Okay, first I have to admit I have been restraining myself from writing this. Not that I can't. It's just that, if I start writing this....I'll definitely lose my attention on my thesis for some while before I can really re-focus on it. This is because, to write this, I'll be diving deep again into the world of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
Well, I guess it's worth it though...
*For those
who have no gameplay experience, skip this. There's no way you could understand
what I'm talking about. No offense, but it's blunt truth.
*For those
who have heard of Metal Gear series games but haven't actually played it, have a
look, perhaps it will arouse some interest. It’ll probably make you get one for
yourself.
Okay,
without further ado, here’s my review of MGS3: Snake Eater.
First
thing, I’d like to say there is nothing like this sort of game in gaming
history. It totally blows you away, it is revolutionary, amazing,
highly-addictive and undeniably a masterpiece. Oh man, I really couldn’t find
words to describe the way I feel the moment when I finished the game…
No doubt,
over the years, the Metal Gear Solid series have gained critical acclaim,
regarded as games that have the most visually compelling cinematic cutscenes,
with stunning background music. From what I've heard long ago, the Metal Gear
Solid series have always been considered as all-time classics, especially the
Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation, which was said to revolutionized the gaming
experience at that time, mainly because lots of cutscenes were employed, making
gamers feel as if they were watching films. Metal Gear Solid was released in
1998, becoming an instant classic at that time. In 2001, Metal Gear Solid 2:
Sons of Liberty was released; again, it shocked the gaming world as much as
gamers with its story, movie-like cutscenes and fantastic background music.
When the
long wait was over, by the end of year 2004, Metal Gear Solid 3 came out. And it
didn’t fail its predecessors’ well-built reputation. Not only that, it is the
BEST in series. Too much is needed to be praised about this game, so I’ll break
them down into parts.
*Story
MGS3: Snake
Eater’s story is set in 1960s, long before the ones in Metal Gear or Metal Gear
Solid 1&2; therefore, it can be seen as a prequel, instead of a sequel, to the
previous installments of MG or MGS. So it didn’t bother at all if you have never
played any of the MGS series before. Lucky you.
The story
starts out with the protagonist, Jack, or Naked Snake (referred to as ),
infiltrating to Russian territory, to rescue Sokolov, a weapons scientist, who
was forced to develop destructive nuclear weapons. If successful, nuke could be
launched anywhere from world. This, of course, was regarded as a huge threat to
the Cold War era US government.
Sent by the
CIA, Snake has to rescue Sokolov, bring him out of the iron curtain before the
horrifying weapon is completed. As a tradition of MGS series, the mission wasn’t
carried out as originally planned. One incident after another and the whole
thing got more complicated…
I shouldn’t
talk more of the story here, since I don’t want to spoil the plot, which is
crucial and a major part in this game. But I can tell you that the story is
amazing, with lots of twists and stuff, which I believe you will surely love.
*Graphics
Before
MGS3, MGS 1&2 maintained a reputation of the “best graphics” so far when they
were released. MGS3 is no exception. The graphics in MGS3 are certainly beyond
anything (well…this might be a bit subjective) you’ve seen on PS2. The whole
game looks simply fabulous, stunningly realistic, from the lush forest, flower
fields, mountainous area to buildings The forest environment looks not only
realistic but natural, which are in pretty rich texture. The characters too, are
flawlessly designed.
** See how realistic the graphics are!!
*Cutscenes
The game’s
cutscenes are surely the most impressively part of the game. The CG movies’
camerawork, character movements, huge, real spectacles look just like Hollywood
movies. Some might complain the cutscenes are way too long (the time almost
equals to or exceeds the time you actually spend on playing), but I find myself
quite enjoying them, since I could just sit back and relax a while after some
tense moments. Furthermore, these cutscenes help players understand the story
better and make them feel more for the characters.
*Music &
Sounds
The sounds
in MGS series (if you’ve played any of the MGS series) need no further
introduction. The music in MGS3, like its predecessor MGS2, is composed by
award-winning Harry Gregson Williams (composer for movies such as Shrek,
Spy Game, The Rock, Kingdom of Heaven, just to cite a few).
He was approached by the game producer, Hideo Kojima, who wanted his game to be
scored as a Hollywood action movie. So, as you could easily imagine, the music
flawlessly strengthens and highlights the mood and atmosphere of the game. The
scores successfully captures the tension and intensity of the game, for
instance, when you’re sighted by the enemy, the background musical scores start
flowing, making you nervous as if you were watching a movie or actually being IN
the game.
The sound
effects are also quite brilliant. The natural, detailed sounds of the forest
make you feel you are really there, fighting your way through the deep forest.
Oh, and
this game is Dolby Pro Logic supported. So with the right equipment, this is
sure to blow your minds out.
Also, I’d
like to mention that during certain parts of the game, vocal background music
fits perfectly into the atmosphere, again, very movie-feely. (especially during
the final boss fight with THE BOSS)
*Gameplay
Since Snake
is an one-man army without back-up supports, he has to use weapons he could find
on the spot. In the beginning of the game you have a tranquilizer gun and a
knife. As stories goes on, you could make use of many other weapons, like sniper
rifle, machine guns, landmines, grenades and other explosives.
Because
Metal Gear Solid is a “tactical espionage action game,” the spirit of which is
to remain undetected throughout the game (well, of course you could just take
out your M63, AK-47…and have your killing spree). Stealth is the key!!!
In this
installment, there is one newly-added tactic players can employ during the game,
that is, the “Camouflage index system.”
This Camo system allows you to choose
from various camouflage pattern uniform. The camo index indicates how well you
are blended into the surrounding environment. The higher camo index, the harder
enemy soldiers detect you. So with a suitable camouflage uniform, you could
sneak up on a soldier and use the CQC to take them out.
See
how different camouflage uniforms work in the forest:
**The top-right percentage is the camo index.
CQC (Close
Quarters Combat) is a series of combat techniques, allowing you to hold, choke,
threat, powerful throw, use an enemy soldier as human shield or simply cut out
this throat.
**Holding an enemy
The Camo
index system, coupled with CQC techniques add much fun to the gaming. This way,
you could have a variety of ways to go through the game.
*Boss
battles (contains spoilers)
The boss
fights in MGS3 are surely the most exciting moments and the finest part of the
game. Some are thrilling, some challenging and some really make you tense up.
Each boss has its own unique features (though some don’t even look like humans)
and surely is great fun to fight with.
**This Ocelot adds so much fun to the whole game
**The FEAR
The final
boss battles are purely thrilling and kick ass!! One boss fight leads into
another to form a great chain. My veins are like exploded in the motorbike
chasing fight and Shaghold fighting.
**Taking on Shagohod with EVA
I would
like to mention, in particular, the ambivalent feelings I had when I was
fighting the final boss-“THE BOSS.” I have never had that sort of feeling in my
whole gaming life. I was fighting her, and at the same time I really don’t want
her to die. Especially when the song “Snake Eater” starts out, I feel really,
really sad.
P.S. Did
anyone cry at the ending cutscene when EVA said “she is a true patriot”
I did.
Tears swirled in my eyes. My throat knotted. And it never happened before, I
mean, cry for fictional characters in a video game. (well, I always get this
strange look from people when I tell them so..) When you have to pull the
trigger to finish off the BOSS, it’s really hard, and hearing that gunshot was
quite painful to me. To that moment, the whole game is like huge emotional
rollercoaster.
*EVA
Eva is
definitely a copy of 007 Bond girl. Some might find this cliché, but I quite
love it. Especially when she’s like seducing or flirting Snake. And oh, she’s
really HOT!!! Visually-satisfying outfit…hehe…
**Eva & Snake... Look at those charming eyes @@"
**Not bad... huh?
*Humors
and fun stuff
This,
again, remains the tradition of MGS series. In the game you have lots of freedom
to play the ways you like, no matter how nasty, vile, prankish they are. For
instance, you could shoot down the bees’ nest near an enemy, and the bees will
go chasing them. Or throw a poisonous snake, spider, scorpion to scare away or
poison your enemy. Or shoot them with a tranquilizer gun, and throw them down
the cliff when they’re asleep.
Here’s
what I love to do: Put a magazine or book that
contains porno on the ground, at the same time, plant a TNT bomb nearby. Then
when a bunch of soldiers gather around the magazine…heyhey….you know what’s
next. This is quite effective, since you know, men couldn’t resist that kind of
stuff >.<
============
In closing,
I’d like to say, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater has lived up to the name its
predecessors established. Captivating storyline, richly cinematic cutscenes,
wonderfully composed background music and vivid sound effects, thrilling boss
battles, all these combined make MGS3: Snake Eater a perfect whole. This is
truly a great buy that any PS2 owners couldn’t bear to miss.
*What are you waiting for? Go get one!
If you
don’t have a PS2, well, this IS the reason to buy one!!!
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