Joystiq

Psycho Mantis

Easily one of Metal Gear Solid's most famous villains, Psycho Mantis is a telepathic and telekinetic weirdo with a thing for gas masks. Though his offensive tactic is mainly to fling furniture and float menacingly, his invasion of personal space leaves a real impression. From reading Snake's mind (see: your memory card) to shifting the controller across the floor (don't panic, it's just the rumble), Mantis requires outside-the-box thinking to defeat. As in, outside the television.

Special abilities: Telekinesis, telepathy and, as evidenced by Meryl's meddling in the boss fight, mind control. It's the only time when punching a girl's lights out is the gentlemanly thing to do.

Weaknesses: Psycho Mantis is vulnerable to gunfire, specifically the kind that he can't predict. Since he knows "your every move," it's up to to you (and not Snake) to save the day. Plugging the controller into a different port will confuse Mantis immensely.

Trivia: The mind reader's final act is one of kindness, as he shifts a bookcase and reveals a secret doorway (always!) before his last gasp. What a nice guy.

09/06/08