9 Best Fan Service Moments In Video Games

7. Rex vs. Ray - Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

There’s an argument to be made that Metal Gear Solid 4 is the reigning champion of fan service and how to do it right.

The grand conclusion of Solid Snake’s journey is handled with such expertise and intensity that it’s no wonder the game nails its subtle and not so subtle nods to fans just as well. The game is riddled with returning fan favourite characters like Otacon and Eva, there are a number of epic showdowns fans had been waiting for, the ending is flawless, and the return to Shadow Moses Island in its entirety is very cool.

We’re honing in on one particular moment in that sequence though and that’s Snake and Liquid facing off while operating Metal Gear REX and Metal Gear RAY respectively.

This is actually the only time you really get to use a proper Metal Gear in the whole franchise so, you know, enjoy it.

The fight is epic as all get out, as you’d expect given you’re housed in an enormous mech fighting another mech. The conclusion with Raiden is also really cool. This entire encounter was designed to make fans happy who had been wishing for a Rex vs. Ray stand off and it absolutely succeeded.