10 Secret Ways You Can Save Video Game Bosses From Themselves
6. Freeing The End From His Battle Obligation: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The Cobra Unit of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater gave the player a colorful cast of foes and a truly unique series of boss battles. Both of these things are common traits of the series, but for The End, Hideo Kojima added perhaps the greatest little easter egg or twist ever.
The End is an elderly sniper who feels duty-bound to have a final sniper showdown with Naked Snake. As he puts it, "I beg of you, grant me the strength to take this final prey." The grizzled old warrior, while putting up a great fight in the encounter that unfolds (if played legitimately), may have been better served with a peaceful ... end. In the original PlayStation 2 version of the game, it was possible to give him just that.
Saving the game and setting the console's clock two weeks ahead would cause The End to pass away of old age on returning, skipping the battle that would otherwise ensue. It's also possible to kill him with a sniper shot when he appears out in the open prior to the battle, but this is rather less peaceful.