Genome Soldiers: What Became of Shadow Moses’s Gene-Enhanced Goons?
Remember the Genome Soldiers? They were gene-augmented troops that matched Solid Snake’s skills back in Shadow Moses in Metal Gear Solid. They formed the muscle for Liquid Snake’s FOXHOUND rebellion. They were engineered to be super soldiers, faster and stronger than average privates. But what happened to them after the chaos of Shadow Moses? Let’s explore their fate in the Metal Gear saga.
The Genome Soldiers originated from Dr. Clark, known as Para-Medic, during the “Les Enfants Terribles” project. This project aimed to create soldiers with superior combat powers using genes from Big Boss. They were deployed to FOXHOUND, becoming elite fighters under Liquid Snake. They supported his plan to seize Metal Gear REX and hold the world hostage. In battle, they gave Snake a tremendous challenge at the Shadow Moses facility.
So, what happened to them after Solid Snake foiled Liquid’s plans and destroyed Metal Gear REX? The aftermath was grim for the Genome Soldiers. Shadow Moses Island turned into a radioactive wasteland after the chaos. It became unlikely a place to survive. Any survivors from the initial events faced dire situations. They were on a contaminated island with no clear orders.
The survival rate for the Genome Soldiers during the incident wasn’t high. Solid Snake, being the main character, eliminated them easily. He took them down stealthily or engaged them in firefights. Explosions, gunfire, and rampaging cyborg ninjas increased the chaos, leading to high casualties. Many Genome Soldiers likely perished during that incident.
But what about those who survived? Did they disappear? It’s doubtful. There’s little detail on their fate after MGS1, but we can deduce their situation based on the narrative. FOXHOUND was dismantled and considered traitors after the incident. Any surviving soldiers were rogue elements tied to a failed coup, creating a liability for world governments. They wouldn’t be welcomed back.
Also, the genetic enhancements had drawbacks. They provided extra abilities but came with dependencies. The soldiers needed gene therapy to maintain their enhancements. Without FOXHOUND’s medical resources, they would face deterioration and health issues. Picture being a super soldier losing your edge due to genetic side effects. Not a pleasant fate.
Moreover, knowledge of the Genome Soldier project didn’t vanish with Shadow Moses. Military technology tends to resurface unexpectedly. Data on the project likely fell into the hands of rogue governments or private military companies. Thus, while the original Genome Army faced destruction, the concept of gene-enhanced soldiers persisted and could be weaponized later. The door of genetic engineering was now open and could not be shut.
Although we don’t see a return of “Genome Soldiers” in later games, their legacy remains. Genetically modified characters appear throughout the series, showing the issue of genetic manipulation lingers. The ethical and military implications present throughout the saga demonstrate themes rooted at Shadow Moses. While the original Genome Army fell victim to war, their existence foreshadowed the complex world of military technology. They may be gone, but the idea of genome soldiers was just beginning.
