MGS3 - nothing short of epic (Metal Gear Solid 3 - Snake Eater (PS2))

Member Name: smooth_criminal_

Product:	Metal Gear Solid 3 - Snake Eater (PS2)
Date:	07/08/07 (210 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A benchmark for the stealth genre with innovative and imaginative gameplay

Disadvantages: This may put the makers of Splinter Cell out of business

The Metal Gear Solid series is now forever ingrained in the hearts and minds of gamers as a piece of gaming history - an unconquerable giant overshadowing the stealth genre, constantly setting the standard and tone for the future of gaming. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, is, in every conceivable measure, the pinnacle of the series, and it pushes the stealth genre to the edge; the game is teeming with innovation and confidence, driven by the defiant belief of its creator, Hideo Kojima.

For many fans of the series, MGS2 was a major disappointment. MGS3 could be viewed as an apology for MGS2, but it's much more than that; it's an epic reminder of why the series first began, and why it has been so successful. MGS3 encompasses everything that a stealth game should be, evoking memories of the original MGS games. For a long time, MGS1 has been set in my mind as the immovable stealth gaming juggernaut, but MGS3 has changed my mind.

This is a game that breaks boundaries in an unprecedented manner, and sets new benchmarks in almost every area. The storyline is brilliantly executed, and provides a powerful focus point around which the game is played - something I haven't seen since MGS1. Playing as Big Boss before he was corrupted, even the most cynical of gamers will be hooked.

Graphics

Snake Eater's graphics are probably the most beautiful that have ever been created using the PS2's hardware, and are an improvement on those seen in MGS2. It's hard to think of a game on the PS2 which has better graphics; however, compared to most modern PC games, they're about average.

The most impressive thing about MGS3's graphics is the surroundings and the environment. From the trees, long grass, and swamps of the game's outdoor environment to the precisely placed bookshelves and computers of its indoor environment, the graphics don't fail to amaze. Their realism and accuracy helps to make the game more believable, which is a definite advantage considering MGS' surreal tendencies.

The characters are also extremely well done, especially Big Boss, but even the standard soldiers look convincing, which is rare for any game. The weapon design is equally as convincing, putting most First Person Shooters to shame. It's clear that presentation is integral to MGS3, and this really lifts the game, adding that touch of realism and atmosphere, things which, usually, can only be provided with good graphics. Snake Eater definitely delivers in terms of graphical quality, with no faults at all - not one.

20/20

Sound

The sounds in MGS3 are rich and atmospheric, complimenting the game's gameplay and graphics. Stealth games can be very quiet at times, and sounds are crucial for navigating one's way past enemies. The sound of an enemy's footsteps nearby is incredibly distinctive, as is the ominous sound of a snake lurking in the grass, or the flutter of a bird's wings in the trees - things which, of course, can be seen as well as heard - and eaten too.

The sound of gunfire is quite unique, and the gunfire sounds were a criticism which I had of MGS2 - they didn't sound realistic at all. However, things have changed, and they are absolutely perfect. The Voice acting is first rate, with a welcome return by David Hayter voicing Big Boss. The sound of Solid Snake, in this case Big Boss, is a trademark of the series, and Hayter, as always, does an excellent job, and he's superbly complimented by a host of other voice acting talent.

20/20

Gameplay

There are only a few, minor criticisms that I could make concerning MGS3's gameplay, but they were outweighed by the sheer brilliance of the gameplay in general. MGS3 is a stealth game, and, therefore, the aim isn't so much to kill the enemy, but rather to sneak past them unharmed, although killing them always remains a satisfying option. Snake Eater's features provide an excellent variety of different ways to achieve this aim, including climbing trees, crawling through the grass, and hiding behind all the different objects in the MGS world. However, aside from these, the newest innovation is the camouflage index. This adds a completely different aspect to stealth gaming; essentially, it allows you to change your camouflage, of which there is a large selection, to suit your environment, thus giving you more chance of avoiding enemy detection. This idea was a real bonus while playing the game, and it gives you many more options than you would usually have.

This feature in no way makes the game easier, however, because the nature of MGS has changed in Snake Eater - most of it is played outdoors, and there's no radar. This makes the game a lot harder, and the enemy can spot you much more easily; it also adds a sense of realism to the series, something which it had previously lacked and had let it down against more realistic rivals such as Splinter Cell. The outdoor environments are far more exciting, and allow you to have some real fun with the enemy - you feel rather like the Predator, picking off squads of men from a tree top, or Rambo, creeping up on guards from behind the foliage and slitting their throats with a combat knife.

In terms of combat, the hand to hand fighting has been completely revamped, and there's been a huge step up from the old punch kick combo which had been used since MGS1. A technique called CQC is now used for close quarters, and it can be used to deliver a number of different moves to incapacitate the enemy. Of course, enemies can still be held up, knocked out, and you can break their necks - you can now also use a knife, which had been long demanded by MGS fans. The hand to hand combat adds a real touch of style and polish to the gameplay in general. The weapons are also brilliant, with a wide range of guns and grenades, including a shotgun, a pistol, a heavy machine gun, a sniper rifle, and a collection of different automatic weapons. The larger selection of guns makes the shoot outs much more exciting, especially in the jungle. The Bosses in MGS3 also provide a good battle, if a little easy at times. The End provides the most interesting fight, an intense sniper battle, in which patience is vital, The Fury the most scary, and The Boss the hardest, but they're all entertaining and help to break up the gameplay.

The gameplay in Snake Eater keeps you on edge with its incredible immersive, heart stopping action. The game lets the player decide how they want to tackle the situation, rather than deciding for them, and the options aren't limited in any way - you're the boss, excuse the pun. The player is not only full of ingenuity and innovation itself, it also demands that the gamer is, constantly keeping you on your toes and asking you to take risks and try new things. The situations vary from one environment to the next, and there's little repetition. From the time you turn on your PS2 to the time you've turned it off, you're totally fixated on the game, and this is mostly due to the gameplay. It can be hard, especially towards the end when there are a lot of soldiers in very small spaces, but getting past situations unseen and unheard is extremely rewarding, as is the gameplay in general.

Two other new factors also add to the excitement and realism of the game. First of all, in order to stay alive, Big Boss must find and eat food. This adds a whole new level to the gameplay, giving it much more depth; it also means you have a lot more to think about while playing - getting your next meal becomes a primary concern. Another new factor is that you have to heal your injuries; for example, if Big Boss gets a broken leg, then he has to bandage it up and heal it. There are a number of different options for treating a number of different injuries; this feature runs this risk of making the game overcomplicated and detracting from the excitement of stealth gaming, but fortunately it's done well enough for it not to be a problem.

The only criticisms of the gameplay are that, firstly, on occasion, and especially at the beginning, the cut scenes are a bit much. However, they're no where near as bad as in MGS2, and are essential for telling the storyline and developing the plot into the conspiracy driven thriller that it is. The cut scenes would only put off the most impatient of gamers, and this type of gamer shouldn't be playing in this genre anyway. Secondly, the combination of the camouflage index, hunting and eating food, and healing injuries could prove frustrating if the gamer just wants to get straight into the action. Despite these small things, the gameplay is nothing short of captivating.

24/25

Lifespan

MGS3 gives you a lot more options, in terms of gameplay, than its predecessors in the series, and this, in turn, adds to the replay factor. Once the game is completed, a number of features are unlocked in order to spice up the gameplay; for example, a new weapon is unlocked - the patriot machine gun, and Big Boss can be dressed up in a James Bond - style suit. These things are just gimmicks, but it gives the gamer more of an incentive to play the game again. The actual game itself is fairly average in length, comparable with both MGS1 and 2, so it'll take about a week of fairly intense gaming to complete, although it could be done in just a few days if you got really obsessed, as I did!.

However, there is no multiplayer, unlike in Splinter Cell 2 and 3, and there's no online mode. It's questionable whether or not there is a place for these things in MGS, or in the stealth genre at all, and so the lack of multiplayer isn't an important factor. It does mean, however, that MGS3 may lose out to Splinter Cell in terms of lifespan, although the game's single player replay factor more than makes up for this.

24/25

Originality

In terms of gameplay, MGS3 is built upon a set of firm foundations from which the stealth genre originally grew up. The basic principles are unchanged, but Snake Eater is full of new ideas and innovation which provides these principles with a new slant. The new features aren't just gimmicks - the game doesn't believe that originality can be produced from a couple of new gadgets and a new method of attracting the enemy's attention.

The camouflage index, the CQC, the hunting and eating, and the healing are all highly original ideas that change MGS without damaging it irrevocably; moreover, these new ideas set a benchmark for other stealth titles. In terms of the plot, it couldn't be more original; it's a little cheesy at times, however, showing that Kojima's games are more influenced by Hollywood than they used to be, but the storyline is intriguing and full of twists and turns, which adds character and excitement to the game as a whole.

10/10

Overall

With MGS4 on the cards, it's clear that Metal Gear Solid will continue to dominate the stealth series for a long time to come, despite what the folks down in Ubi Soft say. MGS always sets the trend in the genre, and then the other games follow with a few gimmicks here and there. Hideo Kojima knows how to appeal to gamers, and especially fans of the stealth genre. At the beginning of this review, I described MGS1 as a juggernaut, and I think that's the best possible description of the MGS series as a whole - the games, the vision, and the dedication of the series will forever prevail over titles such as Splinter Cell, which have always lived in Metal Gear Solid's shadow.

MGS3 is a gaming experience that no one should miss out on. It doesn't matter whether you're a hardcore fan of the genre and series, or whether you're a newcomer wanting to see what the fuss is all about, you'll love this game. It's one of the best games that I have ever played, and I don't say that lightly - I've played a lot of very good games.

98%

Price:£5.99 (Game)

Summary: MGS3 is a gaming experience that no one should miss out on