Hideo Kojima confesses where he got the idea for one of the most iconic moments in Metal Gear

Psycho Mantis, one of the most iconic characters in the Metal Gear Solid saga, left an indelible impression on PS1 players thanks to his extraordinary psychic powers. From his first appearance, Mantis not only presented a challenge for Solid Snake, but also broke the fourth wall, surprising players with unexpected interactions that only a master of video game design like Hideo Kojima could conceive.

Kojima’s inspiration for creating Psycho Mantis dates back to the movie The Fury by Brian De Palma, acclaimed for its combination of suspense and supernatural elements. Although many associate the character with Carrie, which is also directed by De Palma, Kojima’s fascination was focused on “The Fury,” which features characters endowed with telekinesis and extrasensory perception. In this sense, the characters of Gillian Bellaver and Robin, with their superhuman abilities, were crucial for the conceptualization of Mantis.

In a recent interview, Kojima also clarified misunderstandings regarding the inspirations for Mantis’s game mechanics. When asked if the object-throwing was based on the famous battle between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, the developer dismissed the idea, pointing to a more direct influence from the movie The Fury. He also explained that the moment when Otacon hides from the Cyborg Ninja was based on an iconic scene of Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween.

The Relationship Between Cinema and Video Games, Always Very Close in Hideo Kojima

These revelations highlight the depth of character design in Metal Gear Solid, showing how cinema and video games can intertwine to create memorable and unique experiences. Psycho Mantis is not only remembered for his abilities but also for his innovative narrative approach that paved the way for future developments in the video game industry. And soon he will return with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the third installment of the franchise.

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