The best-rounded of all Metal Gears. Excellent delivery.
The gameplay really hasn't changed much from MGS2. The control scheme is similar, if not, the exact same template. It still gets a bit annoying sometimes because MGS's control scheme is totally unique, and some of the tight controls may get a bit sloppy, but if you get used to it, then you'll understand that there's a need for each button. Although this time around, the story isn't as thought provoking or providing much plot twists as its predecessor did, but it presents a much more straightforward story. Some dialogue seems a bit corny at times, but it delivers nonetheless. But, what I liked a lot more about this game than MGS2, is that it is so much better-rounded. The guns didn't super-rapidly fire like in Sons of LIberty, and the gravity seems much more noticable in this game, considering recoil and fire rate. The newly introduced CQC system adds a much better feel to the game, and really helps in close situations. Not only that, but in Subsistence, the newly introduced 3-Dimensional camera is present, meaning that we no longer have a bird's eyes view of the field like in all other MGS installments. Switching back and forth really adds a better edge to the gameplay, and I was happy. It was only a matter of time before they added a 3D camera. Oh, and one more thing. You'll love the boss fight with the End. Definitely the most amazing boss fight I've ever experienced in any video game. Unfortunately, my review is a bit late, so I can't speak for the online anymore because they closed down the servers. Sorry people.
Graphics, graphics, graphics. It's all the buzz nowadays, yes? Although the graphics here were on par (and sometimes even better) than MGS2, it still wasn't the best graphics in the world. But, what I am really impressed with is that Kojima Productions did not go with some super sharp CGI cutscenes for Snake, but kept the in-game graphics consistent throughout the game. This is why the graphics deserve a 10. The consistency of the graphics never leave a dull moment, whereas if there was a CGI moment, I probably might get thrown off. Plus, the animations were excellent, although the movements were quite robotic at points (ex. Guards searching for Snake...legs move, but sometimes no upper body?). Either way, Kojima Productions really excelled in the graphics department. And hey, it even runs at a slower frame rate than MGS2.
The sound in this movie is great, and totally immersive. From the cries of animals in the jungle to the heart-pumping chase music, Harry Gregson-Williams delivers some of the best music in the series...definitely the most epic feel. Of course, there's always the ! sound which still throws me off sometimes, and it just adds more thrill to the gameplay. David Hayter does fine as Snake, although his voice has been a bit lacking since MGS1, which I think was his best voice acting performance for Snake. He seems to force the voice on himself this time, and not letting it just flow naturally. Either way, he is still Snake, and I gotta love him for that. Come on, man. He was fricking Guyver. Guyver. That's right. The other voice actors are excellent and deliver a great sense of charisma that few video game characters ever present, and this is what makes MGS a very unique game. The characters in this game definitely present themselves as their own person, from the slightly-if-not-totally corny humor to their monologues. I do have to point out, though, that the opposing characters in this game weren't as memorable as the previous installments' antagonists, except for the Boss, Ocelot, and maybe Volgin. Either way, the voices are excellent and nicely delivered.
The game definitely has a crapload of replay value that will have you playing for hours on end, if you can manage to beat the game 10+ times. There are facepaints to collect, easter eggs to see, and a certain stealth camouflage to earn. Oh, and don't forget the posters of the Japanese models...you might be searching for them throughout the game, too. Besides the camouflages and facepaints, the easter eggs are pretty fun to play around with, adding much fun and silliness to the gameplay. (Hint: Try wearing the Croc Cap while fighting with Ocelot) But, other than that, there isn't much more to it, but there's still a lot.
Being a long-time MGS fan, along with MGS being my favorite video game series, I totally enjoyed this game, and it exceeded my expectations as well. I will say, however, that MGS is not for everyone. I have quite a few friends who don't enjoy it because they cannot handle the stealth action or the innovative gameplay. This game demands for you to think and be clever, so be very open when you welcome this game into your home, because it might just stay there forever. Subsistence is an excellent game, and any stealth action fan should check out. Kojima always gives you a definite bang for your buck, and this is no waste of money.