As someone who grew up with the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater etched into my gaming DNA, I must say that the remake, affectionately known as MGSD, has left me utterly captivated. The visual enhancement is nothing short of breathtaking; from the intricate details in the jungle terrain to the striking character designs – Volgin’s scars are so deep they could tell a life story all on their own!
Back in 2016, Konami unveiled a pachinko game inspired by Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, complete with reimagined versions of the game’s memorable cutscenes. As a die-hard fan longing for remakes of these timeless classics, especially in this post-Kojima era, it felt like a hard blow. It was just a glimpse into what a contemporary Snake Eater could become, but to witness it, I had to be planted at a pachinko arcade instead of immersing myself in the epic, cinematic Metal Gear Solid adventure we were accustomed to.
Approximately eight years on, the long-awaited vision for an accurate reboot is coming true with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. The announcement was made during the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, sparking curiosity about what changes this new version might bring. With Hideo Kojima having departed from anything related to Metal Gear for some time, his unique narrative style and game direction are key elements that have shaped the series. However, the initial sneak peek seemed devoid of the humor, charm, and distinctive “Kojima touch” that fans have come to associate with Metal Gear Solid trailers. Was Delta set to become a lifeless corporate remake of the 2004 original?
Following my playthrough of the entire Virtuous Mission (basically, the game’s prelude) at a recent Konami event in London, I’m thrilled to share that all indications suggest that Delta could be the long-awaited Snake Eater remake that fans have been craving for years. Unlike the divisive Twin Snakes remake of the original Metal Gear Solid – which included completely re-recorded voices and a significant use of “artistic license” – Delta appears to prioritize preserving and modernizing your recollections of Snake Eater, as opposed to presenting an entirely different interpretation of it.
Regardless of Hideo Kojima’s separation from Konami, Delta maintains a strong association with his influence and guidance. His name is prominently displayed throughout the game, even before Naked Snake executes the world’s first HALO jump. Yoji Shinkawa’s artistic contributions can be seen in character sketches and introductory cutscenes, making it evident that the original work is respected. This reverence isn’t as apparent in post-Kojima projects such as Metal Gear Survive or the sparse Master Collection. The cutscenes in this game are remarkably similar to those in the original game, with enhanced visuals and occasional copyright-replaced stock footage being the only noticeable differences. Details like pressing R1 to view through Snake’s eyes have been meticulously replicated, even down to the precise timing of the button prompts.
After mastering Snake (which can take some time since this is a Metal Gear game), several enjoyable gameplay improvements become noticeable. Unlike the older MGS games that required trigger buttons for inventory and weapon selection, the updated controls in Delta use the left and right on the D-pad more like Metal Gear Solid V. A convenient feature allows you to change your camouflage instantly by holding up on the D-pad to open the camo menu. Meanwhile, pressing down gives you easy access to your codec contacts. Your health, stamina, and camouflage level are now shown in the center of the lower screen instead of the upper corners.
In the original version of the game, the standout feature was its close-quarter combat (CQC) system, offering more than just executing guards. This system enabled interrogations, throat slitting, knockdowns, and even using guards as a shield. Despite adding variety, it was prone to unintentional actions due to specific inputs and the PS2’s sensitive face buttons. However, Delta introduces a helpful tooltip system that eliminates the need for manuals, online tutorials, or calls to The Boss for CQC basics. Simply grip an enemy using the right trigger, and all your options will be clearly displayed onscreen for easy navigation.
In this game system, it’ll prompt you about the capabilities of Snake character in diverse combat situations. During my escape by hanging from a bridge to stay hidden, I overlooked that Snake could aim and fire with just one hand. Thanks to the hint provided, I drew my tranquilizer gun and subdued the approaching guard before he could find me out. Although Snake has always possessed these skills, the user-friendly improvements in Delta made me remember them better, leading to more frequent use of them.
In today’s action games, it’s common for long loading times to be minimized. This leads one to ponder whether the play zones in Delta will remain separate or if they’ll be seamlessly connected into a single, larger world. Similar to other updates, the developers have opted to maintain the original gameplay flow. There won’t be significant load times when transitioning between areas, but you may notice a black screen transition and a display of the new area’s name, much like in the original game. This consistency with the original is evident across many aspects of the gameplay. However, this isn’t turning it into Breath of the Wild where Snake can climb every tree or scale rock faces. He’s still restricted to climbing the ivy-covered trees that were present in 2004.
1. The realism hasn’t compromised the character traits.
In the initial version of the game, one aspect that I found less enjoyable was the complex Survival Viewer and healing system. When Snake sustained damage, you often needed to navigate a menu to perform multiple actions to treat his injuries. While it could have been thrilling to see Snake treating his wounds in a realistic way like Rambo did with gunpowder, manually selecting medical supplies from a menu didn’t create an engaging atmosphere. It is uncertain if this system will be as disruptive in Delta, as it doesn’t appear until after the Virtuous Mission in the original game. However, I noticed a dimmed “Cure” option in the Survival Viewer menu, suggesting that it might return in some form.
During my 9-hour session with the game, I managed to unearth some fresh content. The starting inventory of Snake includes a compass that shows cardinal directions as well as an objective marker in the lower left corner of the screen. A separate button (Triangle) has been assigned for rolling, and you can now perform a ground dive from a standing position. Alongside the recurring Kerotan frogs, I encountered a camouflaged GA-KO duck. This duck seemed to be wearing a ghillie suit, which burst into flames upon being shot, causing the duck to jump around and make quacking sounds. It’s still uncertain whether this serves any purpose or if it’s just an additional collectible.
Without a doubt, one significant improvement lies in the game’s aesthetic overhaul. Delta certainly delivers on this front, boasting an enhanced jungle environment with increased detail and immersion. You’ll notice more realistic wildlife and intricate details, such as Snake leaving muddy footprints as he moves through the terrain. As Snake sustains damage during gameplay or cutscenes, it will be evident in his appearance. The characters all look splendid and remain faithful to their original designs – Volgin’s scars are deep and vivid, The End’s unsettling eye twitch is more pronounced, and The Sorrow’s blood rain effect has been intensified. While my demo was limited to a 30fps fidelity mode, the full version promises a 60fps performance option for smoother gameplay.
In terms of remakes, Delta’s approach leans towards the style of The Wind Waker HD’s enhanced graphics and player-friendly updates, similar to how Resident Evil has been reimagined in recent times. It doesn’t aim for as drastic changes as the newer versions of Final Fantasy VII. Essentially, this is a contemporary update of the original game, not intended as criticism. Given Snake Eater’s unique charm, making too many alterations could risk diminishing its special qualities. The development team behind Delta seems to be skillfully navigating the challenge of remaking such a beloved title, and my revisit to the Virtuous Mission has left me optimistic about their abilities.
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2024-08-26 11:09