Review: Metal Gear Solid 3 – Snake Eater
One of the drawbacks of doing game reviews the way I do is that I’m always behind the curve. For my reviews, I like to play games by chronological release date. Yes, I make exceptions from time to time. But the reason I do this is so that I can see how the industry has evolved. The side effect of this is that I often play games years after they were originally released. So, when I say that Metal Gear has been one of my favorite game series, you have to remember I’m only talking about the earliest games in the franchise. To date, I’ve played the first two Metal Gear titles and the first two games in the Metal Gear Solid series. I loved each and every one of them. Ever since I completed my review for Metal Gear Solid 2 three years ago, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Well, the time has finally arrived. Today, I’m going to share my thoughts on the third entry in the Metal Gear Solid series, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – A game that’s universally heralded as one of the greatest video games of all time.
As always, before I jump into my review, I do want to take a moment to discuss the different options that are available when it comes to playing this game. Metal Gear Solid 3 was originally released in late 2004 for the Playstation 2. An updated version of the game with improved camera controls and faster loading times was released in 2006 under the name Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. This new version also includes a number of extra mini games, cinematics, and also includes the first two Metal Gear games in emulated form. In 2011, an HD version of Subsistence was included in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection for PS3 and Xbox 360. This same version was also later used for the 2023 Metal Gear Solid Master Collection for PS 4/5, Xbox X/S, Switch and PC. Finally, a complete remake of the game was released in 2025 under the name, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This version is a complete rework of the original game using the Unreal Engine. But it mimics the original release with extreme detail.
All of these options are bound to be confusing for players new to the series. Since my goal is to experience the original game, I decided that I did not want to play Delta for my first taste of Snake Eater. Instead, I went with my existing copy from the HD Collection on PS3. However, most modern gamers who want to experience the original release of MGS3, would probably be best advised to stick with the Master Collection. If you’re not concerned with the retro experience, Delta is receiving rave reviews for respecting the vision of the original game, while also adding modern quality of life improvements and stunning visuals. My plan is to play and review that game separately at a later date. So, to be clear, this review is based on the PS3 HD Collection version of Metal Gear Solid 3.
Despite being the third game to bear the Metal Gear Solid title, MGS3 is a prequel to all the other games. Set in 1964, MGS3 tells the story of Big Boss (the antagonist from earlier games in the series). However, during the events of this game, he is still somewhat of a rookie and goes by his older codename, Naked Snake. The game is split up into two parts, the Virtuous Mission and Operation Snake Eater.
Virtuous Mission serves as a tutorial of sorts. Naked Snake is recruited to infiltrate a compound located in the remote jungles of the Soviet Union in attempt to rescue a defecting scientist. During this part of the game, the major plot elements and characters are introduced and the player learns the basics of gameplay through a series of obstacles and subtle radio tutorials. Snake learns that the scientist was in charge of developing a powerful weapon for the Soviets. However, before the rescue mission can be completed successfully, Snake discovers that his mentor, The Boss, is actually a double agent who sabotages the mission by defecting to a radical Soviet faction aimed at starting a coup in the USSR. This event nearly causes an international incident.
After being rescued by his team, Snake is then given the assignment Operation Snake Eater. This mission is designed to defuse the escalating tensions by taking out the leader of the radical Soviet faction, destroying the Russian super weapon that is in development, and eliminating The Boss.
Like every game in the Metal Gear series, the key to success in this game is stealth. Snake begins his mission alone and with little equipment. To survive, he must avoid detection. However, unlike other games in the series, a good portion of this title takes place outdoors. This fact leads to the introduction of a new mechanic, the camouflage system.
In MGS3, Snake must blend in to his surroundings by wearing various camouflage outfits and face paint. For example, when in a forest, Snake can choose from a handful of forest-themed camo fatigues. But when venturing into an urban area, the player would be wise to switch to an outfit of a different color that better blends in with the urban environment. The better the camouflage, the easier Snake can avoid detection. Also, Snake’s posture has a big effect on this as well. Enemies are less likely to notice Snake if he’s crawling through thick foliage on his stomach than they would if he was walking around upright.
Another new gameplay mechanic introduced in MGS3 is the stamina meter. As Snake undertakes his mission, he will grow tired. As his stamina depletes, certain actions like aiming his gun and the strength of his grip are affected. Also, when extremely low, his stomach might even growl, potentially alerting nearby enemies. To restore stamina, players must make sure Snake has enough to eat. When the game starts, players have with a handful of military rations. But these run out quick. To survive, Snake must hunt for food. Thankfully, every environment in the game has some sort of critter that can be hunted. Snakes, rats, rabbits, even insects can all be caught and eaten. The player can even collect wild fruit and mushrooms. However, not every edible item will agree with Snake’s palate. Secondary to capturing prey for food, players are also able to trap critters and use them as weapons. Just imagine, in this game you can catch a poisonous snake, then sneak up behind an enemy and toss the snake at them. The final result is exactly what you’d expect…
The third new mechanic that comes to mind is first aid. Yes, the earlier games in the series had various healing items. But this time around, fixing wounds is a little more realistic. For example, if Snake is shot, he must first dig out the bullet with a knife, then disinfect the area, stop the bleeding, and apply a bandage. Each step requires a specific first aid item. So, aside from regular inventory items and food, players also need to seek out various forms of first aid materials.
Finally, this game also introduces a concept called CQC – Close Quarters Combat. Instead of relying on weapons, Snake can grapple and attack enemies with his bare hands. If an enemy is grappled from behind, Snake can also do various things like use them as a human shield, interrogate them at knifepoint, or slit their throats. CQC in this game is a bit complicated, however. The control scheme behind it is a little convoluted and takes some getting used to. To be honest, I didn’t really master it until I was about three-quarters of the way through the game.
Aside from the new mechanics listed above, the rest of game works very similarly to the previous Metal Gear titles. If detected, swarms of enemies will appear to take Snake out. Snake must go into hiding or risk being overpowered. This can mean hiding under vehicles, crawling into a hollow log, or hiding in a locker, etc. An Evasion Timer appears on the screen and Snake must stay concealed until the countdown is complete. Also, collecting various items and using them in creative ways is still a staple of the game.
Lots of the advanced tech of the earlier games do not exist in MGS3. But players still have access to primitive technologies like Mine Detectors and Motion Sensors. The only drawback is that these items are battery powered and they will wear down with constant use. So, a big part of using this type of equipment is knowing when to activate it and when to go without. This adds a new level of strategy to consider as you infiltrate the hostile environment.
Another series staple that has returned is the Codec, the radio Snake will use to communicate with his allies. Using the codec frequently is great way to get inside information on the various equipment, locations, and personalities that Snake will interact with. Of course, like the last two games, there’s also plenty of in-game cutscenes to help drive the story. In fact, there’s quite a bit of cinematic screen time in this entry.
When I first started this game, it took me a little time to get my bearings. While similar to other MGS titles, the controls for this game felt radically different at first. In fact, I was so put off by the playcontrol that I grew extremely frustrated. But, after a little time, I got the hang of things and control scheme started to make more sense. Still, I found there to be a number of little playcontrol quirks that bugged me throughout the entire game.
Despite this singular complaint, I found this game to be well deserving of the reputation that surrounds it. The storyline was phenomenal, the musical score is fantastic, the boss fights are unique and exciting. It’s everything about Metal Gear that I love, bumped up a notch. Metal Gear Solid 3 is an instant classic for me. I’ll break down all the details below.
Version Reviewed: PS3
Difficulty: Varies – When starting the game for the first time, you will be prompted with a question that asks which Metal Gear game you like best. The answer to this question, will unlock certain items and camouflage options. The answer provided here doesn’t change any of the gameplay itself. However, once this step is complete, you will be able to select your preferred difficulty. MGS3 offers six difficulty settings, these are: Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, Extreme, and European Extreme. Normally, the last two are only accessible once you have completed the game. However, if playing the Subsistence version, these two options can be unlocked early if you choose “I like MGS3!” as the answer to the first question. – I found the difficulty options to be well defined. Choosing “Very Easy” makes the game a breeze – providing players with a tranquilizer gun that contains unlimited ammo. Honestly, it takes the fun out of the game, in my opinion. For this reason, I’d recommend Easy for players new to the genre. Experienced Metal Gear Solid players should feel right at home with Normal or maybe even Hard.
Multiplayer: Decommissioned. Subsistence originally included an online multiplayer option called Metal Gear Online. However, connectivity was ended in 2012 and the option to access it was patched out of the game.
Story: MGS3 features a fantastic story. It serves as a prequel to all the other games and is the catalyst for a whole new era of lore. The plot feels like someone took Rambo and 007 movies and threw them in a blender. It mixes fiction with real history to create a military/espionage drama that feels worthy of a motion picture. Really high marks here.
Originality: At this point, the stealth-like action of the series has been well established. But this game keeps it fresh by adding new concepts like the camouflage and hunger system. Plus, bringing the game back to the Cold War era helps inject a whole new vibe.
Soundtrack: This game features a James Bond-like theme song that, while seeming odd at first, manages to capture the essence of the game in a way I can’t fully explain. The rest of the game contains a score that’s perfect for this type of gameplay. It also manages to feel like it belongs in the 60’s era in which the game is set. Very well done.
Fun: When first starting out, I found myself frustrated with the controls. But, after getting used to them, things started to fall into place and I found myself having a blast. The outdoor setting made this game click with me in a way that MGS2 did not. The story also made the game extremely engaging. All of this makes MGS3 a title that I just couldn’t stop playing.
Graphics: At the time of its original release, MGS3 was the pinnacle of PS2 graphics. The HD version found in either the HD Collection or the Master Collection looks even better. It just has a gritty cinematic feel that looks great and really sets the tone for everything this game has to offer. Of course, if graphics are super important to you, Delta is probably the version you’re going to want to check out.
Playcontrol: Without a doubt this is my biggest complaint. The control scheme doesn’t really seem natural or intuitive. The controls really took a lot of getting used to for me. Once I got the hang of them, it wasn’t so bad. But I can’t help but feel there was a better way to implement them. I’m curious to see what modern options are available in Delta once I get my hands on that version of the game.
Downloadable Content: N/A
Mature Content: Violence, Suggestive themes.
Value: The best value is to purchase this game as part of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection. The normal price for this collection is $60. This collection includes seven games in the Metal Gear series, so that comes out to be less than $10 a game. Alternately, the digital version of MGS3 is $20 on its own. Used physical copies usually sell for around $15-$20 on the used market. Considering the quality of this title, I’d say that $20 is a great price for such a fantastic game, but there’s a better value in buying the bundle.
Overall score (1-100): 95 – Having played this game from start to finish, it’s easy to see how it earned its legendary reputation. That being said, the playcontrol is so unintuitive that I can’t give it a perfect score. Still, there’s no denying the fact that this game is really something special. This is one title that comes highly recommended.
Original System: PS2
Available today on: PC, PS 4/5, Xbox S/X, Switch, Steam – (Updated as of Fall 2025)
Best Experience: Xbox S/X, PS 4/5 – (Updated as of Fall 2025)
Other Reviews In This Series:
MG – MG2 – MGS – MGS2 – MGS3 – Portable Ops – MGS4 – Peace Walker – MGS5 Ground Zeros – MGS5 Phantom Pain
Ghost Babel
MG Rising: Revengeance
Acid – Acid 2
Twin Snakes – Delta
