METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version

84%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,607 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version Game Cover
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"Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version" is a stealth game that follows the origin story of Naked Snake and The Boss. The game takes place in a jungle environment where Snake must use camouflage and the surroundings to his advantage. New action elements include capturing animals for food and regaining stamina, as well as a combat system based on martial arts. The game has also received updates for improved gameplay and additional settings.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,607 reviews
story127 positive mentions
stability29 negative mentions
  • story316 mentions

    The story of *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater* is widely praised for its emotional depth, intricate narrative, and strong character development, particularly the relationship between Naked Snake and his mentor, The Boss. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the game masterfully blends themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of war, making it a standout in video game storytelling. Players find the plot engaging and thought-provoking, often describing it as a cinematic experience that resonates long after the game is completed.

    • “One of the best storylines in any game I've played, and the ending was awesome.”
    • “The way the story is presented, filled with drama and intrigue, makes every scene unforgettable.”
    • “Kojima's storytelling in the Metal Gear series is truly something to be studied, and MGS3 stands out as a true icon in the world of gaming.”
    • “The story is full of emotion and nearly brought me to tears.”
    • “The story was a master craft, my only complaint about the story is that I am a huge believer in show don't tell and they don't do well in that, but otherwise the story was amazing.”
    • “The plot is very thought-provoking and deals with many themes, making it a complex weave of espionage, political intrigue, and personal vendettas.”
  • gameplay219 mentions

    The gameplay of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is widely praised for its innovative mechanics, including a camouflage system, survival elements, and tactical combat, which enhance the stealth experience and encourage strategic thinking. While some players note that the controls feel dated and can be clunky, the overall gameplay remains engaging and fun, with unique boss fights and a rich environment that invites experimentation. The combination of deep narrative and diverse gameplay features has set a high standard in the stealth genre, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

    • “The gameplay mechanics have become much more diverse compared to the previous entries: survival elements in the jungle, a camouflage system, and tactical combat.”
    • “The camouflage system and survival mechanics add depth, making players think strategically about how to approach each encounter.”
    • “Metal Gear Solid 3 may just be the greatest stealth game ever made, from both a gameplay and story perspective.”
    • “A complaint I do have about the gameplay is how easy it is to just bum rush through enemies in many sections and ignore stealth altogether.”
    • “But as someone who had MGS 5 as their first game in the series, the gameplay of this one feels absolutely horrible.”
    • “What a game, gameplay-wise is meh but story-wise is absolutely spectacular.”
  • graphics129 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many noting that while it was impressive for its time, it now appears outdated and lacks modern graphical options such as resolution adjustments and settings customization. Players have reported various graphical glitches and performance issues, particularly on PC, where the game is locked at 720p and requires mods for enhancements. Despite these shortcomings, some still appreciate the game's aesthetic and art style, highlighting that it has aged well in certain aspects, particularly in its cutscenes.

    • “For its time, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater pushed the boundaries of what was graphically possible on the PlayStation 2.”
    • “The graphics are excellent for a 2004 game, and the lush Russian jungle environments are teeming with beautiful flora, fauna, and vegetation, all of which gives a sincere feeling of life to the world.”
    • “This is how you make a sequel (or prequel in this case); gameplay is evolved, more fun and satisfying than the two prior installments, graphics are superb and because of the art style, it's aged phenomenally.”
    • “Genuinely do not buy, there are severe graphical glitches, slow downs, controller issues and much more; MGS3 is far more enjoyable and playable on an emulator.”
    • “This is basically the HD collection port from 2011, very disappointed for the poor resolution and the fact it has no improvement in graphics and shadows, not even a little.”
    • “Stuck at 720p, blurriness everywhere, no graphics options of any kind; lazy port is an understatement.”
  • music71 mentions

    The music in the game has been universally praised for its exceptional quality, with many reviewers highlighting the iconic "Snake Eater" theme and the overall soundtrack as key elements that enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of the gameplay. Composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, the score effectively complements the game's narrative and setting, creating a memorable audio experience that resonates with players. Despite some criticisms regarding audio quality in certain versions, the soundtrack remains a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's status as a masterpiece in the stealth genre.

    • “The soundtrack complements the experience perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.”
    • “The game’s score, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, perfectly complements the atmosphere, with the title track 'Snake Eater' becoming an iconic piece of gaming music.”
    • “Snake Eater is a masterpiece, from story to gameplay, from level design to character design, from the music to the voice acting.”
    • “I love this game but I think the audio is bugged because I remember the soundtrack sounding like my parents were screaming at each other in the background.”
    • “But during the majority of the game, no music is heard except for bosses and alerts.”
    • “They messed up the quality on the intro; now the song sounds crusty.”
  • stability44 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a generally smooth experience with minimal bugs and good performance, particularly on platforms like Steam Deck. However, others have encountered significant issues, including graphical glitches, audio problems, and occasional crashes, especially when running on higher resolutions or specific hardware setups. Overall, while some users find the port stable after applying fixes and mods, many still consider it a buggy release that requires troubleshooting to achieve optimal performance.

    • “Very good game, runs great on Steam Deck except for a few hiccups in larger areas, but otherwise smooth 95% of the time.”
    • “The game runs great, and I've experienced virtually no bugs thus far.”
    • “And now the game runs great on the Asus ROG Ally, even on 10W, silent mode the game runs at 60/720p without any issues.”
    • “Genuinely do not buy, there are severe graphical glitches, slowdowns, controller issues, and much more. MGS3 is far more enjoyable and playable on an emulator.”
    • “The game is good, but the way Konami went about porting it is so horrible. On top of that, it runs poorly on the deck (it's a PS2 game), it crashes for unknown reasons, and freezes my controller randomly.”
    • “Whilst the core of the game was there, these were incredibly buggy releases that needed numerous fixes to become playable.”
  • optimization40 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players noting significant performance improvements over previous versions, achieving consistent frame rates and better visuals, especially in 4K. However, many users criticize the port for being poorly optimized, particularly on PC, citing issues like framerate drops, audio glitches, and control problems. Overall, while there are positive aspects regarding performance, the game still suffers from various optimization flaws that detract from the experience.

    • “However, since it is running natively on PC, the performance is much better, and with just a few mods, the resolution can be increased with better textures and audio.”
    • “Bought it even though I expected to be disappointed by this lazy port, but the game actually runs smoothly and there is already a 1080p-4k resolution fix which makes a huge difference!”
    • “The load times are near instant, the game looks excellent, has near perfect performance, and a ton of mods are coming to add new stuff to the game.”
    • “This game is broken, poorly optimized, and unfinished.”
    • “A $20 unoptimized port that runs at 17 fps.”
    • “The port is not optimized for running on PC, this leads to so many graphical problems the game is next to unplayable without a vomit bag.”
  • emotional34 mentions

    The emotional aspect of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is widely praised for its profound storytelling, complex character relationships, and heart-wrenching moments that resonate deeply with players. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, often leading to tears, particularly during pivotal scenes involving Naked Snake and The Boss. The combination of a cinematic narrative, memorable voice acting, and a powerful soundtrack enhances the emotional experience, making it a standout title in video game storytelling.

    • “The depth of its characters, the intricate plot, and the emotional weight behind every action make it a game that stays with you long after the credits roll.”
    • “Its cold war setting, survival mechanics, and heart-wrenching narrative elevate it to a level of storytelling in games that is hard to match.”
    • “The relationship between these two characters is the emotional core of the story, filled with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war.”
  • monetization25 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the Metal Gear Solid 3 port has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab by Konami, with reviewers highlighting the lack of effort in improving the game and the presence of technical issues. Many feel that the release prioritizes profit over quality, likening it to a lazy port of the PS3 HD collection rather than a worthy homage to the original. Overall, players advise against purchasing the game at full price, viewing it as an exploitation of loyal fans.

    • “I truly believe this was a cash grab of a port on Konami's part, and a slap in the face to Kojima's masterpiece of a game.”
    • “Metal Gear has become nothing more than a cash grab to prey on die-hard fans of the series.”
    • “Overall this port is a miserable cash grab from Konami.”
  • humor14 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its effective balance with serious moments, providing both engaging storytelling and laugh-out-loud moments. Players appreciate the clever writing and comedic elements that enhance the overall experience, while some find the humor to be a refreshing break from the game's emotional intensity. However, there are mixed opinions on certain aspects, such as the overuse of stock sound effects, which some find amusing while others see as a drawback.

    • “Genuinely has become my favorite game... amazing story and a perfect balance of serious and funny moments.”
    • “The story is engaging, extremely emotional, yet also hilarious at times.”
    • “This is one of the Metal Gears with the best writing for sure, as well as enough humorous moments to break the exhilarating tension.”
  • grinding13 mentions

    Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be tedious, with many players feeling overwhelmed by the inventory management and menu navigation required for survival mechanics. While some aspects, like stamina management and the camouflage system, add depth, they can also contribute to a sense of monotony. Overall, the gameplay is immersive but often marred by repetitive tasks that detract from the experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The somewhat limited inventory implemented in this game is just tedious.”
    • “Even quitting the game is a tedious chore.”
  • replayability13 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its engaging story, diverse gameplay mechanics, and the opportunity to earn special items and titles through various playthroughs. Players can explore different strategies, collect hidden items, and experience character growth, making each run feel fresh and rewarding. However, some players note that unskippable elements like ending credits and excessive dialogue can detract from the overall replay experience.

    • “A solid game to test your skills with decent replayability and an incredible story, which by itself makes the game worth buying even if you dislike the rather janky/dated feeling of the gameplay.”
    • “The replayability is high, just like most Metal Gear games, with opportunities to collect all special items, go after Kerotan and all animals, find hidden areas, and earn different end-game codenames.”
    • “Overall, a great game with extremely high replayability, offering a lot of fun when playing to relieve stress, since you can do so much that other action or semi open-world games cannot offer.”
    • “The replay value lies with earning 'special items' as well as different 'ranks' (technically they're called titles) given to you at the end of each playthrough, depending on having met certain requirements within said playthrough like getting a certain amount of kills, how many times you were spotted, etc. On a fairly optimized run (and with enough skills, of course), the game can easily be beaten in under 2 hours (if you skip the cutscenes).”
    • “Unskippable ending credits and too much codec dialogue to skip hurt replayability.”
    • “The replayability is high just like most Metal Gear games, to collect all special items, going after Kerotan and all animals, finding all the little side areas and hidden items to collect, to mess with guards in different ways in different sections, and to earn different end game codenames.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive jungle and industrial settings, and a powerful soundtrack, particularly the iconic "Snake Eater" theme. Reviewers highlight the blend of electronic beats and atmospheric synths that enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable and emotionally resonant journey. While some areas could benefit from a spookier ambiance, the game's rich storytelling and character development contribute significantly to its captivating atmosphere.

    • “It's a fantastic game for its story, atmosphere, and gameplay.”
    • “The game’s score, composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, perfectly complements the atmosphere, with the title track 'Snake Eater' becoming an iconic piece of gaming music.”
    • “The story, gameplay, and atmosphere of this game is top notch and definitely worth experiencing, no matter the system you play it on.”
    • “It would be so much more effective if that section had a spookier atmosphere.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is highly praised, with players noting its depth and the impact of unexpected plot twists that enhance engagement. The overall design elements, including visuals and storytelling, contribute to a rich and immersive experience, solidifying the game's status as a masterpiece.

    • “The game design, the character designs, the map, the story, the setting, and the soundtrack are all near perfection.”
    • “Snake Eater is a masterpiece, from story to gameplay, from level design to character design, from the music to the voice acting.”
    • “The deep character development and unexpected plot twists keep players engaged throughout the journey.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I was disappointed by the lack of choices that impact character growth; it feels like a missed opportunity.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Buy METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version

Play time

5hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
3-15hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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