Major Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov's character is meant to mock MGS2's effeminate protagonist Raiden, who was met with mixed-to-negative criticism among Metal Gear Solid's western fanbase for replacing Solid Snake as the star. Although it isn't explicitly stated, the game heavily implies that Raikov is Colonol Volgin's gay lover.

This plays an important part during a particular scene when Snake is disguised as Raikov in order to infiltrate the Shagohod testing facility. Snake's cover is blown by Volgin who states that he was "waiting for Raikov in his room." Volgin grabs Snakes' crotch twice, thus revealing his identity. Volgin then exclaims "I know the Major better than anyone else." Volgin later beats Naked Snake to a pulp in retribution for Snake "hurting" Raikov.

Several other small hints at Raikov's sexual orientation are present in the game. If the player attempts to distract Raikov with a pornographic magazine, he will only give a brief glance at it and walk away instead of reading through it. Raikov also wears black underwear with a lightning bolt monogrammed on them (seen after stealing his uniform), a reference to Volgin's powers. EVA also drops hints about his homosexuality during a codec call.

MGS3: Subsistence later dropped more clues about Raikov. In the online mode of Subsistence, players can play Raikov, who's special move is a massive crotch grab that renders his opponent stunned. The Secret Theatre film 'Metal Gear Raiden: Snake Eraser' also jokes about Raikov's homosexuality and his purposeful resemblance to Raiden.

Despite being Volgin's male lover, Volgin himself appears to be bisexual, having an abusive relationship with Tatyana. He is a sadist, however, and treats her rather harshly compared to Raikov, whom he adores.

During the escape through the woods, if you interrogate EVA, there's a chance she'll say "Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right...", this is a reference to the Konami Code.