metal gear solid 3 review
video game diablo 2 reviewresident evil 2 remake review
Test: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Seeing the path that the Metal Gear series has traveled since its arrival on MSX, we can only be admiring. Although the genre of action / infiltration is very popular these days, few titles will succeed in braving the tests of time successfully so as not to be forgotten. And this is where we recognize the genius of the Konami saga which since it was offered the suffix Solid never ceases to dazzle us, each opus being performed surgically so as to do nothing leave it to chance. Snake Eater is no exception to the rule and represents one more stone in the edifice which now exceeds the peaks of the quality charter of the series to come alongside clouds of reverie, pleasure and perfection…
If at the moment the fans of Splinter Cell are not necessarily those of Metal Gear Solid, the reason is very simple. Although the two games end up under the banner of infiltration, the approach of the two series is radically different. If the first privileges the realism of the situations, Metal Gear Solid has always preferred to opt for a cinematographic atmosphere by deepening excessively its scenario and its characters. We can then blame Kojima for investing too much in its history by trying to pass opinions on genetics or even American politics, but man is too intelligent to make this big mistake. Yes, the Metal Gear Solid scenarios are born from historical contributions or very real events but in the end, without being a real pipe dream, the result is intended to be complex despite the fluidity of the narration which is only matched by the richness of the content mentioned.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater therefore starts from this premise and builds on the events of the Cold War, of which the Cuban missile crisis was one of the most important points. Situating his story in the 60s, Kojima takes the opportunity to tell us about the genesis of Snake, The Boss, the project The Terrible Children and several emblematic characters of the saga like Revolver Ocelot who, from a juvenile pistolero , will turn into a sadistic torturer many years later. Although it is better to have finished MGS and MGS 2 to understand the ins and outs of certain revelations, the scenario of the game can still be tasted, as the gallery of "second knives" is interesting. Of course, all the characters are not equal, the ambitions of Colonel Volgin are ultimately quite basic but what stands out most of the scenario is indeed at the level of physical and mental confrontations of Snake and his mentor. Besides, if the first part of the game is more focused on the hero's mission which will be to find a scientist by the name of Sokolov, the creator of the Shagohod (a mobile ramp for launching missiles), it is also used to install the characters. This will then help us to better understand their aspirations in the second part which will take place a few days later.
Taking over the construction of Metal Gear Solid 2, Snake Eater is however superior in all respects. If we are always going to have to play cat and mouse with guards attentive to the slightest noise, MGS 3 swaps the cramped and cold environments of MGS 2 for more open spaces and rich in colors. Taking place in Russia, in a deep jungle forgotten by all, the player will not stop playing with his environment to carry out his mission and god only knows that it will not be obvious, at least if you are the type privilege discretion. In this regard, drop the Easy mode to go directly to Normal, the challenge and the sensations will be increased tenfold. Resuming the gameplay of the previous episode, you can always use many movements to put into play the guards in order to extract items or ammunition, to kill them in silence, etc. Other movements, called CQC, will allow you to attack guards from behind, to extract information from them, to make them fall ... In addition, this time you will have the possibility of climbing trees (although this tip or badly exploited because very interventionist) or hide in the grass or in hollow tree trunks to go unnoticed. When it comes to gadgets, your wallet can contain anesthetic cigarettes, pills to pretend quick death, magazines to distract soldiers, and much more. Note also that you will now only have access to a very basic radar (which will require batteries to operate) which will roughly show you the position of the enemies. Therefore the difficulty is much greater than in MGS 2 but we must not forget that the equipment was less efficient in the 60s. The offensive means are not outdone with a dozen weapons available including a six -shots, a sniper rifle, a heavy machine gun, a rocket launcher ... In addition, you will also have to use the weapons of your enemies (such as DCA turrets or standing machine guns) to quickly overcome all your problems. In short, the gameplay is full and this time will require that you use the stick to advance with wolves AND the cross of direction when you want to eliminate a guard without being noticed. A small innovation that will avoid being spotted by running near a guard after pressing too hard on the analog stick.
But the great strength of this episode comes from its survival orientation. So, if you are injured, you should immediately take care of yourself in order to recover your energy. To do this, you will then have to go through a menu and treat Snake's wounds using bandages, disinfectant, surgical thread, antiseptics and other similar products. Very addictive, this aspect is complementary to the obligation you will have to hunt or go for mushroom picking. Yes, because if you can recover energy by healing yourself, you will also have to pay attention to your endurance level in order to be able to run or to be more precise when you are aiming at an enemy. You will be able to shoot animals living in the forest in which you live or collect fruits and plants, the latter can also be used to heal you.
The other novelty of MGS 3 comes from the numerous camouflages that can be used at any time of the adventure. These will help you blend into your environment and will even allow you to be completely invisible to the soldiers. Depending on the environment you are in, you will need to choose the most suitable outfit and the paint to apply to your face. For example, if you are leaning against a red brick wall, an ocher-colored outfit and no paint on your face will be ideal. On the other hand if you are hidden in tall grass, your preference should go to a khaki outfit and a green paint for the face, this increasing the percentage of camouflage which will inform you about your degree of invisibility. On this subject, note that the European version benefits from an Online mode by which you can download new camouflages. In the end, it is only very annoying to have to go through a menu to change your outfit.
I must also say that although the graphics of the game is admirable, huge traces of aliasing and tearing tarnish the picture a bit. However, the diversity of places is a huge evolution compared to other AMS. There is a military base, but you can also drag your gaiters through a thick and teeming jungle, caves, suffocating rice fields, marshes or even foul smells. Outside the surroundings, we must also pay tribute to the design of the protagonists which is almost perfect, the members of the Cobra unit being as imposing as they are enjoyable to fight. What is also incredible is that we can also witness totally surreal scenes (in their technicality) and which a priori have nothing to do on PS2 as their achievement is impressive. And yet, everything fits well on a single DVD and demonstrates that the Konami teams have nothing more to learn from the black monolith. The soundtrack is not to be outdone with musical themes with very retro accents that are totally in the James Bond style from which MGS 3 borrows a lot. Harry Gregson Williams resumes service after MGS 2 and it must be said that this composer has totally captured the very essence of the game. The themes are perfectly adapted to the situations, the atmospheres, the composition is of high quality and we will especially remember that the music is an integral part of the game, giving it a life of its own, something rare for an undercover game.
If it is the question of lifespan that concerns you, know that it is in the line of its predecessors, with various modes of difficulty to unlock. In addition, a mode specific to the European version will offer you to fight all the bosses of the main adventure. Let's not forget either the Snake vs Monkey mode which will offer you to capture the monkeys of Ape Escape by traversing several closed levels coming from the Scenario mode. A little more fun, without being captivating. Finally, MGS 3 is a game that ends several times by choosing several approach techniques or simply to understand all the nuances of the scenario, the truths hidden in the dialogues being legion.
Metal Gear Solid 3 is part of this very rare category of titles which alpacent the player from start to finish without giving him time to breathe. Snake Eater has a few small technical flaws, but how can you stay put in front of such a masterpiece? An inventive staging, a diabolically brilliant scenario, charismatic characters, gameplay taking advantage of multiple innovations and the fact of creating in us an unbearable wait until the next episode that we hope is as good: MGS 3 is all of this. Kojima has created a myth and if he continues to cherish it with so much affection, Snake is destined to wander the heavens for a very long time. The end of a trilogy, the promise to hear the whistles of the snake again and the hope of being hypnotized again.
The notes
Graphics 17/20
The environments are much more varied than in MGS 2 and if a lot of aliasing and tearing (staircase effect) darken the whole, the end result is really impressive. The protagonists' design is perfect, the amazing special effects and certain phases are off to cult, like a certain motorcycle chase with the Metal Gear.
Gameplay 18/20
The lack of a real radar (60s oblige) will destabilize a little the followers of the two previous MGS but spent a few hours, what a continual pleasure. Between the camouflage phases, the fact of taking care of oneself or simply pure infiltration, it is a real joy. There are many concerns such as the obligation to go through a menu to change clothes, the impossibility of advancing in subjective view to better identify the guards but the stealth phases are now more flexible and more accessible, especially to surprise the guards.
Lifespan 16/20
Prefer Normal mode from the start if you want to live the real MGS 3 experience. If finishing the game without being seen is a sine qua non for you, the challenge will be all the more met. Finally, let's not forget the bonus modes that are Snake vs Monkey or the Duel mode which will lengthen the lifespan a little.
Soundtrack 18/20
The music of Gregson-Williams and his four Japanese friends have managed to musically transcribe an abundant visual universe, which ultimately gives themes that vary depending on the place and the actions. Rooted in the 60s, the themes have pleasant retro accents and owe as much to John Barry as to Hans Zimmer. The English sound effects and dubbing are also impeccable, we can only salute the work of all the speakers who worked on this part.
Scenario 20/20
A meticulous scenario that takes advantage of historical facts to tell us the origins of the saga. The result is perfect from start to finish. The protagonists are interesting, The Boss is one of the most beautiful characters I have seen to date in a video game and the staging of cutscenes is ingenious in the choice of shots, framing, slow motion . Dazzling at all stages of development.
Metal Gear Solid 3 represents in a way the Alpha and the Omega of the Solid trilogy. It should indeed be seen that this last episode marks a new start for the saga which should take place on the Next Gen consoles. As it is Snake Eater has some gameplay problems but god this game is impressive. With a mind-blowing scenario, an exceptional staging, a playability offering several additions, Snake Eater is a piece of bravery on PS2 which brilliantly closes a series that is more than ever legendary.
0 comments:
Post a Comment