[HEADING=1]Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, HD Version [/HEADING]
The trailers for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V got me really interested in the game. This was really strange, because I never had played any of the Metal gear Solid (MGS) games. So with that (and a sale) I bought the HD version collection, which contained MGS 2 and 3. After finishing MGS 2, which was pretty good on its own, I started the sequel, not having a clue what to expect. So, is this game worth the time, or should it stay on the past.
[HEADING=3]Prequel[/HEADING]
The first MGS and its Sequels both took place at the start if the 21th century. At the end of the second game, the story was considered idiotic by some, this was probably one of the big reasons to let the third game take place during the events of the Cold war and replace the iconic Solid snake (and not really beloved MGS2 protagonist: Raiden) by Naked Snake, later to be known in the series as Big Boss. Being a Prequel, the story doesn?t have to take the silly plot devices that the first two games introduced, into account, which works to its advantage. The story is easy to follow, even for new players and this makes the game easy recommendable as a starting point in the series.
[HEADING=3]James Bond[/HEADING]
The moment you start the game, you are greeted by a theme song accompanied by the names of the developers. For fans of the 007?s movies, this will be instantly recognized as a reference to music scenes at the opening of the films. But besides being a great start for a game, it also sets the tone for the events that will follow. Mainly that the game is clearly inspired by the James bond from that time. The game takes place in Russia, the KGB is involved, a femme fatale for our hero and everyone is at least a double spy. The main difference is that Snake tries to not be seen unlike the charismatic hero, James Bond. The story takes place in Russia. The main part of the game takes place in a jungle, but eventually the scenery will switch with a military base. Still the game succeeds in not getting to repetitive, by the smart use of structures and natural object, like rivers and dark caves. The Character cast is filled with unique characters, which are all memorable. Snake himself is serious soldier, but at the same time, really naïve with certain subjects, which results in funny scenes with the other characters. He is wonderfully voiced by David Hayter. Other amazing Character is Revolver Ocelot. A Russian soldier who is obsessed with the Wild west, and thus wears cowboy boots and old fashioned revolvers. He is a great rival for Snake and every scene with them is solid gold. This is just small piece of this amazing cast, with great voice actors. Ocelot is a good example of the silliness in this story. Sure, the story itself takes it really serious, but at the same time we have people shooting lighting out of their hands. This is not a problem, because the story is still interesting and enjoyable. I can nitpick the whole time, saying what doesn?t make sense, but at the end of the day, I am still having fun, so why should I?
[HEADING=3]Survivalist[/HEADING]
MGS gameplay has mostly resolved around stealth. Items are acquired on site and sneaking past enemies is the best course of action most times. When enemies do spot you, it will trigger an alert status, which means that everyone knows you are in the area and that enemy back-up will arrive. When you succeed in hiding yourself, the caution status will take place, which means the guards know you are around and are actively searching for you. The status you are in is always made clear by the User Interface and it shows how long you will remain in it. This is also supported by the radio chatter you pick up from the guards; Back-up only arrives after your spotter has requested it. They will always ask for directions of their commanders after the status is changed. It is also possible to destroy the communication radio they have, robbing them of the ability to call their comrades. This is a good example of how much possibilities you have as a player. Every situation has multiple solutions and is for you to figure out. Your specialist team does give support, but do not immediately give you the answer. A new aspect in the franchise, introduced in this game, is the camouflage and medical options you have. You can switch your outfit and face paint at any time. This will boost you stealth meter and is a main factor in hiding yourself. Like any other soldier, Snake does get hurt on his mission and some wounds need to be taken care of. Although the game won?t go as far as letting you limp after breaking your leg, the wound will lessen your health bar. You use medical equipment to treat your wounds quick and easy.
Being in jungle, snake does need food to survive. Besides having the iconic rations, Snake can hunt the wild life of the forest. He is especially interested in the taste of the local snakes. Every area is filled with animals, which gives the game a lot of live. Snakes and spiders can bite you, which can results in being poisoned and crocodiles can be dangerous as well. Food mainly restores the new stamina bar. The bar is divided in to four gauges, and will affect your aiming and can cause your stomach to grumble, alerting the enemy of your presence.
[HEADING=3]CQC[/HEADING]
Snake is capable of using multiple firearms, but prefers to us his knife to perform the fighting style he and The Boss have created: Close Quarter Combat (CQC). When standing behind an enemy, while holding a weapon that allows it, he can grab the victim, which gives him multiple choices. He can knock him out, kill him and use him as a shield. My favorite option is Interrogating for information. They can give you tactical information that is really useful, but also stuff like frequencies for your radio, to call in airstrikes or listen to music. While on the mission you acquire equipment that you need to progress, but the game allows you to hold everything and the items never become useless. It is possible that you rarely use certain items on your first play through, but on your second, use items in an effective way that you have never thought of before.
[HEADING=3]Still Solid[/HEADING]
Mgs 3 is by now a nine years old game and got the HD update like most titles of that time. This mostly results in a new Resolutions more fitted for the TV?s of today. Gameplay is mostly the same and visually there isn?t much new, but the game still feels incredibly fresh and easily competes with the newest titles in quality. The game is a blast to play and the story, while downright ridiculous at moments, is still interesting and contains great emotional scenes. The characters are all memorable and unique. For a game to still be relevant years after its release is impressive. For a game to still feel new after such a long time is incredible and shows the quality of the craftsmanship of the developers.
[HEADING=3]Conclusion[/HEADING]
I can easily recommend this game to almost everyone. Except to people with little patience, I would suggest something else. Every aspect of this game can be called unique, interesting or great. MGS 3 easily stood the test of time. It can easily be counted as one of the best games I ever played and I am really happy that I gave this series a chance.