Review: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (PS5) – The Best Version of an Undisputed Classic

Snake Eater can be considered the most accurate, devoted, and dedicated recreation of its original version since the Nintendo GameCube’s remake of Resident Evil.

This game truly evokes the classic charm of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater from the PS2 era, yet manages to update it while preserving what made it so exceptional over two decades ago. Konami aimed for “alteration or innovation without altering the foundation,” and they achieved that goal beautifully.

The graphics have been updated for a more contemporary feel, the gameplay now offers an optional “New Style” setting which adjusts the controls and camera view, and several fresh elements and features have been incorporated to facilitate smoother gameplay experience.

Additionally, it’s just as much the Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater you fondly recall, but it has been remade using the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5.

The trek of Naked Snake through the Soviet Union jungle is often hailed as one of the franchise’s most memorable adventures, and this faithful remake brings back its brilliance yet again. It holds up against the test of time with a slightly modified backstory that gives it more depth, featuring an exceptional cast and moving plot twists. The top-notch stealth gameplay is still a standout feature, merging a manual camouflage system with enhanced movement abilities. Although the PS2’s charm is gone, the updated graphics haven’t stripped away any of the original’s character or coolness. This version of Metal Gear Solid 3 surpasses all previous iterations.

In essence, the remake on PS5 is so loyal to the original title that it essentially carries over certain aspects of it, such as the cutscenes and voice acting, directly from the PS2 version. Konami and Virtuos have transferred these elements from the earlier effort without any significant alterations into the new remake.

This implies that the numerous instances where you can set aside the controller during Hideo Kojima-directed cinematics are all the same. These are essentially the same cutscenes, significantly upgraded for the latest generation, with the original voiceovers remaining unaltered. It seems that when it comes to loyalty, these two companies are truly giving the saying a tough competition.

If you adopt this method, it’s likely that replaying Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater won’t hold many fresh discoveries if you’ve played it previously. It makes an excellent introduction for newcomers, but seasoned players might find little that’s unexpected.

What actually is new, then?

In the New Style setting, everything is combined for you when you start the game. At the beginning of your gameplay, you’ll need to pick between this setting and the Original Style, which will let the game play just as it did in 2004. This choice gives you a top-down view and limits your control options.

In the revamped version, you’ll enjoy a wider array of gameplay improvements. The camera becomes freely movable, and shooting is done from an over-the-shoulder perspective, making it feel more akin to contemporary third-person shooters. Additionally, new maneuverability options like crouching and improved crawling have been introduced, and you can now move while aiming simultaneously.

Previously, certain functions were accessible only via the pause menu. However, in this updated version, these same features are now easily accessed through button prompts. For example, instead of going to the Survival Viewer each time you wanted to adjust your camouflage, you can simply navigate using the D-Pad to view recommendations for uniform and face paint tailored to your current surroundings. Similarly, the codec function has been reassigned to the D-Pad, offering quicker ways to find the required frequency. While you can still utilize the pause menu for these actions if preferred, the PS5 remake significantly reduces tedious tasks by making these features more accessible.

Ensuring consistency between the gameplay and cutscenes is maintained by making injuries, scars, and wounds visible from combat persist during cinematics for some time. The same applies to stained clothing, as navigating through mud can result in splatters and smears on Snake’s uniform. Additionally, a new Compass feature simplifies navigation, indicating the route for your next objective with a marker.

In essence, the enhancements introduced in the PS5 version significantly improve the overall gaming experience for contemporary players. Initially, you might feel a slight adjustment due to muscle memory, but the revised control system and mechanisms soon feel intuitive and natural.

On the opposite side of the package lies its significant visual upgrades. The transition from the PS2’s original graphics, and even the enhanced HD versions on PS3, to the current PS5 remake is colossal. It seems as though a brand-new release has been created all over again, boasting state-of-the-art visuals and 3D audio that further deepens the jungle environment’s immersion. Incredible lighting effects allow the setting sun to radiate through the leaves, while the textures on foliage appear strikingly realistic.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the cutscenes and voice acting in this modern revamp hark back to a game from two decades ago. Yet, surprisingly, it’s hard to notice as the character models move with captivating fluidity – not to mention they embody their roles flawlessly too. The PS5 remake is an exceptional reimagining of Konami’s graphical design and style for Metal Gear Solid 3 on the PS2, truly a testament to the artistry behind this classic masterpiece.

Over two decades later, it’s never looked better. It’s never played better.

On the PS5 Pro, this remake boasts stunning visuals and generally maintains a consistent smoothness with a focus on 60fps. However, during intense or chaotic scenes, there may be occasional frame drops, but these instances are infrequent. Interestingly, when played on the PS5 Pro, there is no apparent option for Quality Mode or Performance Mode in the settings, meaning the game runs as intended without giving you a choice in the matter. At launch, it seems that the remake operates efficiently, avoiding potential issues seen in games like Oblivion Remastered.

The job is excellent since any major technical issue could detract from the sheer brilliance that Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater still embodies. This game serves as an ideal starting point for those intrigued by the series, and veterans get a chance to revisit what many regard as their favourite installment.

The Virtuous Mission at the start to the clandestine journey in Groznyj Grad, with the peculiar and captivating boss battles and minute details that only Hideo Kojima could conceive – it’s an unforgettable journey.

In its revamped and enhanced stealth mode, the game removes the original’s difficulties, while its significantly upgraded graphics make it comparable to some top-tier PS5 games. Despite being remarkable in 2004, this updated version of Metal Gear Solid 3 now represents the ultimate experience.

While this commitment to the original might seem quite traditional, it could potentially deter some players. Those who have already experienced the game may find little that’s fresh or exciting, as the PS5 remake adheres strictly to the content found on the PS2 version with no major deviations.

Although Resident Evil 2 reimagined an original game as something fresh and innovative, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater maintains the essence of what made it special in the first place. For long-time players, this may feel a bit too familiar or predictable.

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2025-08-22 11:08