A lasting tribute to the tried and true Metal Gear Solid fans all over the world.
User Rating: 10 | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater PS2
With the release of Metal Gear Solid 2, many gamers were amazed at it's awe-inspiring graphics, but were angry and confused at it's convulted storyline. Even though reviewers gave the game nothing but solid 9+'s across the board, a couple months later it became "the thing to do" in gaming to make fun of the game. Kojima tried something new, he tried to shock people, he succeeded, and people couldn't see that. They just hated it. But now, Metal Gear Solid 3 gets things back on track by letting you play as the bandana-clad hero of lore known as Snake. Yes, it's Big Boss. No, it's not Solid Snake. You know, I know, your mom knows, everyone knows. So I won't get into that. Simply put, this game is a tribute to the already established Metal Gear Solid fans out there. It makes fun of itself on a constant basis with a great sense of humor and unless you've played MGS and MGS2 you probably wouldn't really appreciate that. The game is in the jungle, but it plays basically the same as the other MGS games. Though it's much larger. Every area in the game simply dwarfs the other games' areas. They're huge, outdoor, and beautifully rendered using the best graphics on the PS2 to date. Hell, some of the best graphics on any console to date. With the setting being in 1964, it's only natural that the game live up to it. You don't have the soliton radar system and all of your equipment reaks of old-school. Which is completely awesome in every way. Using a gritty, dirty, clanky piece of metal like the M16 is much more satisfying. The weapons are cold, loud, and heavy. The way it aught to be. And if you enjoyed the gunfights in MGS2, which you should've, then you'll absolutely poo your pants at the gunfights in this game. They're amazing, and easily replace the gunfights in the other games. The guards are much smarter, and they can actually HEAR now. And when bullets hit the walls next to you little pieces of it start flying off. The bullets actually have some impact now, unlike before. As do the weapon sounds themselves, which are much louder and more realistic. I won't go into the story, since I don't want to ruin it for anyone. But believe me, it's just as good as MGS. Especially Snake's relationship with The Boss. Anyone who played the first two games and enjoyed them even marginally should own this for sure. Most of the professional review sources will say that the game should change it's ways if it's to keep up, but I don't think it's meant to "keep up" with other games. This game feels more like a tribute to Metal Gear fans than a game for people outside of loop. And those people can play Splinter Cell all they want with it's pretty lights and broken enemy AI, but we'll know we're better. 
