Even with Snake taken out of MGS2 the protagonist, I still found it even with Raiden a great game BECAUSE Snake was still in the game as Pliskin, and his role and story was still explored from Raiden's viewpoint. Pliskin was a homage to Snake, as a far deeper character, perhaps after losing Meryl and stuff, he was hardened into a mercenary. Raiden continues to question Pliskin about his loyalty, and his devotion to his nation as a soldier; I loved the cut-scenes between them, as Pliskin would continue to show more of his pain he suffered in the original game. My favourite game in the series is MGS3 because of the music and story-line.
