METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version

Developer: KONAMI
Release: Oct 24th 2023
Platforms:
Action
Immersive
Classic
Innovative
Clunky Controls
Technical Issues
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version Poster

METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version Review

METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version is widely regarded as a classic stealth action game that masterfully blends cinematic storytelling with immersive gameplay mechanics. Set during the Cold War, players control Naked Snake on a covert mission filled with emotional depth, political intrigue, and philosophical themes. The Master Collection faithfully preserves the original experience, enhancing it with higher resolution and stable performance on modern platforms without overhauling the core design.

Gameplay emphasizes outdoor stealth, survival mechanics like camouflage and stamina management, and tactical decision-making, rewarding patience and creativity. Iconic boss battles and memorable characters elevate the narrative impact. However, the port exhibits some shortcomings such as clunky controls, dated UI, and occasional technical issues on PC. While it lacks modern quality-of-life improvements and removed some extras from earlier editions, it remains a must-play for fans and newcomers, showcasing Kojima’s storytelling prowess and innovative design. Overall, it stands as a timeless classic with enduring appeal.

Highlights

Players praise the game's rich storyline set against a Cold War backdrop, with compelling characters like Naked Snake and The Boss. The innovative camouflage and survival mechanics deepen immersion, making stealth gameplay unique and rewarding. Iconic boss fights are celebrated for their design and emotional weight. The Master Collection's HD visuals and stable performance enhance the experience while retaining the original's artistic style and atmosphere. The soundtrack and cinematic presentation continue to captivate players, solidifying Snake Eater as a high point in the Metal Gear series.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the PC port's technical flaws, including crashes, lack of keyboard support, and a cumbersome launcher. Controls and UI feel dated and clunky by modern standards, sometimes hindering fast-paced action. Some players miss removed content like Ape Escape mode and Metal Gear Online. The higher resolution offers no tactical advantage, and the game could benefit from quality-of-life improvements. A few found the story less compelling than other entries, and some experienced frustration with gameplay difficulty or pacing, though these are often subjective.

Pros

  • Engaging Cold War storyline with emotional and philosophical depth.
  • Innovative camouflage and survival mechanics enhance stealth gameplay.
  • Iconic boss battles that blend narrative and gameplay masterfully.
  • Faithful HD port preserving original game's atmosphere and design.
  • Memorable characters and rich narrative development throughout.
  • Stable performance on modern platforms with higher resolution visuals.
  • Immersive jungle environment that influences tactical decisions.

Cons

  • Technical issues on PC including crashes and poor launcher design.
  • Dated controls and UI can feel clunky and unintuitive.
  • Missing content from previous editions like Ape Escape mode.
  • No significant gameplay or control modernizations in this port.
  • Higher resolution provides no real tactical advantage.
  • Keyboard and mouse support is limited or awkward.
  • Some players find pacing slow or gameplay frustrating.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the origin story of Naked Snake and his mentor The Boss and the fifth title in the METAL GEAR series.

Release Date Oct 24th 2023
Publisher KONAMI
Developer KONAMI
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (2,682)
87% Positive 13% Negative