A Mixed Bag for Metal Gear Fans

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater promised a dream come true for fans like me, who have cherished nearly every title in the iconic Metal Gear Solid series. With the original MGS ranking among my all-time favorites, the bizarre characters and politically charged plots have left an indelible mark on my gaming history. Yet, the one title I never got the chance to explore was Snake Eater, until now.

A Visual Feast, But Still Old School

As a modern remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, Delta retains the original's levels, cutscenes, and voice performances, appealing to die-hard fans. However, my hours of gameplay were marred by frustration. Playing as a novice Naked Snake, I often felt unequipped to handle the challenges, wielding only one hand while tackling high-stakes scenarios.

Nostalgia Can't Save Poor Mechanics

Despite the game’s stunning visuals, Delta doesn't quite rise to the level of remarkable remakes like Resident Evil 4 or Silent Hill 2; it faithfully mirrors the structure and flaws of the original Snake Eater. This leads to encounters with missing equipment at crucial moments and a melee combat system that works inconsistently—who knew a torch could fell flying creatures, but not a snake? Healing takes on an air of mystery, too, with mechanics that seem as perplexing as tea leaf reading.

Dated Game Structure in a Modern World

Adding to the frustration, Delta’s level design features frequent loading screens, underscoring the game's antiquated structure. Each segment felt more like transitioning between small sets than navigating through an immersive jungle. Although the original game followed this guideline, the dated elements clash with the impressive visual upgrades.

A Struggle with Preparation and Gameplay

Trial and error in gameplay can be enjoyable, especially with the PS5’s lightning-fast loading. However, I constantly felt unprepared—landmines popping up unexpectedly, undetectable enemies, and uninspired boss fights left me reloading levels more often than not. The disconnect between the cinematic Snake and the controlled one became painfully evident.

Exceptional Controls, But Uneasy Tactics

Controlling Snake felt fantastic, reminiscent of the smooth responsiveness found in 2015’s Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain. David Hayter’s voice brought nostalgia flooding back, striking the perfect balance between B-movie bravado and high-octane action. Yet, I struggled to grasp the timing and application of my arsenal—from sonar detectors to crocodile helmets—making critical maneuvers feel frustratingly elusive.

Cunning Camouflage and Tactical Movement

Navigating hostile terrains demands deliberate movement, making the experience feel more like solving puzzles than exploring rich environments. The camouflage system intrigued me, temporarily rendering Snake nearly invisible to adversaries, yet even the best-laid plans could unravel in an instant.

A Story Worthy of the Franchise

Despite the gameplay hiccups, the convoluted story hooked me right in. Amid Cold War tensions, Snake’s mission to thwart a nuclear threat intertwined themes of warfare and power struggle that series loyalists expect. Hideo Kojima’s name in the credits felt gratifying, bridging the gap between past and present.

Final Thoughts: Yearning for More

Without a nostalgic lens, my perspective as a seasoned Metal Gear veteran left me in a curious spot. While Delta dazzles with visuals and offers a chaotic narrative, it frustrates with its outdated systems and clunky mechanics. Ultimately, I found myself wishing to escape the jungle rather than embrace the adventures of my beloved Snake.

Release Date Alert!

Gear up, as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launches on August 28th for PC, PS5, and Xbox.