Maybe from 1 to 2 (though he didn't seem like the type to be devious in 1), but from 2 to 4? That was a bit of an about-face, if you ask me.
I say this even though Old Snake is clearly Best Snakein worst Metal Gear
Well to be fair it's been quite a while since I played through 4 but my take on it was that his characterization was changed within a reasonable degree considering the circumstances.
Aside from the different outlook, Snake was finally put into the role of the guy who knows stuff rather than the clueless guy who gets explained everything to him because he's the player character (They do revert that in 4 and that was kind of terrible tbh) but I didn't think he was out of Charon messing with Raiden a bit. I know everyone in MGS2 is supposed to lie to Jack, but I don't actually recall Snake doing it, perhaps I'm forgetting something and knowing you I wouldn't be surprised if you refreshed my memory if I'm wrong.
Personally I like Solid 2 Snake the most.
I liked the game the most too.