Raiden's role in "Metal Gear Solid 2" has been analyzed by several writers, who said he is intended to represent the player. Early in the game, when Raiden's virtual reality training is mentioned, the game shows scenes from the previous game "Metal Gear Solid" in which the player takes control of Solid Snake. Raiden's interactions with veteran Solid Snake identify the former as "a "Metal Gear" fan". As the game progresses it is stated that Raiden "has become Snake", having developed skills similar to those he gained from taking part in the Big Shell's fights that resemble "Metal Gear Solid"s Shadow Moses Island. The recurring plot twist involving Raiden's life and the people with whom he often interacts have been praised as being early post-truth content in a video game. Raiden's interaction with the Patriots was also analyzing the way the digital era became relevant over a decade after "Sons of Liberty" was released. Raiden's development in "Sons of Liberty" were becomes a stronger soldier for imitating Snake's role in "Metal Gear Solid" was retold in "The Phantom Pain" when the player learns their character, Venom Snake, is not the famous Big Boss but instead a doctor who was hypnotized into being a double of the mercenary across the video game.