Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is a bittersweet commentary on the cyclic nature of war, often making gamers explore the fundamentals of an espionage shooter set in a complicated world.
The game’s complex AI and intense mechanics may distract you from its underlying narratives, and there’s one theory that has fans questioning the involvement of The Third Child in the game.
Note: Spoilers for the game’s narrative.
A Metal Gear Solid Fan Raises a Theory That’s Often Neglected
In a Reddit post, user tekfx19 points out a possible theory that could change the way players view Metal Gear Solid 5‘s storyline. This theory indicates the involvement of the Third Child (or, Psycho Mantis) in the game.
Given how the game already has psychologically-themed stories that keep the narrative open-ended at times, it’s possible that the entire game (or pieces of it) could have been from the perspective of the Third Child.
All of MGSV (GZ and TPP) is played as the third child.
byu/tekfx19 inNeverBeGameOver
In the series, the Third Child is known for having psychic abilities that allow him to manipulate others and even control their minds. The theory explores the possibility that he was the one behind the events that took place in the game.
Fans know how often events in the game blur the line between illusion and reality, asking players to have their own interpretation of everything that’s going on.
In retrospect, the protagonist’s journey could have been a simple result of the Third Child’s psychic abilities and not something we would have otherwise been believing. If true, this could change how the events of The Phantom Pain took place.
The Nature of Metal Gear Solid 5 Has Always Been Open to Interpretation
The Phantom Pain has always been a game that’s open to interpretation, much like most of Hideo Kojima’s works. Blurring the line between real-life concepts and themes that are highly imaginative, the game serves as the perfect example of something that would inspire countless theories.
There are many reasons for this. Firstly, the game’s ending doesn’t provide much closure. It leaves many questions unanswered, and raises more ideas than it could possible entertaining. What better way to give players enough reasons to build theories for the same?
Secondly, the game is an emotional journey that entails a personal and exclusive experience for everyone who plays the game. The cyclic nature of war and grief can create a breathing space for players to create their own sense of experience. Every conversation about the game will feel different based on who’s talking about it.
How has your experience of the game been? What do you think of the Third Child theory? Are there other Metal Gear Solid theories you’d like to explore? Let us know in the comments below.
