Solid Snake, of the famed Metal Gear video game franchise by Japanese gaming company Konami, is like a combo super soldier. The covert operations master is part spy, mercenary and espionage expert and has been the focus of FOXHOUND unit since 1987. This week’s iconic fictional hero is none other than Solid Snake.

For those of you not in the know, Snake is a broken soldier. His tale has been told over the course of over two decades and throughout multiple stories, enemies and friends, he has become a staple in the fictional world of espionage and covert ops. His staple headband and cigarette have followed him everywhere from multiple game titles to cameo appearances in cross franchise games such as Super Smash Brothers. But what really makes Snake an icon is the fact that he never stays down. He’s been beat up, thrown to the wolves (literally), shot at and in almost every title killed, but always seems to come back stronger.

Snake’s family tree is a bit of a mess. In true Star Wars fashion he’s had to battle his father, his brother and his creators in multiple instances. He’s not the type to make friends, but for those in FOXHOUND in his good books, knowing Snake is definitely a benefit. Usually accompanied by his technical adviser/computer guru Otacon, Snake is at the top of his game when he’s being resourceful. It shouldn’t surprise anyone when he finds a sniper rifle, RPG or a smoke grenade and is able to take down entire armies all without being seen.