No matter how far we progress, the legacy of Big Boss always lives on. Originally released on the PlayStation 2, the award winning Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater has been ported to almost every next gen console. In order to introduce a new audience to the beloved series, the game has now been ported to the Nintendo 3DS with various enhancements.
For the third time, does the Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D do the series justice? Will it be worth re-experiencing on the Nintendo 3DS? What are the differences between the console and portable versions? All will be revealed in our review, as we take a look on what’s HOT and what’s NOT.
HOT
Snake Eater Now in 3D
The biggest enhancement in Snake Eater, are the visuals. Compared to the PS2 version, the visuals in Snake Eater 3D have become smoother and crisper than it was on the PS2. The character models and environments have improved aliasing thanks to this port, Snake and the jungle he’ll venture through, just pop right out wonderfully with pristine detail in environments and setting. While it’s not as good as the HD collection that Konami recently released, the game can still be considered one of the most beautiful games to ever grace the Nintendo 3DS.
Everything from Original Snake Eater is Intact
Nothing has been added to the 3D version of Snake Eater. Those who played Snake Eater on the PS2, will find the same content on the 3DS version. Prior to the events of the first Metal Gear Solid; Snake Eater tells the story of Big Boss during the Cold War. Combining both stealth and action gameplay, gamers who haven’t played a Metal Gear Solid game before, will be engaged to the game’s compelling storyline and gameplay.
Coming from the PlayStation 2 version, I am surprised that all of the voiced cutscenes and codec conversations remain intact. Whatever you see and hear from either the PS2 or HD version of Snake Eater, you’ll also find on the 3DS version. The lenghty cutscenes you used to love watching on big screen, can now be watched on such a small handheld device with added 3D.
Works Best with Circle Pad Pro
If you picked up the Circle Pad Pro, you’ll be pleased to know that Snake Eater 3D supports it. In order to have the best experience while playing on your 3DS, the Circle Pad Pro is a must. With it, you no longer have to use the face buttons to adjust the camera. Through the Circle Pad, aiming and moving camera will be a lot easier and will feel that you’re playing the console version. While there’s only two games that currently supports the Circle Pad Pro, it’s difficult to recommend it, unless you really want the best experience while playing.
NOT
Gimicky 3DS Features
In addition to having 3D visuals in Snake Eater, the game also uses the 3DS features. Instead of the preset camouflage that will be usable later in the game, you can now use the 3DS’s front camera to snap a picture and use it as cammo for Snake. Using the PhotoCammo feature isn’t really necessary, its just there to be there. Also, there will be times where you’ll be using the gyro controls while on top of trees, which is another gimmicky feature in the game. While the game did well without these features, I don’t think adding them now will make the game any better.
Controls Can be Hard to Get Used to
Assuming you don’t have a Circle Pad Pro, expect to get used to the clunky controls. Learning the controls of Snake Eater 3D will take some time to get used to. With so many things to learn all at once, it will be hard to stay out of enemy sight. Using the face buttons as a way to move the camera and the D-Pad to execute the action, it will get tough down the road especially when fighting bosses. Even if you have a Circle Pad Pro, there’s still a learning curve to get past to, but hey it’s a lot better than the default controls.
Frame Drops
It’s hard to compare a console version to the handheld, but the comparison is inevitable. As I have played every version of Snake Eater, one of the biggest gripe I have on the 3DS version, is the drop in frames. Some cutscenes in the game where a lot of action is involved, you’ll notice a significant drop in frame rate. This is due to the 3DS being unable to do a solid 60fps, like the ones found in the HD collection. Does it ruin the gameplay expereince? Not really!
VERDICT
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D proves to be one of the best games on the Nintedo 3DS. Everything we loved from the original version, can be found on the 3DS version. You can expect the same quality found on consoles, but on the go. Whether or not you find the exclusive 3DS features excellent or gimmicky, in the end you’ll still be able to enjoy the game to its fullest. The controls are maybe something for you to get used to without the Circle Pad Pro, but once you get past them, you’re in for a great adventure with Snake onto your Nintendo 3DS.
[Editor’s Note: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D was reviewed on the Nintendo 3DS platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]