Metal Gear Solid 3: Video Game Review

Metal Gear Solid 3 was certainly a relief to fans that suffered through the complications of Metal Gear Solid 2 and it's plot and changing characters. This game does not disappoint fans of the series and it is one of the better games produced for the Playstation 2.

Graphically, the game is quite good for a PS2 game even for 2004. Everything looks crisp and there are no slowdowns. Gameplay was a little clunky with the original version of the game, Snake Eater. Subsistence has a different camera view where you can more easily look around at your surroundings.

The storyline is a refreshing one and one which has many of the elements of the series, some emotion, some love and some comedy. The 1960s James Bond theme is seen throughout the game and is pleasant for those who are even semi-James Bond fans. The characters are complex and make you interested in them throughout the game. Naked Snake is a great character and really gives some insight into the rest of the series by what he does in this adventure. I also think that this game had the most comedy out of all of them. Snake, especially, was someone who has subtle references to the future and his love of cigars. In one scene talking to Para-Medic, Snake says cigars are "NOT the same thing" with cigarettes." It is a pleasant experience.

Overall, the game is something which will prove very enjoyable with a number of different aspects. The eating system in the jungle is certainly unique and brings something fresh to the game. There are of course some hidden items as well. There's also a camo index which really brings into play your style of uniform to wear. There are different uniforms for different situations and it gives Snake a new look where's he is not wearing the same black skull suit all the time.

I would be remiss if I did not mention CQC, the new combat system for Snake. He can now choke, get information for soldiers that he has held up. You determine the action.

The boss battles are something fresh as producer/director Hideo Kojima wanted. The one with the End can take up to an hour and can be very frustrating at times. Features with this battle can be done during the game or with your PS2 system to avoid and skip this battle altogether.

The music soundtrack is simply great from Harry Gregson-Williams. The music matches perfectly to the 60s theme the game has as well as the emotion that is conveyed in the game.

I highly recommend this game for everybody that is a MGS fan or just a fan of action games. You will not be disappointed.