In 2004, Konami, in collaboration with the renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, unveiled Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This title not only became a personal favorite but also significantly influenced my gaming preferences over the years. Thus, when the announcement of a remake/remaster, titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, emerged in 2023, a blend of excitement and skepticism washed over me. Would this new iteration capture the essence of the original? How would it fare without Kojima’s creative touch? These questions and more will be explored in this review from The Outerhaven.
Game Name: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (reviewed)
Publisher(s): Konami
Developer(s): Konami (supported by Virtuos)
Release Date: August 28th, 2025
A Virtuous Mission
To clarify, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater occupies a unique space between a remaster and a remake. It transcends a mere graphical overhaul while refraining from altering the original narrative crafted by Kojima, who is duly credited throughout the game. The storyline unfolds with the Virtuous Mission set in the 1960s, marking the chronological inception of the entire franchise. Without revealing too much, players will find themselves embroiled in Operation Snake Eater, complete with its signature twists and turns.
This prequel serves as an ideal entry point for newcomers, showcasing Kojima’s most coherent storytelling to date, which I argue rivals even his later work, Death Stranding 2. Consequently, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater stands as not only the best introduction to the series but also as a pinnacle of narrative strength within the franchise.
Some Things Don’t Need Changing
For those familiar with the original, rest assured that the gameplay experience remains largely intact. Collectibles and items are positioned just as they were, with a few additional surprises sprinkled throughout. The camouflage system retains its significance, allowing players to navigate the environment strategically. The deluxe edition offers extra camo options, each with unique gameplay perks, enhancing the tactical experience.
Survival elements remain a core aspect, as players must manage their stamina by hunting for food, which can have both beneficial and harmful effects. The game’s cure menu functions similarly to the original, requiring players to address injuries promptly to avoid dire consequences. The modern control scheme facilitates easier access to this menu, enhancing the overall gameplay experience without detracting from the fun.
Once In A Lifetime Experience…Again!
While the story adheres closely to its predecessor, gameplay has undergone some refreshing enhancements. The introduction of a new over-the-shoulder camera angle and modern controls allows for smoother aiming and movement, aligning with contemporary gaming standards. This evolution contrasts sharply with the original’s more cumbersome mechanics, offering a revitalized experience that feels almost like a first playthrough.
For purists, the option to revert to the original camera view and controls remains available. However, having played the original numerous times, I can confidently assert that the modernized mechanics significantly enhance the overall enjoyment of the game.
Beauty In The Eye Of The Beholder
The most striking transformation in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is undoubtedly its visuals, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Capturing the original art direction posed a challenge, yet Konami and Virtuos have crafted an aesthetic that balances realism and anime influences. While many may appreciate the new visuals, some purists might find the absence of the original’s gritty filmic quality a drawback. A classic filter can restore some of that grittiness, but opinions on the new art style will vary.
Personally, I find the visuals compelling, although certain character designs, such as Ocelot’s, may not resonate as strongly. The nuances of these changes invite discussion among fans.
Classic Sound Is Both A Delight And A Disappointment
The audio experience in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a mixed bag. The sound effects are crisp, enhancing the immersion, and the return of David Hayter for voice-over work adds a nostalgic touch. However, the decision to retain the original recordings, while preserving emotional depth, feels like a missed opportunity for a complete audio overhaul. In contrast, the re-recorded theme song “Snake Eater” shines with exceptional quality, making it a highlight upon loading the game.
While the original voice acting remains stellar, the disparity in audio quality can occasionally stand out, creating a slight inconsistency in the overall presentation. Despite this, the audio landscape is largely satisfying, even if some aspects leave room for improvement.
Strong But Limited PC Performance
On the PC front, performance is commendable, maintaining a solid 60fps. However, the options for customization feel somewhat limited, as players can only choose from preset configurations based on hardware specifications. For those with high-end systems, the cap at 60fps may be disappointing, though it suffices for the game’s slower-paced action. Technical issues were minimal, with some visual glitches appearing during cutscenes.
Nothing Quite Like It
Ultimately, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater reaffirms the franchise’s unique place in gaming history. Konami has successfully preserved the essence of the original while modernizing key elements. This title stands alongside other iconic remakes, such as Silent Hill 2, as a testament to the potential of revitalizing classic games. Despite some missed opportunities in voice-over work, the enhanced controls and updated visuals make this a must-play for stealth-action enthusiasts, whether they are veterans of the series or newcomers.
Review Disclosure Statement: A copy of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was provided to us for review purposes by Konami. For more information on how we review video games and other media/technology, please review our Review Guideline/Scoring Policy for more info.
Affiliate Link Disclosure: One or more of the links above contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission should you click through and purchase the item.
