there doing nothing, they'll find you and they will kill you.

(2)

ZERO

Get out of that room, quickly. Use the trapdoor that EVA showed you!

(3)

ZERO

You might be able to wait it out by hiding in a locker as well.

Ocelot Unit battle - basic tactics

(1)

ZERO

Snake, don't try to engage the Ocelots head on. There are too many of them. If they surround you, you'll be finished.

ZERO

Use your camouflage to approach them without being seen, and take them out one by one.

(2)

ZERO

If you don't camouflage yourself properly, you run the risk of being spotted and attacked by snipers or other far away enemies.

ZERO

Don't forget to use the "CAMOUFLAGE" screen in the Survival Viewer to disguise yourself.

ZERO

Always maintain a high Camo Index.

Ocelot Unit battle - file of enemy soldiers

ZERO

Snake, enemy soldiers who move in file pose a serious threat. Try to take them out one at a time starting with the one at the back.

Ocelot Unit battle - drums

ZERO

Snake, there were drums filled with fuel in the factory.

ZERO

If you shoot a bullet into one of those drums, the resulting explosion should send any nearby enemies flying. Use them to your advantage!

Ocelot Unit battle - enemies in hiding

ZERO

Snake, there's no telling where the enemy might be hiding. Be sure to check the ceilings and the bushes. Don't let your guard down, even for an instant.

Ocelot Unit battle - never mind EVA

ZERO

EVA needs you to distract the enemies until she can escape on her motorcycle. She's probably out there somewhere waiting for her chance.

ZERO

Don't worry about her. Focus on defeating the enemy. Understood?

Ocelot Unit battle - watch out for snipers

ZERO

Snake, it appears they've got snipers in place.

ZERO

Snipers are excellent shots. If they hit you, you're likely to be wounded.

ZERO

Find the snipers and neutralize them before they can shoot you. If you do get shot at, take cover behind something. Understood?

Ocelot Unit battle - that's not all of them

ZERO

Snake, it's too early to relax yet. There are still enemies out there somewhere. Find them and eliminate them.

•Sigint

Ocelot Unit Battle

Ocelot Unit battle - suppressors

(1)

SIGINT

Snake, if you fire that thing without a suppressor attached, the bang and the muzzle flash will give your position away to the enemy.

(2)

SIGINT

Attach a suppressor and you won't have to worry about all that. To attach a suppressor, open the Weapon Window and press the Enter Button.

Watch out for stun grenades

(1)

SIGINT

Snake, they're usin' stun grenades - watch out!

(2)

SNAKE

Stun grenades?

SIGINT

Yeah. It's a new weapon they invented themselves. It uses an intense blast of light and sound to knock out the enemy temporarily.

(3)

SIGINT

If you're lookin' at the light from one of those things when it goes off, you can kiss your optics goodbye. If one gets tossed your way, turn around quick.

Watch out for M63s

SIGINT

Heads up, Snake. Looks like some of those guys are equipped with M63s.

SIGINT

The M63 is an American-made light machine gun. It's got more firepower than you might think. It can punch through a wall too so watch out.

Watch out for M37s

SIGINT

You said some of them are using shotguns?

SIGINT

Those shotguns are M37s. They're an American model designed for field combat.

SIGINT

Not all that dangerous from a distance, but at close range, they'll tear you to shreds. Be careful.

Watch out for Scorpions

SIGINT

Looks like some of them are using Scorpions.

SIGINT

The Scorpion is a Czechoslovakian submachine gun.

SIGINT

They don't have the stopping power of a rifle, but they're easier to handle, and lethal at a medium range. If you eat more than a couple of rounds it's not gonna be pretty.

SIGINT

Don't fool around.

Watch out for grenades

SIGINT

Snake, watch out for those grenades they're tossin'.

SIGINT

You'll be injured pretty bad if you get caught in the blast. You could get burned, too. If somebody throws a grenade at you, get away from it and hit the deck.

Ocelot Unit battle – rifles

(1)

SIGINT

Those rifles the Ocelots are using aren't AK-47s, are they?

(2)

SNAKE

No. They kind of look like AKMs, but they're different.

SIGINT

Different how?

SNAKE

They've got steel hand guards and vertical-type foregrips. And the muzzle suppressor is bigger.

SIGINT

A carbine version of the AKM, huh.

SIGINT

Hungary has a unique modified version of the AKM called the AMD-63. I heard something before about them making a prototype carbine version of that.

SIGINT

My guess is they probably imported some of those prototypes.

(3)

SIGINT

If they're using a carbine version of the AMD-63 like I'm thinkin', then they could be a serious threat. Those things handle better than AK-47s, especially at close range.

SIGINT

And don't forget the Ocelots are elites. They're going to be better shots than normal Spetsnaz, and you're that much more likely to get seriously hurt. Keep your eyes open.

Section 4

Meeting EVA – Rendezvous with EVA at Mountaintop Ruins

Having driven off Ocelot and parted ways with EVA, Snake heads north to rescue Sokolov, making his way through the jungle alone. Along the way, he gets a call from EVA.

After Ocelot Unit Battle EVA Call

Radio Call 1

EVA

Snake, are you there?

SNAKE

EVA?

EVA

Did you miss me?

SNAKE

Did you make it without any trouble?

EVA

No one saw me.

SNAKE

So you're back with Volgin?

EVA

In a matter of speaking...

SNAKE

What about The Boss?

EVA

Yeah, she's here too.

SNAKE

Better be careful.

EVA

Thanks, I will. The Boss and I get along pretty well though. I guess we traitors have a lot in common.

SNAKE

Why would anyone want to defect? Betraying your country like that... I... I just don't get it. (He's also talking about The Boss.)

EVA

Are you talking about The Boss?

SNAKE

Why'd you do it? Weren't you born and raised in America?

EVA

Yes. In a small rural town. I never even knew there were other countries, other cultures, other ways of thinking. Until I went to work for the NSA... Then, one day, I'd found I'd lost faith in the things I'd been taking for granted.

SNAKE

What did you see? What was it that made you want to change sides?

EVA

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

SNAKE

Try me.

EVA

I saw the universe. (She and The Boss are ahead of the times.)

SNAKE

The universe?

EVA

Not the actual universe. The universe as the intelligence community sees it. I realized that the gravity in this universe was holding me back. That's all... People and countries are both changed by their environment. And by the times.

SNAKE

That sounds like what The Boss was saying.

EVA

There's a world of difference between this country and America. But it's only a difference of position. A difference of perspective. Coming here made me realize something. Half of what I'd been told was a complete and utter lie... the other half was a conveniently constructed lie.

SNAKE

Where's the truth, then?

EVA

It's hidden in the lies.

SNAKE

Are you lying, too? (Foreshadowing.)

EVA

Who knows? I've been trained to make even the most severe falsehood sound like the honest truth. Weren't you?

SNAKE

No, I... believe because I have to. Even if it is a lie...

SNAKE

... That's part of my mission.

EVA

I'll have to remember that. If you need me, give me a call on the radio. My frequency is 142.52. See ya.

Snake makes it to the heliport. To get to the crevice, he heads through the forest north of the heliport.

Prior to Ocelot Battle

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (crevice - afternoon - change view button unavailable)

Snake plows through the dense forest.

He comes to an open flatland with good visibility. There are rifts in the ground everywhere. Beneath it is an underground cave. Ocelot blocks Snake's path to the mountains visible in the distance. There is a large crevice in the ground which separates Snake and Ocelot. This prevents Snake from advancing.

The truth is, when The Boss CQCed Snake earlier, she planted a transmitter on him. It's thanks to this transmitter that the Cobra Unit can get the drop on him (Ocelot and the Cobras use its signal to ambush Snake).

This encounter has the feel of a Western. The wind blows, vegetation sways. Even tumbleweeds blowing by would be fine. After Snake moves forward, Ocelot challenges him.

OCELOT

Ah, you're here at last. Looks like The Boss' info (transmitter) was right.

Ocelot begins by drawing a revolver with his right hand, doing tricks, then pointing it at Snake.

OCELOT

Twice now you've made me taste bitter defeat.

Ocelot cocks his jaw, indicating behind Snake. The Ocelot Unit emerges, blocking the way behind him (the entrance to this area). They're standing guard, creating an arena for Snake and Ocelot to have a one-on-one. The unit also point their AKs at Snake. Rank-and-file GRU soldiers watch for any Cobras, making sure they don't interfere and can't get past.

Editor's Note: In the release version, Ocelot's signal was changed to his imitation of an ocelot's meow. Also, their positions are such that members of the Ocelot Unit keep an eye on Snake, while the GRU grunts watch the entrance to the forest.

OCELOT

I hate to disappoint the Cobras, but you're mine now.

OCELOT

All of you, leave us!

The Ocelot Unit lowers their weapons.

OCELOT

It's just you and me. No one to get in our way.

OCELOT

Ocelots are proud creatures. They prefer to hunt alone.

With his left hand, Ocelot draws another revolver and spins it.

He spins his other revolver with his right hand simultaneously, then does tricks with both of them.

He ends by pointing both barrels at Snake.

OCELOT

12 shots... This time, I've got 12 shots.

Snake is perplexed by all this (he doesn't draw his gun).

Ocelot returns his revolvers to their holsters with some final flourishes. He's starting to become quite familiar with these guns. The Ocelot we know is starting to shine.

Once again, the wind blows, vegetation sways. Tumbleweeds blowing by would be fine.

Even the jammed cartridge hanging from Ocelot's neck moves in the wind.

Ocelot relaxes the fingers of both hands. His men watch attentively.

OCELOT

Okay... Draw!

Their battle begins. Snake gradually wears Ocelot down, but just as he's about to finish things, a swarm of hornets shows up.

Hornets Interrupt Battle

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button unavailable)

OCELOT

Damn it! He (The Pain) found us!!

The hornets attack! They form a dark cloud, covering the sky and enveloping the area completely. It's as dark as night. The Ocelot Unit panics. We don't show The Pain here, not yet. The hornets attack the Ocelot Unit.

Snake crouches down to help himself withstand the hornets' attack.

Ocelot is having none of it!

OCELOT

*grunts and groans as he keeps the hornets off him*

Ocelot spins his guns to keep them off him.

The hornets come after Snake.

The player is about to fight The Pain, and this scene serves to show how fearsome he is.

The hornets swarm a soldier. They're able to get in the tiny gaps between his uniform and his skin. His body (his uniform) swells from the inside.

OCELOT UNIT SOLDIER 1

*dying screams*

Unable to take it anymore, he pulls off his balaclava! His face is hideously swollen from all the hornet stings. He collapses to the ground and convulses! Bullet bees fly out from his mouth, his nostrils, his eye sockets.

The soldier's long scream gradually changes into the buzzing of the hornets (a morphing type of crossfade).

Other soldiers scream in terror and flee.

OCELOT UNIT SOLDIER 2-4

*running away screaming*

The area is now thrown into total darkness. Visibility has been reduced to zero.

OCELOT

You were lucky. We'll meet again! (from MGS1¹)

Ocelot takes off. Snake does a blind run through the darkness.

He falls feet first into the enormous crevice.

SNAKE

*yells*

Attacked by the hornets during his duel with Ocelot, Snake drops into a cave. He navigates it, soon coming to a subterranean lake. The blue sky peeks in through an opening in the ceiling.

The Pain Appears

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button unavailable)

Snakes hears the familiar buzzing of the hornet swarm. He stops.

SNAKE

!

The swarm descends from the ceiling dome, turning the surface of the lake pitch black.

Snake is on the second "floor" of the cave. Is he able to escape the hornets? (Note: will need to look into where he could go.) The hornets converge on an elevated platform type of island in the center of the lake. When the lake clears, scores of dead fish come floating to the surface. The hornets' venom has killed every last one of them.

Editor's Note: In the release version, Snake jumps into the water once the hornets come after him. Also, there is no shot of fish being killed.

On the island, the living cloud takes the shape of a man.

The first of the Cobras' would-be assassins—The Pain—finally makes his entrance.

THE PAIN

I've caught you at last.

With the hornets absorbed into his body, The Pain's form is revealed. Hornet camouflage. There are small holes (vents) in his camo fatigues that his hornets crawl in and out of.

THE PAIN

We are the sons of The Boss... I am The Pain... I will guide you to a world of anguish beyond your imagination... (Foreshadowing about the sons of Big Boss.)

Caption: Hornet Soldier - The Pain (Gregg Berger)

The Pain moves like a bizarre supervillain and speaks bombastically.

THE PAIN

Let's get started!

It is a tough battle, but Snake defeats The Pain.

The Pain Dies

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button unavailable)

THE PAIN

The pain... the pain... the pain!

The Pain dies.

He then explodes in a massive blast.

Having defeated The Pain and made his way out of the cave, Snake comes upon a large mangrove forest with water up to his knees. He wades through it, soon coming to a base with a pier.

Outside Mangrove Base

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (mangrove base 1 - afternoon - change view button available)

Snake enters the area in front of the base. The sun has already set.

Up ahead, Snake sees the entrance to the base. He studies it through his binoculars while treading water. If the player enters First Person View, they can see Sokolov. Volgin, EVA, Ocelot, and a soldier are also present. The soldier is marching Sokolov away.

Volgin gestures an order to the soldier.

From here on, we're not watching the scene as Snake through his binoculars. We switch to a cinematic (objective) POV. The soldier tries to move Sokolov inside the base, but he puts up a struggle.

SOKOLOV

Oof!

SOKOLOV

Get your hands off me!

SOKOLOV

I'm not going anywhere!

Tatyana (EVA) is in front of Volgin. She is shaken by what is happening to Sokolov, and looks ready to go running over to him.

Volgin tires of Sokolov's continued resistance.

VOLGIN

Really now. How many times must I tell you?

In an innocent fashion he places his hand on the shoulder of EVA, still in front of him.

EVA turns around to look at Volgin (she's completely defenseless).

Suddenly, Volgin delivers an electric shock to her. Sparks fly!

EVA

*screams*

EVA collapses to the ground like she's just been shot. Her glasses fall off her face and drop to the concrete. We get a glimpse of the EVA we know from before.

SOKOLOV

Tanya! (Pet name for Tatyana, which is what EVA is calling herself.)

EVA

*groans as she endures the pain*

Sokolov tries to run over to EVA, but the soldier grabs him in a full nelson.

Volgin ignores the groans of EVA and addresses Sokolov.

VOLGIN

Each time you resist, your lover will suffer the consequences. Is that clear?

SOKOLOV

Volgin...!! (You bastard!)

Sokolov continues to struggle despite being restrained.

SOKOLOV

Damn you!

EVA is still on the ground. Volgin grabs her by the scruff of her neck with his left hand and lifts her up like an animal. He holds his right hand in front of EVA's face. Sparks shoot out from his palm. Volgin lightly touches her, administering a small electric shock.

EVA

*screams*

The current flows into EVA's body. Runs appear in her stockings.

EVA is somehow able to suppress the pain.

Volgin shoots Sokolov a threatening look.

Sokolov stops resisting.

Volgin removes his right hand from EVA. She goes limp from exhaustion.

With great satisfaction, Volgin releases EVA from his left hand, and she collapses to the ground. She's just barely able to find her glasses that dropped earlier.

The soldier grabs Sokolov's arm and walks him back inside the base.

Ocelot stops Sokolov.

OCELOT

Hold it right there, traitor.

Sokolov turns around and looks at Ocelot.

He pulls back, expecting he'll be killed.

OCELOT

Let's find out just how lucky you are.

Ocelot tries his own brand of Russian roulette.

He takes out a revolver, puts a round in it, and spins the cylinder.

OCELOT

Watch closely!

OCELOT

One of these three guns has a single bullet in it. I'm going to pull the trigger six times in a row. Are you ready?

He throws the revolver in his hand into the air, then draws two more revolvers from their holsters and juggles the three of them, like a street performer.

EVA is still out of it after being electrocuted. Her skirt got pulled up, and her thighs are showing. Volgin looks at EVA and grins. EVA pulls her skirt back down. When she fell to the ground her skirt got torn and pulled up, so she pulls it down. (In later scenes, the rips have been repaired.)

Editor's Note: This sequence was cut from the release version.

Ocelot pulls the trigger on a revolver each time he catches one in his right hand.

Six tries, all empty.

SOKOLOV

*terrified scream*

SOKOLOV

*terrified scream*

SOKOLOV

*terrified scream*

SOKOLOV

*terrified scream*

SOKOLOV

*terrified scream*

SOKOLOV

*terrified scream*

Terrified, Sokolov drops to the ground and wets himself.

OCELOT

Looks like your luck hasn't run out yet...

SOKOLOV

*falls to the ground and wets himself*

Ocelot has a gun in each hand.

From out of nowhere, The Boss appears, walks up to him, and grabs the third revolver from the air.

OCELOT

!

Still staring at Ocelot, she pulls the trigger on the revolver, which she is holding sideways. A bullet strikes the water!

OCELOT

!!

The Boss knew that the round would be in that revolver! She speaks calmly.

THE BOSS

There's no such thing as luck on the battlefield.

OCELOT

...

Volgin is impressed with The Boss' skill. He laughs.

VOLGIN

*laughs*

Volgin gives the soldier a cue, and Sokolov is taken away into the building.

THE BOSS

You'd better stay in line from now on. (Referring to what happened at the crevice.)

The Boss shows the revolver to Ocelot.

THE BOSS

The Cobras will take care of him (Snake).

She takes the revolver apart and returns the pieces to Ocelot.

The Boss stands face to face with Ocelot (mother and son).

Ocelot walks off in anger (he heads inside the base).

This leaves only Volgin, The Boss, and EVA.

VOLGIN

Has the CIA dog been disposed of yet?

THE BOSS

... The Pain is dead.

VOLGIN

What!?

The loss of one of the Cobras enrages Volgin.

He places cartridges between his fingers.

He strikes the wall with Bullet Punches!

This leaves two large holes in the wall.

VOLGIN

He may be a child, but he's definitely one of yours!

Smoke rises from Volgin's fists.

He opens his hands, discarding the shell casings.

VOLGIN

I fear Khrushchev may have a hand in this. We have no time to lose. You must eliminate him before the final test.

The Boss answers without turning to face Volgin. Her eyes are on Snake in the water. She can see him clearly.

THE BOSS

Don't worry.

THE BOSS

They'll be able to handle it.

A man of over 100 is rolled out in a wheelchair.

He is asleep. The wheelchair seemingly moved by itself.

In fact, The Fear pushed it out, but his stealth camouflage renders him invisible.

The wheelchair stops. We see a flash of The Fear's body for but a moment.

THE BOSS

I'm leaving him to you, The Fear.

The Fear deactivates his stealth camouflage and runs through the mangrove forest.

His eerie voice echoes among the trees.

THE FEAR

*eerie utterance*

Volgin studies The End, who remains motionless.

VOLGIN

The old man is always sleeping. Is he all right?

THE BOSS

The End is saving what life he has left in him for battle. Normally, he's dead. But he'll wake up when the time is right.

A clap of thunder.

THE BOSS

And when he does... it will be The End for the boy.

Suddenly, it begins to rain.

Volgin hates the rain, so this annoys him to no end. He lets out an annoyed grunt.

VOLGIN

*frustrated grunt*

He speaks to EVA.

VOLGIN

Sokolov isn't worth your love. You can entertain me until the rain stops.

Volgin enters the base.

EVA staggers in after him.

VOLGIN

Kuwabara... Kuwabara...

The Boss is the only one left. She looks across the mangroves.

THE BOSS

The Sorrow? Is that you?

If the player looks in First Person View, they can see The Sorrow standing there through the binoculars.

The rain lets up. The Boss walks away, leaving The End by himself.

The End is the only one there for a brief while. The old man is still asleep.

Editor's Note: The player can actually use their sniper rifle to eliminate The End here. If they do so, they will no longer face him in Sokrovenno. Members of the Ocelot Unit will patrol the area instead.

Snake passes through the mangrove base, then arrives at the lab where Sokolov is supposedly being held. He changes into the scientist disguise he got from EVA and infiltrates the facility, making it to its innermost area. After finding out which room Sokolov is in, he quietly slips inside.

Meeting Granin

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (Granin - night - change view button available)

Snake enters the room. It's quite a mess. Sokolov's research equipment, materials, etc., have been removed from their places of storage.

Snake scans the room. He sees the back of a man (Granin) sitting in a swivel chair behind a desk.

He also sees Granin's feet planted on a table. He's got on a pair of expensive-looking leather shoes, polished to a shine. He clicks his feet together. They sparkle with every kick (emphasizing the shoes, in which EVA planted a transmitter).

Snake approaches, thinking the man to be Sokolov, until Granin suddenly spins around and faces him. He's holding a hip flask full of vodka.

GRANIN

If you're looking for Sokolov, he's not here anymore.

SNAKE

*realizes the man isn't Sokolov* !

Snake reflexively goes to take out his gun.

Granin responds to this with disgust.

GRANIN

Put that thing away. You'll spoil my drink. So, you're the intruder everyone's talking about. Typical capitalist dog - no manners.

Granin takes a deep slug of vodka.

SNAKE

And who are you?

Granin removes his mouth from the flask.

GRANIN

*peevish* You mean you've never heard of me? And you call yourself an agent.

GRANIN

Very well, then.

Granin gets up out of the chair.

GRANIN

*self-importantly* I am Aleksandr Leonovitch Granin. A man of some importance, if I do say so myself.

Caption: Granin (Jim Ward)

GRANIN

I am the foremost weapons scientist in the Soviet Union, and the head of the glorious Granin Design Bureau.

Granin puffs out his chest. It bears the Order of Lenin.

GRANIN

This is the Order of Lenin. It is an honor of the greatest magnitude, given along with the title of "hero of socialism" to only the finest workers. It was awarded to me in recognition of my brilliant contributions to society.

GRANIN

Since the Great Patriotic War, I have created countless weapons in the service of our great communist society. It was thanks to me that we were able to stamp out the Nazi scum.

Granin gestures with his eyes to a model and materials belonging to a ballistic missile system.

GRANIN

It was I who created the basic design for the mobile ballistic missile system you know and fear as SS-1C.

After finishing his breathless spiel, Granin takes another swig of vodka.

SNAKE

You're crocked, aren't you?

Granin removes his mouth from the flask. He didn't manage to swallow all the vodka—some runs down his face onto his neck and chest.

GRANIN

I am merely drowning my sorrow. Because of him, I've got nothing to do but sit here and drink this crap.

SNAKE

Him?

GRANIN

Sokolov! It's him you're looking for, isn't it?

GRANIN

Because of him, I have been stripped of my authority. My research has come to nothing. Look!

Granin takes documents out of the desk and shows them to Snake one after the other. Since the cutscene is focused on Snake, we normally only see the back of the papers, but if the player presses the First Person View button, they can see blueprints for Metal Gear-like bipedal machines (the original MSX Metal Gear, RAY, etc.). Maybe there are also photos of outlandish designs that failed bipedal testing in spectacular fashion?

GRANIN

It is a revolutionary mobile nuclear missile system... a bipedal tank...

SNAKE

A bipedal tank?

GRANIN

Yes, a walking tank - a robot!

Inside the room is a model of RAY² and a model (illustration) of Jehuty³, etc. There are also photos or models of space rockets. These can be seen if the player pans over in First Person View. There's even a model or drawing of REX².

GRANIN

Are you familiar with the theory of the missing link between apes and humans?

GRANIN

Well, this technology will be the missing link between infantry and artillery. A kind of metal gear, if you will. And this magnificent metal gear will mark a revolutionary step forward in weapons development!

SNAKE

Metal Gear...

GRANIN

But I won't be used so easily. No, no crying myself to sleep. For you see, I'm going to send these documents to my friend in the United States.

Granin shows Snake a photo (newspaper article) of an American friend. The article is about a "Dr. Emmerich." The player can see it if they go into First Person View.

SNAKE

What!?

GRANIN

These bastards will live to regret this. And when they themselves become the targets of my creation, they will know my true greatness!

GRANIN

Yes, Sokolov's pathetic Shagohod pales in comparison to my work! What are you going to do with a rocket engine on a tank?

SNAKE

About Sokolov...

GRANIN

*not listening* A tank does not need a rocket! It needs something else... Look at these! *gestures to his feet*

SNAKE

*looks at them* Nice shoes...

GRANIN

No!!

Granin smacks his leg and starts walking slowly.

GRANIN

Legs!! Legs that allow it to go anywhere!! Just as when humans learned to walk upright! THAT is the real revolution in weaponry! Don't you agree!?

SNAKE

...

GRANIN

But the fools in charge chose Sokolov.

SNAKE

And where is Sokolov?

GRANIN

*not listening* My project has been terminated. The Philosophers' Legacy has been handed over to him.

SNAKE

What the hell are you talking about?

Meeting Granin

Movie Cutscene 1

(Shinkawa Theater)

Treasures hidden away by the Nazis, like paintings, gold bullion, and other historical inheritances. Footage shot during the Second World War.

Volgin's father... and Volgin killing him.

Editor's Note: This sequence wasn't used. In the release version, paper materials and an illustration of Volgin's father appear instead.

GRANIN

The Philosophers' Legacy. Haven't you heard of the Philosophers? The Colonel has inherited their immense legacy. Volgin's father was in charge of the Philosophers' money laundering activities. In the confusion of the war, he somehow ended up with their treasure. And Volgin inherited that treasure illegally.

GRANIN

We never need to worry about the military budget. The development costs at our facility are all paid out of the Colonel's deep pockets. The weapons born here will be the genes for creating an entirely new form of warfare! The funding for my research came out of that legacy... CAME out of it.

GRANIN

Now, my money, my men - all have been diverted to the Shagohod project. Tomorrow, they will be conducting the final test. While Sokolov is making the final preparations in the weapons factory at Volgin's main base, the great fortress of Groznyj Grad, here I am playing host to an enemy spy and drinking myself into a stupor.

SNAKE

That's where they moved Sokolov?

GRANIN

Yes.

SNAKE

And the Shagohod is there, too?

GRANIN

Of course.

Meeting Granin

3D Cutscene 2

3D cutscene (Granin - night - change view button available)

Snake is about to leave.

GRANIN

Hey!

GRANIN

... You're not thinking of going to Groznyj Grad?

Granin talks to Snake's back as he walks out.

GRANIN

Are you mad? It's an impenetrable fortress!

SNAKE

I'm sure it is.

GRANIN

You'll be killed!

SNAKE

I'll take my chances.

GRANIN

Wait!

Snake turns around.

SNAKE

*irritated* What?

GRANIN

Listen to me, you fool! I want to help you!

SNAKE

*suspicious* Help me?

GRANIN

*shrugs shoulders* To thank you for your compliment.

SNAKE

What compliment?

Granin shows Snake his shoes.

GRANIN

My shoes. Tatyana gave them to me. I wanted to thank you for complimenting me on them.

The shoes seem out of place for a man like Granin, who doesn't concern himself with appearances. (They have a transmitter in them.)

GRANIN

I'll tell you how to get into the fortress... In return, I ask only that you get that idiot out of there and destroy the Shagohod.

SNAKE

...

Granin takes Snake's silence as acceptance of this deal.

GRANIN

There is an underground tunnel that runs around the perimeter of the fortress. You should be able to use it to sneak into the base. Head for the mountains. The entrance to the tunnel is located there.

He takes out a key.

Granin walks up to Snake as he speaks.

GRANIN

Take this.

He gives Snake the key. Snake accepts it.

Meeting Granin

3D Cutscene 3

3D cutscene (change view button unavailable)

Video of the locked door in the mangrove base.

GRANIN

You passed through a warehouse on your way here, didn't you?

SNAKE

Yeah.

GRANIN

There should have been a locked door inside of it. Do you remember it?

SNAKE

...

GRANIN

This key... will open that door.

GRANIN

Beyond that door lies a vast jungle. You can climb up into the mountains from the far end of the jungle.

GRANIN

Go back to the warehouse. Use the key to open the locked door and head for the mountains. Got it?

Meeting Granin

3D Cutscene 4

3D cutscene (Granin - night - change view button available)

We're back in Granin's room.

SNAKE

Why are you helping me?

GRANIN

Unlike Sokolov, the thought of defecting has never once crossed my mind.

GRANIN

I love... my country. I love this land.

GRANIN

I cannot even imagine living anywhere else.

Granin looks down at the medals on his chest.

GRANIN

I wish to remain a hero... of the great motherland. I cannot bear the thought of being hounded into a corner and left to waste away...

Outside the window, it's now light out.

GRANIN

It is already dawn. You must hurry. I will remain here and nurse my troubles for a little longer.

Snake heads for the door.

Just as he gets there, Granin raises his flask of vodka in a toast wishing Snake success.

GRANIN

To capitalism!

Snake leaves.

Snake departs the lab. To make it to the mountains, he heads back to the mangrove base, but before he can get there, he is ambushed in the jungle.

The Fear Appears

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (trap jungle - afternoon - change view button available)

Snake navigates the jungle, when all of a sudden, a bolt from a blowgun pierces his thigh!

SNAKE

*groans*

Snake falls to his knees. He looks in the direction the bolt came from.

Against the trees and mist, he sees the stealth camouflage outline of a figure moving from tree to tree like the wind.

Snake tracks the figure as he falls to the ground and attempts to pull out the bolt.

The sharp pain is too much for Snake.

SNAKE

*groans*

The presence travels to the main area in front of Snake.

The bolt Snake was shot with is dipped in an anesthetic (poison). His consciousness starts to fade.

A man (a figure) with long arms and legs drops down without a sound. He moves like a spider.

The man materializes as he descends to the ground. He's holding his blowgun (called William Tell).

We get a quick peek at his long tongue (which he uses for picking up items). The tip is forked.

THE FEAR

I am The Fear...

Caption: Spider Soldier - The Fear (Michael Bell)

THE FEAR

That bolt is coated in the venom of the Brazilian Wandering Spider. Soon a most exquisite pain will engulf your entire body. Your limbs will be paralyzed, your lungs cease to draw breath, eventually your heart will stop beating.

The Brazilian wandering spider is the most venomous species of spider in the world. Para-Medic will give the player more details.

Snake looks worried. The controller starts to vibrate in time with his convulsions, so all other rumble features will be disabled for this part of the game.

THE FEAR

Ah, but what fun would that be? Not a fitting death at all.

The Fear puts William Tell away.

The Snake shakes his head to try to keep it together.

SNAKE

Grr... *fiercely encouraging himself*

THE FEAR

The Boss' apprentice... I will give you fear such as you've never experienced before. Come into my web.

The Fear dislocates the joints in his arms and legs (turning them into reverse joints) and skitters along the ground.

THE FEAR

It is time... for you to feel the fear!

He then slinks up a tree like a spider! His movements are decidedly unhuman.

After a fierce battle, Snake defeats The Fear.

The Fear Dies

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (trap jungle - afternoon - change view button available)

The Fear swings down from the air. Wires, wrapped around surrounding trees, extend from his body. They become taught, suspending The Fear's body in midair. He resembles a spider that has returned to its nest.

THE FEAR

The fear! The fear!! I see it!! The fear!

The Fear lets out his parting words in a mighty shout as he explodes, leaving no trace of him behind! His bolts shoot out, lodging themselves into every nook of the area (trees and the ground)!

Having eliminated The Fear, Snake heads straight for the mountains. He uses the key he got from Granin to open the locked door. Another vast jungle extends before him. He then gets a call from EVA.

Entering Moss Jungle

Radio Call 1

EVA

Snake, are you there?

SNAKE

EVA? Where are you?

EVA

In the fortress - in Groznyj Grad. Dr. Sokolov is here, too.

SNAKE

Is he all right?

EVA

He's fine. Right now he's busy putting the finishing touches on the Shagohod.

SNAKE

Good. That means they haven't killed him...

EVA

Not yet, anyway. But you better hurry. They've already finished the Phase 2 tests.

EVA

Once the final preparations are complete, they'll have no more use for him.

EVA

The Colonel won't have any qualms about killing him if he thinks the CIA is closing in.

SNAKE

EVA, you can't let Sokolov out of your sight.

EVA

I know. Snake, do you know where Groznyj Grad is?

SNAKE

Granin told me that I should be able to get there from the mountains to the north through an underground tunnel...

EVA

Granin told you?

SNAKE

Yeah. He even gave me the key to the warehouse.

EVA

Why?

SNAKE

Because he was drunk, I guess.

EVA

You've got to be kidding me.

SNAKE

Hell if I know.

EVA

Snake, there's one problem with that route.

SNAKE

What problem?

EVA

The mountain entrance to the underground tunnel that leads to the fortress is sealed. You need a key to get in.

SNAKE

A key... What about the key Granin gave me?

EVA

That key won't work.

EVA

But don't worry. I'll figure something out.

Radio Miniscreen: Video of the ruins.

EVA

I have an idea. There are some ruins at the top of the mountains. Meet me there.

SNAKE

The top of the mountains. Got it.

*If The End is still alive

EVA

Wait. There's something else I've got to tell you.

SNAKE

Now what?

EVA

I heard that one of the Cobras is waiting for you in the jungle at the foot of the mountains. He's a legendary sniper called The End.

SNAKE

... Yeah, I've seen him before. That ridiculously old guy, right?

EVA

Don't underestimate him. He's known as the father of modern sniping.

SNAKE

Is he alone? No spotter?

EVA

None. He's all by himself. Apparently, he doesn't need a spotter.

SNAKE

You can't be serious.

EVA

The entire forest is on his side...

SNAKE

The forest...

EVA

Stay alert.

SNAKE

Yeah. I'd hate to have it be the end for me.

-->The End Appears 3D Cutscene 1

*If The End is dead

EVA

Wait. There's something else I've got to tell you.

SNAKE

What's that?

EVA

I heard that the Ocelots have set up an ambush for you in the jungle at the foot of the mountains. Apparently, they've even got snipers positioned there.

SNAKE

An ambush...

EVA

Watch yourself.

-->Meeting EVA in the Mountains 3D Cutscene 1

Snake advances through the thick jungle to get to the mountains. He soon enters the forest where ancient sniper The End is waiting to ambush him.

The End Appears

3D Cutscene 1

Snake sets foot into The End's forest.

In the middle of the dense, mysterious woodland, he stops, sensing some unusual presence, and looks around.

If the player enters First Person View, they see a flash of The End's location?

SNAKE

*sensing bloodlust*

The first hint appears in this cutscene. The player has to use the surrounding visuals to imagine where The End is hiding. If they press the First Person View Button at this point, the game switches to camera POV. Or, they can pan the camera to a certain degree. Panning the camera gives them a good idea of the forest's layout. They'll imagine that he's probably on an area of high ground.

Editor's Note: In the release version, the camera flies from Snake's location to where The End lies in wait.

The End is asleep in his sniping position. He's wearing a ghillie suit, enabling him to blend into the forest completely. The player shouldn't notice him at all at first. His face is glued to the ground, resting on his left side. We hear the faint sound of his snoring.

THE END

*faint snore*

Insects and a snake crawl on The End's body and face, but still, he doesn't move a muscle. Emma's parrot (the same bird Emma keeps as a pet in MGS2) perches on the old man's shoulder. He senses Snake approaching. The End stops snoring and opens his eyes. In languid fashion, he brings the scope of his rifle to his right eye. It bulges out of its socket, almost like it's about to pop out. He moves the fingers in his hands a little, loosening up his muscles.

Over The End's shoulder, we see Snake looking around off in the distance.

The End mutters to the spirits of the forest. Initially, his voice is so feeble it sounds as though he could expire at any moment.

THE END

I beg of you, grant me the strength to take this final prey. Let me linger in this world just a little longer.

The End closes his eyes as if saying a silent prayer. The old man's body is then bathed in sunlight filtering through the trees. The light restores his energy. The moss on his body becomes a more vibrant green too. He opens his eyes again and mutters some more.

THE END

I have already slept enough for one lifetime... enough for an eternity.

THE END

You have my thanks.

When he speaks, his dentures slip out of his mouth, making it harder for him to talk. His face is covered with age spots, pockmarks, and deep wrinkles, but they start to disappear. The old man regains some of his youthfulness before our eyes.

THE END

I have to thank you... for waking me.

THE END

If you (Snake) hadn't shown up, my sleep... would have been eternal.

As he becomes younger, his voice becomes louder and stronger.

Emma's parrot flies off elsewhere in the forest. If the player captures it, it will reveal the old man's location. He gets up with vigor. His frame now presents the image of a muscular youth.

THE END

Do you hear me, Snake? I am The End! I am here to send you to your ultimate fate! You'll make a fine quarry for my final hunt!

Caption: Ancient Sniper - The End (Grant Albrecht)

The old man brings his eye to the scope. It pops out.

He remains absolutely still.

Snake hears his voice. He looks up at the forest. The trees laugh, mocking him.

The woodland returns to silence.

Snake ducks behind a tree and uses his radio.

The End Appears

Radio Call 1

SNAKE

EVA, I found that sniper you were talking about.

EVA

That's The End. He's a legend, known as the "Father of Sniping."

SNAKE

I've got experience sniping in urban (MGS1) and marine (MGS2) environments...

EVA

What about the forest?

SNAKE

Never.

EVA

I see... Well, that forest is divided into three areas: a river, a plateau, and a clearing... He should be lying in wait for you in one of those places.

SNAKE

Sounds like this may take awhile.

EVA

It'll be a test of endurance. Be careful, though. From what I've heard, The End has an almost supernatural knack for camouflaging himself.

SNAKE

So whoever moves first, loses... This guy's over a hundred years old, though, so I should have the advantage in terms of stamina.

EVA

I wouldn't be so sure if I were you.

SNAKE

Why's that?

EVA

I've heard that his body is photosynthetic, like a plant.

SNAKE

What is he, some kind of monster?

EVA

On top of that, he can speak to the forest too.

SNAKE

So in other words, he knows it inside out?

EVA

Uh huh. But he doesn't know you. I'm sure you can beat him.

SNAKE

Don't worry. I intend to...

*If 2 weeks of real time pass-->Outcome 1: The End Dies of Old Age Cutscene

*If player saves and quits in same area that The End is in-->Outcome 2: Snake Dies During Break Cutscene

*If Snake is shot with a tranquilizer round and loses consciousness-->Outcome 3: Snake Tranquilizer Round Sleep Cutscene

*If player defeats The End-->Outcome 4: The End Dies Cutscene

[Outcome 1]

After the battle with The End starts, if the player saves, quits, and doesn't resume for 2 weeks of real time, The End will die of old age, and the player will come upon his body.

The End Dies of Old Age

3D Cutscene 1

Snake crouch walks, carefully making his way through the forest.

He spots The End in his sniping posture.

Snake slowly approaches him from behind.

SNAKE

Drop your weapon.

The End doesn't answer. He doesn't move an inch.

Snake cautiously moves closer.

SNAKE

Drop your weapon!

The End still doesn't budge.

Snake gets right up to him and touches his shoulder. The instant he does so, The End topples to the ground face forward.

Snake carefully turns his body over.

We see the face of The End, dead from old age, a look of disappointment still on his face.

Snake contacts the Major.

The End Dies of Old Age

Radio Call 1

SNAKE

Major, I found The End. He's dead.

ZERO

What the hell happened?

PARA-MEDIC

Maybe... it was from old age.

ZERO

You mean he kicked the bucket in the middle of a battle?

PARA-MEDIC

Maybe...

ZERO

Well, Snake, the victory is yours.

SNAKE

... No, I don't think so.

ZERO

Wha do you mean?

SNAKE

It was his dying wish to fight me. But I disappointed him...

ZERO

Snake, listen to yourself. This is a mission. It's not a game; it's not a sport. You think you're competing for the gold at Tokyo or something?

SNAKE

... I guess you're right...

ZERO

Just focus on completing the mission.

SNAKE

... Yes, sir.

The End Dies of Old Age

3D Cutscene 2

When the call is over, Snake walks away from The End's body.

As Snake he does so, The End's body explodes in a massive blast (just like the other Cobras).

[Outcome 2]

During the battle with The End, if the player saves and quits the game and a certain amount of time passes, The End will shoot them immediately after they load back into the game—regardless of whether or not they were in the same area as The End when they quit. After the cutscene showing The End shooting Snake plays, the next time the player loads the game, they have to retry from Granin's lab.

Create a cutscene for each of the three areas The End battle takes place in, or move player to a particular area?

Editor's Note: In the release version, this cutscene takes place in a fixed area.

The End Battle - Take a Break & Die

3D Cutscene 1

Snake is lying against a tree with his eyes shut.

Small creatures (like butterflies and snakes) move around in the space near him. The atmosphere is very tranquil and peaceful. We hold on this for a moment.

Suddenly, Snakes eyes open, and he goes to get up.

An instant later, a gunshot. Snake falls.

The camera flies over to where The End was in hiding.

We see The End, in his sniping posture. Gunpowder smoke rises from the barrel of his gun.

He pulls his eye back from his scope and mutters.

THE END

You disappoint me, young Snake...

THE END

The moment you close your eyes on the battlefield is the moment you never open them again.

THE END

That's why I don't sleep here...

The End comes over to where Snake lies on the ground. He looks down at him.

He carries Snake on his shoulders and starts walking.

Snake wakes up in a cell in Granin's lab.

[Outcome 3]

During an intense battle with The End, Snake is struck by one of his tranquilizer rounds and loses consciousness.

The End Battle - Shot by a Tranquilizer

3D Cutscene 1

Snake lies on the ground after passing out from the tranquilizer round.

The End stands beside him.

THE END

Reckless boy... You don't deserve to meet your fate just yet.

He carries Snake on his shoulders and starts walking.

Snake wakes up in a cell in Granin's lab.

[Outcome 4]

After a hard-fought battle, Snake at last emerges victorious in the sniper duel with The End.

The End Dies

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button unavailable)

Cutscene in which The End dies. Camera moves to him.

The End lies on the ground, holding his sniper rifle in his hands. He whispers to the spirits of the forest.

THE END

Spirits of the forest... I thank you. The Boss... would be proud of you... The time has come... for a younger generation to rise...

The old man's essence disappears, as though his body were deflating.

THE END

I've been wandering for more than a century, and now my journey comes to a close. What a splendid way... to end it all...

His ghillie suit withers and turns to autumn colors.

THE END

I have no regrets. I can return to the forest at last...

The End's dentures shoot out of his mouth. He then explodes in a massive blast, the folds of his ghillie suit dancing like falling leaves.

Birds (insects?) scatter from the trees all at once.

When the pieces of The End's ghillie suit have disappeared, vitality returns to the forest.

Fish swim upstream. Birds and other sounds of the woodland can be heard.

The residents of the forest weep as they mourn The End's passing.

The vines that were blocking the exit from the forest recede in a matter of seconds. (The player can pass through here from this point on.)

Having triumphed over The End and made it through the jungle, Snake begins his ascent up the mountains.

After reaching the summit of the tallest peak, he heads inside some ruins to meet up with EVA.

Meeting EVA at Mountaintop

3D Cutscene 1

3D cutscene (afternoon - change view button available)

Snake enters the ruins.

He nears noises. He heads over, and ends up walking in on EVA changing.

She speaks calmly, and makes no effort to cover herself up.

EVA

Well, that was quick.

Snake studies her back. It's covered with scars from torture. Burns and cuts. Some look pretty old too. Volgin interrogated her (and he has various kinks).

EVA changes into her bike suit. We see how she looks as EVA, her hair still up and her glasses still on. She puts her coat away in a hurry, and hides her military boots too. She lets down her bangs with her hands. Emphasis on the close-up of her bangs, her military coat, her boots, and her glasses. The boots have an interesting feature—her bike's shift pedal has etched an "E" into the instep of the left boot.

Editor's Note: In the release version, EVA is more or less done changing, but her hiding of the boots is emphasized.

EVA looks quite tired. Playing the double roles of Tatyana the mistress and EVA leaves her almost no time for sleep.

SNAKE

You look like you could use some rest.

EVA

I'll be fine. It's just that playing these two roles hasn't left me much time to sleep.

SNAKE

Where'd you get those cuts?

EVA

The Colonel...

SNAKE

He found out!?

EVA

If he knew, I'd be dead already... No, this is his "hobby." He's a sadist. He gets pleasure out of making people suffer. He's scum... (and an asshole)

Snake gently touches one of the scars with his fingertips.

EVA

*laughs* Does it look that strange to you?

SNAKE

No, I'm the same way... scars all over.

EVA turns to Snake and places a hand on his fatigues.

EVA

Can I see?

SNAKE

No.

Snake pulls back and changes the subject.

He points at one of EVA's old scars.

SNAKE

Where'd you get this one?

EVA

I got it after defecting to the Soviet Union.

SNAKE

I don't think so. It's older than that. Code breaking is a desk job. Where'd you get this kind of scar?

EVA, realizing Snake has doubts about her fake background, tries to deflect.

EVA

You really want to know?

SNAKE

...

EVA

Well, too bad.

SNAKE

*look of dissatisfaction* ...

EVA

A girl's got to have some secrets, you know.

EVA

But enough about that. You've got to get going. The Phase 2 trial of the Shagohod is about to start. And it looks like someone might be coming to spoil the party.

SNAKE

Khrushchev?

EVA

His forces are on their way here. The colonel is gathering his troops together to meet them. If we don't get a move on, the security will be even tighter than it is now...

EVA gives Snake the key to the underground tunnel that leads inside the gate.

EVA

You'll need this key. It unlocks the door to the underground tunnel. Once you're in there, you can follow the tunnel to get inside Groznyj Grad.

*If player hasn't acquired the Night Vision Goggles yet

EVA also gives Snake a pair of Night Vision Goggles.

EVA

Better take these, too. They should come in handy.

Depending on the difficulty, she'll give Snake food (instant noodles) too.

EVA

And take this, too.

SNAKE

What is it?

EVA

The food of the future. A well-balanced meal for the space age.

Snake takes the food (instant noodles).

EVA

It's good to eat some real food once in a while. I'll bet if I kissed you, you'd taste like a wild beast.

Meeting EVA at Mountaintop

3D Cutscene 2

This cutscene takes place inside the base.

It shows the situation in the base, the location where Sokolov is being held, how to get there, the runway, the Shagohod, and its hangar.

SNAKE

Do you know where exactly in Groznyj Grad Sokolov is located?

EVA

He's in the heart of the fortress, the weapons lab.

EVA

The weapons lab is divided into three wings.

EVA

There's the east wing, which houses the research facilities.

EVA

Then there's the main wing, where the weapons are assembled. That's where the Shagohod is.

EVA

Finally, there's the west wing, which is connected via a passageway to the main building. That's where Sokolov is. To get in, you'll have to enter the main wing from the east wing. Then, go through the passageway on the second floor of the main wing...

SNAKE

The west wing of the weapons lab. Got it.

EVA

There's just one problem.

SNAKE

Not again...

EVA

The west wing is protected by the highest level of security. You need to be colonel class to get in.

SNAKE

Colonel class?

EVA

Here, look at this picture.

EVA shows Snake a photo of Volgin and Major Raikov side by side.

The photo (an illustration) is shown full-screen without any load time.

They're both smiling. We don't see this since it's happening out of frame, but Volgin has his hand on Raikov's crotch.

EVA

Major Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov. Pretend you're him.

SNAKE

How do I do that?

Fade out-->return to base cutscene without any load time.

Raikov walks through the hangar (research wing). Soldiers salute.

EVA

Steal his clothes! You look similar from behind, so they won't know the difference. Your face might be a problem, so you'll just have to figure something out.

EVA

He should be somewhere in the east wing.

Game loads back to the room Snake and EVA are in.

Meeting EVA at Mountaintop

3D Cutscene 3

Camera is back in the ruins.

SNAKE

All right. But how am I supposed to escape once I get Sokolov out of there? Command said you're supposed to have something ready for me.

EVA

And I do. There's a lake 30 miles north of here. I hid a WIG there.

SNAKE

A WIG?

EVA

It's a state-of-the-art ground effect vehicle.

SNAKE

A ground effect vehicle? I can't fly one of those!

EVA

That's okay. I happen to be an excellent pilot.

SNAKE

Taking off from a lake is trickier than it looks. It's not like riding a motorcycle. You've got to be more delicate...

EVA

Of course I will. You've seen how good I am with the bike, right?

SNAKE

...

Snake looks at EVA's boots. Her heavy foot with the clutch has etched an "E" into the instep of her left boot. Snake's seen how she handles a bike, and it doesn't inspire confidence.

SNAKE

Right... You handle the escape, then. I'll head for Groznyj Grad.

EVA

Wait a minute. There's something I wanted to ask you.

SNAKE

What?

EVA

What's the story between you and The Boss?

SNAKE

She was like a mother... and my master.

EVA

And your lover?

SNAKE

... It went deeper than that.

EVA

Deeper?

SNAKE

Half of me belongs to The Boss.

EVA

Do you love her?

SNAKE

No, nothing like that.

EVA

Do you hate her?

SNAKE

Does it have to be one or the other - love or hate?

EVA

Between a man and a woman? You bet.

SNAKE

For ten years, we lived and died together. You couldn't possibly understand.

EVA

And you think you can kill her now?

The thought of this makes Snake depressed.

EVA

That's your mission, isn't it? Assassinating The Boss.

Neither of them says anything for about 30 seconds. Long take.

EVA

Snake, is there anyone you like? Someone special? (A line Meryl says in MGS1.)

SNAKE

I've never been interested in other people's lives...

EVA

You were interested in The Boss.

SNAKE

She was different.