Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater is one of the more popular games in the MGS series. It was first released on the Playstation 2 in 2006 and it recently appeared in a compilation for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. More recently, it has been revamped for the 3DS containing true 3D graphics and gyroscope controls.
Despite the age of the game it’s based on, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D’s story is timeless. Set during the cold war, Naked Snake (as he is known in this sequel) must infiltrate the deep jungles of the Soviet Union to rescue weapons designer Sokolov.
During his mission, Snake learns that his mentor, The Boss, has defected to the Soviet Union. He also learns of the Treading Behemoth and its devastating potential. The story takes many different turns before reaching its climatic end.
The Nintendo 3DS version of MGS Snake Eater is a perfect port of the original. Gameplay is stealth / action based with Snake armed with his trademark knife and tranquilizer gun. A good portion of the game is spent sneaking through tall grass, hiding behind trees, and knocking on objects to attract guards.
Snake’s visibility depends on the camouflage system. This system decreases Snake’s visibility while crawling though the underbrush. Depending on the environment, the camouflage system helps to conceal Snake by providing woodland, black and splitter face paint and uniforms. If you’re in a heavy wooded area, the woodland camouflage would be the obvious choice to avoid capture.
One of the more interesting features is the Cure System. When injured during combat, Snake can disinfect, suture deep wounds and splinter broken limbs. It’s important to follow the medical procedures first explained in the beginning or it could have disastrous results on the mission.
Gamers still on the fence about the Circle Pad Pro accessory should give it some serious consideration. Even though MGS Snake Eater 3D will function without it, controlling the camera with the face buttons can be a chore (especially when you’re crawling on your belly). The camera is too sluggish to be effective during combat and you will find yourself tapping the buttons frequently to find the right camera angle.
Combat is far more convenient than previous versions. Aiming and shooting is assigned to the shoulder buttons, and since the HUD (Heads up Display) is assigned to the touch screen, food, medical supplies and weapons can be easily selected without interrupting the action. Even the mapping system uses the touch screen.
Gameplay benefits greatly from the 3DS’ 3-axis gyroscope technology. When Snake encounters an old bridge for instance, you must tilt the 3DS system from left to right to keep your balance. The more you tilt the system to one side the more Snake will lean. The trick to not falling is to keep the balance meter centered.
An icon resembling the 3DS system appears on-screen with an arrow that keeps track of Snake’s balance. This system is used throughout the game. You have complete control over Snake’s movement whether you’re walking on a tree branch or a building support beam.
As far as graphics are concerned, Snake Eater is above average for a 3DS title. Environments contain crisp and vibrant textures and character models look polished. It’s in the smaller details like the alligators and snakes in the Soviet jungle that lack the most detail, but this is forgivable considering the overall presentation.
Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D is a worthwhile investment for any gamer who is a fan of MGS. Just remember to purchase the Circle Pad Pro accessory; it will make your time in the Soviet Union a lot easier.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
ESRB: M (Mature)
Price: $39.99
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| Crisp and vibrant graphics enhance the experience | |
| Sound | |
| Plenty of voice acting and classic MGS music. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Solid combat system and stealth mechanics. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| 3DS gamers will enjoy Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D. | |
