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If any one game series encapsulates the new era of the more mature video games which have emerged since the beginning of the PlayStation era, it's Metal Gear Solid. Its complex narrative and equally complex and varied gameplay redefined the way people looked at video games and even if the immediate sequel managed to upset the delicate balance between storytelling and interaction, Metal Gear Solid 3 doesn't look likely to make the same mistake twice. Taking a real back-to-basics approach, Snake Eater is set in the '60s and sees you controlling Solid Snake (or at least someone that looks like him--and is at least not Raiden from the MGS2) in a storyline that has yet to be fully revealed. What we've seen of the game shows a much greater emphasis on stealth than ever before, with Snake being vastly outnumbered and appearing to spend most of his time creeping through the jungle, dropping down on guards from out of the trees and hiding in plain sight using a variety of specialised camouflage suits. The sub-title is less nonsensical than you might think as well since Snake must hunt and eat animals--including, you guessed it, our no-legged friends--to keep his stamina up. Overall the game seems more realistic than ever before (you don't even get the enemy radar to use all the time) and should assuage those jaded by Metal Gear Solid 2's more self-indulgent moments. Snake is back, and he's never looked better... --David Jenkins |
