1. The article explores the reasons behind the negative reception towards Raiden, the main protagonist of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. It explains that Raiden's introduction as the playable character, instead of the beloved Snake from the previous game, was a significant factor in the backlash. Fans were disappointed to lose control of the iconic character they had grown attached to and were not prepared for the shift in the protagonist.

2. The article delves into the character design and portrayal of Raiden, which contributed to the dislike from fans. Raiden's androgynous appearance and lack of a strong, defined personality were seen as less appealing compared to the gruff, experienced Snake. Additionally, Raiden's role as a rookie soldier-in-training was perceived as a step back from the skilled and seasoned protagonist of the previous game.

3. The article also discusses the game's narrative and how it played a role in the negative reception towards Raiden. The game's meta-commentary on player expectations and the manipulation of the player's experience was not well received by some fans, who felt that the game was intentionally subverting their expectations and challenging their preconceptions about the series. This added to the overall frustration with Raiden as the new protagonist.