Fussbett wrote:

I thought I lasted very long, but my codec breaking point came at Snake's first meeting with The Boss, a woman who maybe was an ex-lover, but possibly just his karate teacher. They discuss the usual Metal Gear stuff; what you need to survive on the battlefield (spoiler: spirit), and Snake's various abandonment and identity issues. I slammed the X button through that segment so hard and fast, I think I set a new record in Track 'n' Field longjump.

GAMESPOT wrote:

Best New Character The Boss - Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2)

Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCEJ


Metal Gear's lengthy narrative is arguably among the best ever produced for a game. This is due in no small part to the presence of the Boss, Snake's former mentor and the series' most enigmatic character yet. To paraphrase Eva, the game's obligatory Bond girl, Snake's relationship with the Boss transcends the ordinary sort of male-female bond. She is at once his mother, his master, his lover, and his enemy. The Boss is at least as compelling a character as Snake himself. Although she actually receives relatively little screen time, the Boss will constantly occupy your thoughts as you play.

The Boss is feared and revered even by her new commanding officers within the Soviet Union. Colonel Volgin sums it up when he exclaims, after being knocked to the ground for his impertinence, "Now I see why they call you the Boss!" This is one of many moments of levity necessary to prevent the Boss' naturally commanding aura from becoming overpowering. Forget "close quarters combat"--the Boss could beat you senseless with her screen presence alone.

Unlike every other video game female, the Boss is a mature and serious character. In stark contrast to Eva, the Boss looks like she could actually be a legendary soldier. Her face is lined with age, but bears no scars--a testament to her skill, rather than the inexperience it would signify on any other visage. To quote an awestruck Eva, "I've never seen clearer eyes." The Boss may be wearing her gender's obligatory form-fitting bondage suit, but she wears it with dignity, damn it.

The Boss lends Snake Eater's story cohesion, providing you with a consistent motive and a constant feeling of anticipation. These things keep us playing. It's not the new cure system we're hooked on--it's the Boss.