Publisher: Konami
Ages: Teens
Parental
Advisory:
Violence
A PlayStation 2 exclusive, Konami's excellent Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater offers the newest installment in the tactical espionage series that defined the stealth genre. This time, Metal Gear Solid is an action-packed adventure that occurs in the jungles of the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War. In addition to the fresh setting, there's a strong story, compelling new features and a fantastic adventure.
Players assume the role of Snake, a US-sent agent, who undertakes a dangerous solo mission to uncover and destroy a newly created weapon of mass destruction. Renowned developer, Hideo Kojima, is again the creative genius behind the game that is the best yet.
Moving beyond the series' well known radar control, gamers have to rely on a new "camouflage index" to blend into the environments and sneak past enemies undetected. With the camouflage index, players can change the patterns on Snake's clothes as well as his face paint to better blend into surroundings, and allows him to avoid enemy detection and sneak up on enemies. Players can obtain different camouflage patterns throughout the game as well as download new camo designs online. The new hand-to-hand combat "CQC" system is a welcome addition to take down foes.
Another addition is a "cure system" that lets players heal Snake when he is injured during battle. Untreated wounds affect his health and ultimately affect the outcome of missions. Furthermore, players will need to feed on animals, flora and fauna to survive in the jungle. Interestingly, Snake hunts for food and stores it in his inventory. But if he holds onto food too long, it rots. And if he eats spoiled food, becomes sick.
The game is creative, clever and detailed in its many deadly options and puzzles. The graphics are fantastic and the game is addicting as well as entertaining. In particular, the game has amazing video cut-scenes that tell the story, which almost look like movies. The game is a violent one that has sexual references and edgy language and is not appropriate for the kids. Undoubtedly however, the kids will have heard about this one and want to play it.
1/25/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
