New Snake Eater details emerge

Konami of Europe has today released new information concerning the new close-quarter combat (CQC) system that will appear in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Developed in association with the series' military advisor, Motosada Mori, the CQC system will allow players to employ hand-to-hand combat techniques in addition to the weapons-based combat usually associated with the Metal Gear series.

The CQC system will boast a large number of authentic military moves and techniques, and it will allow players to fight with multiple enemies simultaneously. The system will come into effect automatically when players enter a combat situation while unarmed or while carrying a knife or handgun. When used in conjunction with the camouflage index detailed in our recent preview, the CQC system will allow players to physically take out many of the guards that patrol the game's locales without risking discovery by firing a gun.

To ensure that the CQC moves are carried out seamlessly and smoothly, Kojima-san and the rest of the Snake Eater development team have employed groundbreaking motion-capture systems and techniques. One key innovation, which has been previously used in movies, was the employment of a trampoline and controlled air pressure during the sessions to accurately re-create the effects of explosions on unsuspecting victims.

We'll bring you more information on Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, which is scheduled for release later this year, as soon as it becomes available.