Nintendo 3DS Game Review: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was first released 8 years ago as a third installment to the popular Metal Gear Solid series from Hideo Kojima. There is no argument about the gameplay of the game which is excellent. The series has spawned a lot of different games and has always been received with warm thoughts from the critics and fans alike. The original Snake Eater was a great addition to the series and it even saw an improved version after the release year. The game has finally made it to the 3DS as a port, which is now called Snake Eater 3D. The only questions remain is that is it as good as its original counterpart? We will try to find out through this review.

Snake Eater 3D works exactly the way its predecessors or any other Metal Gear Solid game ever made. You play as Naked Snake who is the carrier of the source that is later used to create Solid snake, the game’s popular protagonist. This game tells the origin story of the series and it does quite well in every way. If you haven’t played any Metal Gear game before, this game will serve a great purpose in getting you comfortable with the story.

There are some specific changes made into this portable version. Snake Eater 3D now has an extra screen which serves as the game’s HUD. This means that you will be able to play throughout the game without being bothered with the HUD taking space on your main screen. The results are crisp looking visuals with a great presentation. The implementation of the 3D technology is great, but unfortunately, it seems that Konami has paid no extra attention in improving the problems the original faced.

The result of this port is quite easily noticeable. The frame rate issue that plagued the original game is still here, which is a little bit disappointing since I was expecting it to improve the problem. Konami has also changed some of the control schemes that you will immediately feel comfortable. The portable addition is great on its own; however, the lack of polish is quite visible. For those who haven’t played the game, this is a great game to pick up and try.

Rating: 4.0