Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

November 23,2004 -

The Metal Gear Solid franchise is arguably the best, most'tried-and-true stealth action series'in existence. Between the revolutionary Metal Gear Solid and the cinematic epic classic Sons of Liberty, the series has proven time and time again that it is here to stay. Metal Gear Solid is back, this time in a new era, with a new setting, and an entirely different story.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the name of the game, and it puts you in the role of 'Naked Snake.' You're on a mission to save a Russian scientist named Nikolai Stepanovich Sokolov who has defected to America but is now making an unbelievably dangerous weapon for the Russians at the height of a time that would later be known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. As Snake you have one objective: to recapture Sokolov and bring him back to American soil so he cannot make this ultimate weapon which has the United States trembling with fear. Snake is a CIA agent, and a disciple of the legendary hero known simply as'The Boss.' He is also a master at covert operations and close-quarters combat, which is one of the new additions to the gameplay this time around.

The game takes place in the jungle in the 1960s and it really makes note of it in just about every way possible. Snake Eater is so enriched with American history, it's really remarkable. It gives it an amazing sense of style and it definitely makes'the experience'interesting. Like the other Metal Gear Solid games, you're going to be spending a good portion of the game watching cutscenes and listening to codec conversations, probably as much as you'll be playing the actual game. Over the first two hours of the game there will only be about 30 minutes of gameplay time, but after that things start to calm down and you'll find yourself playing more and more. So if you were hoping for a stealth-action game that is more gameplay focused (a la Splinter Cell) you're probably not going to find it here. Snake Eater is incredibly story-driven and'adds immensely to the atmosphere around you ' which, to put it simply, has never been better.

There was a lot of speculation and tons of conspiracy theories surrounding Snake Eater before its release as people wondered'who is who and what is what. In the interest of avoiding spoilers, we're not going to explain too much of the story, but believe this: Snake Eater's story is good, really good. This game is definitely a step up from Sons of Liberty in terms of gameplay, presentation, and story.''Unfortunately, it'doesn't quite have the remarkable impact that either of the first two did for their time. But in terms of sheer quality, this one hangs up there with the best, no question about it.

As far as the gameplay goes, it's starting to show its age. Fixed cameras and static controls are really holding it back from perfection. Thankfully, the game's developer, Hideo Kojima, has added enough to the core gameplay to make a substantial leap over Sons of Liberty, even more so than Sons of Liberty did over the first entry in the series. For example, as Snake Eater's name implies, you're going to be feeding off prey in the jungle. Snakes, rabbits, mushrooms, rations, and even instant noodles are things that you'll be picking up along your adventure in Snake Eater. All of these things don't heal you,'but instead they give you more stamina. Stamina directly correlates with your performance on the battlefield. Stamina and health are two different things this time. In Metal Gear Solid a ration or two would completely heal you; however, in Snake Eater, your health will only be recovered with time. Take some time to wait out your wounds if you want to heal, but you'll need to treat your wounds first.

This new aspect'is one of the most interesting and unique parts of Snake Eater. Curing your wounds is something that really hasn't been seen in a game before, at least not like this. You start out by going'into your menu screen to check out what is ailing you. Sometimes you'll be poisoned, sometimes you'll have cuts, sometimes your bones will be broken, and sometimes you'll have gunshot wounds, amongst other things. You have tons of supplies that'can be used to treat you.'Splints, bandages, ointments, knives, and'other similar products will help'you cure yourself with whatever problem you have. This is worked seamlessly into the gameplay. Any time you receive damage you'll want to go cure yourself, because it will take stamina and health away if you don't. When you're all cured up, you heal quicker and have better performance.

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