Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Review Roundup

Today marks the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami's highly anticipated remake of the 2004 stealth-action classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Set in 1964 during the Cold War, the game follows CIA operative Naked Snake on a mission involving espionage, survival, and betrayal in a lush jungle environment. With Unreal Engine 5 powering stunning visuals and updated controls, this remake aims to honor the original while making a few tweaks to accessibility for modern players on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The reviews have been flowing in all day and the consensus is positive overall. MGS Delta currently holds a Metacritic score of 85 based on 78 critic reviews, with 70 positive, 8 mixed, and no overall negative scores so far. The critics applaud the faithful recreation, visual overhaul, and timeless gameplay, though some note it plays it safe by not innovating beyond the original's design, retaining elements like segmented levels and dated AI. Here's a roundup of some of the key reviews:

IGN: "A Faithful, Visually Impressive Remake" (8/10)

IGN highlights how the remake stays true to the 2004 original, with a massive visual upgrade and optional modern controls that make stealth feel refreshing in today's landscape. They appreciate the preserved story's mix of melodrama and absurdity, but point out that boss fights remain hit-or-miss and the game hasn't evolved much beyond its roots. "Between its old-school stealth-action gameplay and engaging spy-thriller story, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater largely succeeds as a faithful, visually impressive remake of the 2004 classic." Pros: Novelty of classic mechanics, accessibility options like color filters. Cons: Some boss encounters feel dull, limited changes to address aging elements. Full Review

Eurogamer: "A Surprisingly Sensitive Remake" (5/5)

Eurogamer praises Konami's careful approach, involving original developers, and calls it a "legend brought back to life." They love the perfected stealth-action balance of cool and weird, with new voice lines and a multiplayer mode (Fox Hunt) adding value. However, they note it could have innovated more but excels by staying faithful. "A legend is brought back to life with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater in a surprisingly sensitive remake from Konami featuring developers from the original." Pros: Polished areas, idiosyncratic Kojima charm. Cons: Safer approach limits bold changes. Full Review

GameSpot: "A Safe but Successful Modernization" (9/10)

GameSpot emphasizes the remake's ability to make the jungle feel alive again through Unreal Engine power, restoring child-like wonder to exploration. They commend the strong characterization and systems like hunting and camouflage, but criticize the clinical visual style and lack of bolder updates. "Konami's Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is a safe but successful modernization of a beloved classic." Pros: Intricate character models, compelling story blend of seriousness and irreverence. Cons: Some aspects haven't aged well, like certain character treatments. Full Review

Polygon: "A Gorgeous Recreation of a Stealth Masterpiece"

Polygon describes it as a "pure" remake that updates graphics and controls without altering the core, making experimentation fun through survival mechanics. They appreciate the timeless anti-war message but call out dated creepy elements. "Konami's Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is beautiful and still great fun. It doesn't try to do much beyond that." Pros: Fun hunting and collect-a-thon, side content like Snake vs. Monkey. Cons: Timid approach avoids deeper reinterpretation. Full Review

Game Informer: "No Going Back" (9/10)

Game Informer declares this the definitive version, with smart changes like preserved secrets and bonuses. They love the reverence to the original's soul but acknowledge indulgent monologues might frustrate newcomers. "Metal Gear Solid 3 didn’t necessarily need a remake, but now that it’s here, I’m not sure I will ever be able to go back to the original versions." Pros: Contemporary visuals, engaging story as a series entry point. Cons: Some plot holes and excessive lectures. Full Review

Overall, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is being hailed as a loving tribute to one of gaming's greatest stealth titles, with critics agreeing it's the best way to experience Snake's jungle adventure in 2025. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, its fidelity ensures the genius of the original shines through. If you're a fan, this remake might just make you fall in love all over again, or if you're new, it's an ideal starting point.

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Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater for PS5 - $69.00 at Amazon