Sneak through the Cold War like a boss
By Paul Hunter
Few series are as revered as Metal Gear, and Konami knows it. With Virtuos, the publisher has brought Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater back for a new generation through Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This remake is not about rewriting history. Instead, it takes the foundations of the 2004 release and updates them with Unreal Engine 5, keeping the original script and voice performances intact.
The game was designed to offer you choice. Legacy Style recreates the older control scheme, while New Style provides a modern camera and smoother mechanics suited to today’s expectations. A set of subtle improvements, including faster camouflage adjustments, streamlined menus, and a compass, aim to make Snake’s mission more practical without altering its structure. Even battle damage and stains carry over into cinematics, linking gameplay and cutscenes in a way that draws you in.
Faithfulness defines this project. You get the original cinematics recrafted, untouched dialogue, and the same story, wrapped in new visuals and audio design. It is both a preservation of what came before and an attempt to meet today’s standards. For long-time fans, it’s a chance to revisit a landmark entry. For first-timers, it’s a gateway to one of the most celebrated stealth adventures ever made. But is this remake worth your time in 2025? Let’s find out!
Set in the 1960s during the Cold War, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater puts you in the boots of Naked Snake on a mission that brushes up against nuclear stakes. Early objectives include rescuing a rocket scientist and tracking a threat that could tip two superpowers over the edge. Across the campaign you watch a capable operative take steps toward the legend he becomes, and that arc still lands.
The writing leans into a spy-film cadence. Big set pieces and sudden swerves sit beside light gags and deadpan banter. The switch from serious to silly can be abrupt, yet the contrast gives scenes a distinct rhythm. It’s a tone the series built a reputation on, and it remains intact here.
Cinematics run long and follow the PS2 blueprint, with the same timing and delivery. The choice preserves the original pacing and keeps character moments intact, whether it’s quiet conversations about duty or an offhand joke to break the ice. For newcomers, the narrative flows cleanly from one objective to the next. If you know the material, you’ll recognise each turn before it arrives.
Villains leave strong impressions, with odd habits and theatrical flourishes. Ocelot, in particular, grandstands his way through scenes and steals attention whenever he appears. Boss encounters match that energy, often letting you approach them in more than one way.
All in all, the story holds up today, balancing spy drama, character beats, and a string of twists that still hit the mark.
Delta lets you tailor how you move and aim. Legacy Style preserves the original angles and input logic. New Style modernises the layout with a free camera, over-shoulder aiming, the ability to move while aiming, and smoother crouch and crawl. I chose New Style, and the controls immediately felt natural.
This remake trims the busywork with practical shortcuts. Items and weapons sit on the D-pad, camouflage suggestions pop up without pausing the action, and the same goes for the codec radio too. When you take damage, a prompt sends you to Cure, backed by a checklist that makes field treatment quick. A Compass keeps objectives clear.
Stealth is similar to original, with guards walking in set patterns until they notice movement or react to sounds, so sloppy steps trigger trouble. Tutorials are light, but you always have handy tips from the in-game manual if you need to brush up on the game mechanics.
The series’ fondness for hidden tactics returns. You can set up early shots to bypass a boss, fake your death for an opening, or use gear to fool patrols; actions in one area can even make a later zone easier. Some cheap exploits are gone (like one that makes beating a notable boss trivial), which keeps standout encounters honest. Inventory management loads faster than before, though the Backpack management is stiill a tad cumbersome. Extra gameplay goodies—Guy Savage, Snake vs. Monkey, and Secret Theater—add variety beyond the main run.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives with a full visual refresh in Unreal Engine 5. The jungle reads as a real space, with grass shifting, leaves scuffing underfoot, and small dust puffs trailing each step. Character models carry finer detail, and expressions look impressively realistic during cutscenes.
This remake includes some nice filter options let you set the tone. Action Film darkens and cools the image, Legacy brings back a green tint, and you can switch them off if you prefer a clean look.
Audio supports the setting with with excellent 3D audio, creating layered ambience and punchy cues during combat. Voice tracks used in cutscenes are the originals, now paired with updated models and lighting, so timing and delivery match what you remember.
Performance targets 60fps. In practice, it holds steady in many areas, with slight dips during heavy firefights and a few cinematics. One late chase sequence shows awkward running movements that stray from the original's animation, and the stronger lighting makes that quirk easier to spot. None of this breaks the presentation however.
Final Score: 9/10 - Amazing
Developer: Konami, Virtuous
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Stealth, Action
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Few series are as revered as Metal Gear, and Konami knows it. With Virtuos, the publisher has brought Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater back for a new generation through Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This remake is not about rewriting history. Instead, it takes the foundations of the 2004 release and updates them with Unreal Engine 5, keeping the original script and voice performances intact.
The game was designed to offer you choice. Legacy Style recreates the older control scheme, while New Style provides a modern camera and smoother mechanics suited to today’s expectations. A set of subtle improvements, including faster camouflage adjustments, streamlined menus, and a compass, aim to make Snake’s mission more practical without altering its structure. Even battle damage and stains carry over into cinematics, linking gameplay and cutscenes in a way that draws you in.
Faithfulness defines this project. You get the original cinematics recrafted, untouched dialogue, and the same story, wrapped in new visuals and audio design. It is both a preservation of what came before and an attempt to meet today’s standards. For long-time fans, it’s a chance to revisit a landmark entry. For first-timers, it’s a gateway to one of the most celebrated stealth adventures ever made. But is this remake worth your time in 2025? Let’s find out!
Set in the 1960s during the Cold War, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater puts you in the boots of Naked Snake on a mission that brushes up against nuclear stakes. Early objectives include rescuing a rocket scientist and tracking a threat that could tip two superpowers over the edge. Across the campaign you watch a capable operative take steps toward the legend he becomes, and that arc still lands.
The writing leans into a spy-film cadence. Big set pieces and sudden swerves sit beside light gags and deadpan banter. The switch from serious to silly can be abrupt, yet the contrast gives scenes a distinct rhythm. It’s a tone the series built a reputation on, and it remains intact here.
Cinematics run long and follow the PS2 blueprint, with the same timing and delivery. The choice preserves the original pacing and keeps character moments intact, whether it’s quiet conversations about duty or an offhand joke to break the ice. For newcomers, the narrative flows cleanly from one objective to the next. If you know the material, you’ll recognise each turn before it arrives.
Villains leave strong impressions, with odd habits and theatrical flourishes. Ocelot, in particular, grandstands his way through scenes and steals attention whenever he appears. Boss encounters match that energy, often letting you approach them in more than one way.
All in all, the story holds up today, balancing spy drama, character beats, and a string of twists that still hit the mark.
Delta lets you tailor how you move and aim. Legacy Style preserves the original angles and input logic. New Style modernises the layout with a free camera, over-shoulder aiming, the ability to move while aiming, and smoother crouch and crawl. I chose New Style, and the controls immediately felt natural.
This remake trims the busywork with practical shortcuts. Items and weapons sit on the D-pad, camouflage suggestions pop up without pausing the action, and the same goes for the codec radio too. When you take damage, a prompt sends you to Cure, backed by a checklist that makes field treatment quick. A Compass keeps objectives clear.
Stealth is similar to original, with guards walking in set patterns until they notice movement or react to sounds, so sloppy steps trigger trouble. Tutorials are light, but you always have handy tips from the in-game manual if you need to brush up on the game mechanics.
The series’ fondness for hidden tactics returns. You can set up early shots to bypass a boss, fake your death for an opening, or use gear to fool patrols; actions in one area can even make a later zone easier. Some cheap exploits are gone (like one that makes beating a notable boss trivial), which keeps standout encounters honest. Inventory management loads faster than before, though the Backpack management is stiill a tad cumbersome. Extra gameplay goodies—Guy Savage, Snake vs. Monkey, and Secret Theater—add variety beyond the main run.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives with a full visual refresh in Unreal Engine 5. The jungle reads as a real space, with grass shifting, leaves scuffing underfoot, and small dust puffs trailing each step. Character models carry finer detail, and expressions look impressively realistic during cutscenes.
This remake includes some nice filter options let you set the tone. Action Film darkens and cools the image, Legacy brings back a green tint, and you can switch them off if you prefer a clean look.
Audio supports the setting with with excellent 3D audio, creating layered ambience and punchy cues during combat. Voice tracks used in cutscenes are the originals, now paired with updated models and lighting, so timing and delivery match what you remember.
Performance targets 60fps. In practice, it holds steady in many areas, with slight dips during heavy firefights and a few cinematics. One late chase sequence shows awkward running movements that stray from the original's animation, and the stronger lighting makes that quirk easier to spot. None of this breaks the presentation however.
The Verdict
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater makes sneaking through the Cold War as satisfying as ever. The story and iconic characters hold up perfectly while modern controls, quick camo swaps, and a Compass streamline gameplay. Unreal Engine 5 turns the jungle into a visual playground, and the audio keeps every rustle and alert sharp. Boss fights still test your skills, and Secret Theater and Fox Hunt add hours of fun. This remake doesn’t just revisit a classic—it elevates it, making MGS3 feel alive, daring, and essential for both newcomers and longtime fans.Final Score: 9/10 - Amazing
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater details
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: Konami, Virtuous
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Stealth, Action
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.