"Assessment of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - a polarizing, antiquated remake revisitation"
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the 2004 classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, has recently been released by Konami Digital Entertainment and with the support of Virtuos and PlatinumGames. The game aims to provide a fresh experience for new fans while maintaining the original charm for returning ones.
The game retains the boss battles that offered unique challenges in the original, and adds a few twists to keep things interesting. Enemies can now be shaken to yield ammo, and players can change outfits and face paints for camouflage purposes. Each outfit has a score value indicating its likelihood of getting noticed, adding a strategic element to the gameplay.
The visuals of the game are commendable, with detailed character models, landscapes, and smooth gameplay. The original voice acting from the 2004 game has been used, but modern audiences may find Snake's voice odd until they get used to it.
However, the game includes controversial elements that some may find outdated, unnecessary, and tasteless. These include scenes where a villain gropes a female character and another where a villain tortures a female character in front of another character. The developers have included a disclaimer stating that these elements are included to preserve the historical context of the original game.
Snake needs to be healed with medical equipment when injured, including treating physical injuries, poison, and removing bullets. He can hold a gun and a knife simultaneously, allowing for melee attacks while firing at enemies. Food consumption is also a crucial aspect of the game, as Snake needs to eat regularly to maintain his stamina levels.
The game offers two different camera modes: Legacy style and New Style, catering to different player preferences. Some equipment in the game, such as sonar and detectors, use battery charge that regenerates when not in use.
The game features a mini-game called "Snake v Monkey" on PS5 and PC, and "Snake v Bomberman" on Xbox Series X/S. The game's multiplayer mode "Fox Hunt" has been delayed to post-launch and was not played during the review.
The story of the game is largely identical to the original, with players taking on the role of Snake who infiltrates the Soviet Union to escort a defecting scientist and later returns to rescue the scientist and stop a nuclear attack. The game's producer stated that they are trying to be as faithful to the original version as possible and bring the original experience of Metal Gear Solid 3 to current audiences as closely to the original as possible.
However, the game's controversial elements have sparked debate among players and critics. The option to use black face paint on a white character, sexualized content, and violence against women have been criticized as outdated and inappropriate.
Despite these controversies, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater offers a challenging and immersive gaming experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The game's faithful recreation of the original game with modern enhancements makes it a must-play for fans of stealth action games.
