4/5 ★ – alcoholicgoat's review of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater HD Edition.

I've really come around to this game. I used to not really understand the systems or mechanics (I'm sure I still don't fully grasp it) but now that I understand how to properly sneak up behind enemies without triggering an alert, I'm way more enthusiastic about this game. It's at the very least on par with MGS1. Gameplay-wise, it's a significant cut above. No question. Storywise, it's on the same level. I definitely had more fun here. Snake Eater seems way more aware of the tone and willing to indulge in how FUCKING INSANE it is. It's on a different wavelength from MGS1, but it captures so much of the same essence in a very refined way. Mechanically it is a bit clunky, but I got used to it. Way better on PS3. The PS2 version is borderline unplayable. My only real complaints are the Cobra Unit seems a bit shallow, and I hated the EVA escort segment, and Shagohod boss fight (all 3 stages). There is some weird bullshit here and there even at a foundational level. I personally hate how the game punishes me for putting it down for more than 2 days. Fuck you, I have my own life outside of this game? The in-game clock with The End boss fight is very cool, though. I'd rather that be the only game-clock gimmick. Everything else cooks. The amount of choice in terms of engaging with enemies, boss fights, infiltration and interacting with the world is overwhelming. The End (the Cobra Unit guy) boss fight is incredible. I cannot add to the conversation beyond my own experience. I loved how maximalist this game is stylistically. Literally everything is framed as the coolest thing ever. Revolver Ocelot is the best character. The music is peak. It knows exactly what it's going for. So much more cohesive and confident than 2 (even if I like that game). It's the right level of serious, stupid and bombastic with the EXACT amount of post-modern deconstruction. No hour-long codec calls. The exposition is still long-winded, but it feels way more deliberate here. Excited to replay 4. Overall, I prefer the aesthetic of 1, and 2, but 3 is a fucking amazing game. I'm eager to play Delta. Hopefully that smoothes over some of the jank Snake Eater is kino Also that horse got fucking vaporized by a napalm strike. I laughed out loud when it "emotionally whinnied" after your fight with The Boss