The Metal Gear Solid series is the premier stealth franchise that has influenced a genre and video games as a whole. Starring the cynical yet strong-willed Solid Snake, the character has remained a pivotal aspect of video game history to the point of being cosplayed by fans. Each offers a different, yet unique spin to the character.
These takes could be accurate to the franchise as a whole or something different to change the general formula. Nonetheless, they represent the purest expressions of the character, similar to cosplays from other franchises. These are some of the most interesting and well-made cosplays of the legendary soldier.
The Infiltrationist
One of the most iconic designs of Solid Snake is the one from the original Metal Gear Solid. Although it was the third title in the franchise, it encompasses arguably his best-defined look, recognized alongside his design from Metal Gear Solid 2.
Worn by cosplayer @nerd_alert_cosplay with photography by edwinfabian, this Solid Snake costume feels like it came straight out of the game. The sheen on the sculpted suit and color scheme makes the character seem more alive than ever.
Ready For An Assault
Worn by Jaselant and shot by kllaerian, the cosplayer captures the subdued nature of Solid Snake. Despite how he appears, the character is a stealth operative first and a tank destroyer second.
He would prefer sneaking past the guards over murdering them outright. Jaselant emphasizes this with her pose, waiting for the best opportunity to either outmaneuver or kill her prey. Just like the character that she is attempting to portray.
The Legendary Soldier
Created by HanksBeanieHat, this cosplay is one of the more homemade variants of the suit. Unlike others, the suit is layered with a kevlar vest and other tactical gear. It is reminiscent of the Shadow Moses design but it maintains originality.
The cosplayer also brings with him a cardboard box. Hilariously, it's one of the many pieces of iconography that define the character. Although it might not be the most accurate, it holds the spirit, love, and fun that the character brings to the video game community.
Quit Smoking
Solid Snake, like his father before him, is notorious for smoking. In the vast majority of the series, characters often talk negatively about his smoking habits. They cite how it is bad for his health or how addictive it can be.
But as iconography, it helps give Solid Snake a strong silhouette and is memorable as a result. Leah emphasizes that while combining it with strong lighting and solid makeup work.
Weathered And Grizzled
Taking cues once more with the original Metal Gear Solid game, James Lima channels the energy that the character brings in his game by portraying different light sources and nostalgic scenes from the game in order to make the cosplayer be more like Solid Snake.
In terms of the suit itself, it is solid and simplistic. Not being overly flashy or with unique material, it manages to stand on its own in order to make the light become more poignant.
Solid Crossover
While this isn't technically a Solid Snake cosplay proper, it is a crossover design and is fair enough to be looked over as it is impressive with or without context.
Combined with the peaceful colors and designs of Princess Peach, jennvandamsel's interpretation offers a unique spin on the legendary soldier. Having a Princess Peach that can handle herself in the world of Metal Gear Solid is a fascinating concept to think about.
War Has Changed
Old Snake is a version of the character that represents his twilight years. Although his physical body is deteriorating over the course of Metal Gear Solid 4, he has the most advanced gear, wearing the octocamo as well as the solid eye.
Cosplayer ProVoltage handles the characters' design remarkably by having one of the most detailed sneaking suits out of the majority of cosplayers. The sheen and little details certainly pop out the most.
In The Shadows
Going back to the dark shadows that are present in Metal Gear Solid is this cosplay by Samuel Brealey. His suit seems to be a mixture between the heavily detailed suits of previous cosplayers and the simpler approach that others have taken.
The lighting of the tunnel and the solid color scheme of the suit helps to emphasize the cold nature of the game. It manages to channel the original game through the compatibility of the setting and cosplayer in question.
Solid Switch
A fun adaptation of the legendary Solid Snake, here Maum portrays the character playing a Nintendo Switch. In the grand scheme of things, this is funny due to Solid Snakes' dislike of virtual reality within the battlefield. But this is also a nod to Super Smash Bros.
For those that might not be familiar with the series, Super Smash Bros is a crossover title that brings a variety of icons into the fighting game. Solid Snake happens to be one of the characters and he reappeared in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, a game that came out on the Switch.
Like Father, Like Son
The moment that defines the Metal Gear Solid timeline is how it revolves around the two Snakes. Following the Cold War adventures that Big Boss goes through, Solid Snake takes those experiences in order to deal with the mistakes of his father.
This cosplay picture between the two characters summarizes the connection and how the Metal Gear Solid franchise is an over-spanning arc that has gone on for several decades.