The 50 Greatest Video Game Villains Of All Time
By Matt Becker
![Credit: Matt Becker (compilation); Capcom, NetherRealm, Nintendo (artwork) Credit: Matt Becker (compilation); Capcom, NetherRealm, Nintendo (artwork)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/34d5cf2cdb91fd228fd44851f48a4d572e29e3b9a02c3aa0e1d6ae80bb06b387.jpg)
Greatest Video Game Villains – #10 Psycho Mantis
Game(s): Metal Gear Solid
Background: A member of the high-tech special forces unit FOXHOUND, Psycho Mantis is considered one of the most powerful psychics in the Metal Gear universe. He is capable of moving objects with his mind, generating balls of psychic energy, telepathy, and mind control. Psycho Mantis also has shown the ability to turn into a ghost/phantom that could teleport and conjure hallucinations from another person’s mind. He uses his mind control abilities to take over Snake’s partner Meryl in an (unsuccessful) attempt to make her kill both Snake and herself. The creepy gas mask-wearing Psycho Mantis is best known for his unique boss fight mechanics that break the fourth wall.
Why He’s One Of The Greatest Video Game Villains: Psycho Mantis’ ability to get in the head of other characters as well as those of the player make him an extremely unusual and awesome villain. The boss battle with Psycho Mantis is considered one of the best of all time due to his ability to break the fourth wall. He makes the controller move through the rumble feature, makes players think he changed the channel on the TV, and has the ability to read the player’s memory cards, commenting on the number of saves made in the game as well as other save files on the card. In Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes for the Nintendo GameCube, players must switch the port their controller is using numerous times in order to defeat Mantis. The creepy nature of his personality and abilities along with the exceptionally unique boss fight mechanics give Psycho Mantis a solid placement on our greatest video game villains list.
Next: 9- Vaas Montenegro