Review: Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater — A Faithful recreation of a Masterpiece
The Metal Gear franchise is one of the most iconic in video game history and the one that catapulted its creator, Hideo Kojima, to legendary status within the industry. After the unfortunate fallout between Kojima and Konami, the series was left in a near-catonic state. However, more than a decade later, it returns with a remake of the third entry in the saga: Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater.
This remake delivers the same experience as the original game but now powered by the Unreal Engine 5, bringing the visuals up to today’s standards. The original was released 21 years ago, and in this new version, the character models have been completely redesigned for stunning realism, while still remaining faithful to certain aspects of the classic design. The environments and character animations are breathtaking, and the voice work maintains flawless synchronization with improved audio quality. Notably, no new lines of dialogue were added in order to preserve the original narrative intact.
What’s most impressive is that, despite its age, the story remains impactful and relevant, even echoing themes that resonate with our current times. The plot places us in a European jungle, where we take on the role of Naked Snake in a mission to stop a nuclear threat.
Gameplay-wise, it stays faithful to the original but incorporates subtle refinements that modernize the experience. The camera is now set in third person, similar to MGSV, giving players a clearer view of their surroundings and enemies. The latter have also been enhanced with more efficient and dangerous AI.
Stealth remains at the core of the experience, with mechanics like camouflage playing a vital role. The control scheme has been redesigned to be more intuitive, reducing the need to constantly navigate menus.
The minigames from the Subsistence version also make their return: on PlayStation and PC, players will once again capture the Ape Escape monkeys, while the Xbox version introduces an exclusive Bomberman-inspired mode. Both modes are fun additions. The hidden vampire minigame from the original also makes a comeback, this time redesigned by PlatinumGames, with such polish that it feels like it could evolve into a standalone project. Later this year, a multiplayer mode will also be added, further expanding the experience.
In conclusion, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater not only captures the essence of the original but elevates it by reinventing the graphics and refining gameplay. The original was one of the franchise’s greatest achievements, and now a whole new generation can experience what a true masterpiece feels like, but through a modern lens.
Final Score: 5/5
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