Back to the Future? That Will Create a Time Paradox!
Now we will talk about the aspects of the game, only in general with some detailing, but nothing like spoilers here.
Game-play = 10/10
First, the game has different difficulties so feel free to choice whatever you want. I like this option in games, because it will make you come back for challenges and make you enjoy an easy first run of the game.
As we know, every game in the series can be played as an action or a stealth game. But I must show here that this game, with its improvements and new options, improve the stealthy aspects of Metal Gear Solid. Thus making the stealth more exciting and challenging, but not irritating.
For the controls, they were well planted here and they were improved very well (better than the last two games of the series). Maybe some may find them hard at the beginning, but you will get used to it in less than half an hour.
The camera... this is one of the best improvements in the series! Every Metal Gear Solid had an over the head camera before this game, but this game came with the 3D Shooter camera that was easily controlled. You can use the right analog stick to control the camera and have a better view for the surroundings; thus making it way easier to go and sneak your way in a stealthy fashion.
Also, you can turn from the 3D view to the first person view. This is really helpful in aiming! You can easily aim to the head with this view and thus send the enemy into a fast sleep.
Now, for the new options in the game play. There are many different camouflages in the game, each can be used better in certain areas. Which one to use is totally up to you, but there is a percentage (eg: 10%, 90%) in one corner of the screen that shows you how good this camouflage in this environment. So keep an eye for the percentage in order to stay as much as possible out of sight. This is a very good options as it gives you the feel of realism, and you will see that this option was adapted into future installments for the series.
Metal Gear Solid 3 had a new health and stamina system. Naked Snake will get injuries like fractures, burns,... etc. And you will have to treat/cure him! In your way in the adventure, you will find medicines and medical aiding tools that you can use to recover from these injuries and thus recover your health and stamina. A new creative way that worked well!
Also, you can catch snakes, frogs, rats... etc and eat them to recover health and stamina!
Finally, Game-Play is definitely on the good side here. In my opinion, it was really perfect and the improvements were all welcomed, in fact... wanted!
Story = 10/10
As the introduction showed, that this game took place in the 1960's in the Soviet Union. Naked Snake was given the mission to rescue a scientist who was creating a machine for the Soviet Union. Later, things will get mixed up and Naked Snake will get a new mission called operation Snake Eater.
You will encounter many memorable characters in this game and many good boss fights, and if you thought that other games in the series already did that... Think again! Cause this game has more character than any in the series! Naked Snake will meet and face The Boss, Volgin, Ocelot, Eva, and Major Zero. These are the main characters not forgetting the exciting boss battles with The End, The Fury, The Pain and The Sorrow. So Snake Eater had many great characters and very exciting boss fights. (Psycho Mantis remains my Favorite even after this game though.)
Also, it must be noticed that the story had a slow start, but as soon as it catches up, it will be thrilling!
Graphics = 10/10
Charming! The in-game graphics are one of the best you can find on the PS2.
The cut-scenes are also wonderful in this one. And the effects are stunning. It's like watching a movie... a classic movie!
All I can say here is... Phenomenal.
Sound & Music = 10/10
Catching! The main soundtrack is simply catching. Other soundtracks and music are on the up and the good side as well.
Sound effects are beautifully done here. As Mr. Kojima always did, they are always one of the best effects in there generation.
Voice Acting was superb! As I said, it's like watching a classic movie!
There are times in the game, were music and graphics make you into the game and live it! Stunning and dazzling work in the atmosphere in general.
Lasting = 10/10
There are many different weapons, camouflages and items that can be unlocked in this game. You would want to play 2-3 times in order to fully get every secret in this game.
You would also want to play the game in different styles and try new things because this game allows it! Like try to unleash a bees heave into an enemy! or unleash a snake and poison them! ... Be creative you will find ways, many ways!
There was an online mode in this game, not anymore though, because there is Metal Gear online on PS3 now! But back then the online was great. There were five different modes to play: sneaking, capture, rescue, team death match and death match. All were interesting to be honest.
Then there is the theater mode, where you can watch movies and scenes. Not only the game scenes, but also some new scenes and funny scenes! Ones that will create time paradox! (Play it and you will get this one.)
After that comes the addition of the first two Metal Gear(s) on the MSX... YES! Disc two of this game, has both Metal Gear and Metal Gear:Solid Snake. Personally, I didn't want to miss on them, so I played and enjoyed both! It's a very surprising and good addition.
Disc two had also a mini game called Snake vs. Monkey. Where you, as Naked Snake, go against monkeys from Ape Escape! :o Very Funny if you ask me!
These additions will definitely give you more reasons to play the game again and again. So you will spend a great amount of time with this game!
Overall = 10/10
Well told story, phenomenal graphics, stunning voice acting, epic soundtrack, top-notch effects, exciting boss battles, deep character, impressive game-play and wonderful additions are all in this title! Surely The best Metal Gear Solid ever... so far!
This is one of the best games ever. That's why I gave the long and detailed review. I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful. I tried to keep it as spoiler free as possible.