Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Gameplay:
You will notice right off the bat that the game is filled with cutscenes/movies, which begins to tell an interesting and cynical story based around Solid Snake (the main character), while taking place during the Cold War. For all you new to the MGS series, Metal Gear Solid has always been about unfolding a story that will keep the gamer interested through out the game. So give the game some time, especially during the beginning of the game because you won't be doing much. When you finally get some playing time, for all you MGS fans out there, you will realize that this game is made for MGS fans. The gameplay hasn't much changed, although you will notice that you aren't just going through corridors as in previous installments but rather be situated in the jungle (two thumbs way up!). As a result, you must rely on your scope and keep it handy, because in MGS, its all about stealth. Also, you will be able to change outfits and face paint, so that you can "blend" into the surronding areas as you hunt down your prey. Don't forget the stealth gauge, you will be able to increase your stealth level while you are in the shadows and vice versa, kind of reminds me of Sam Fisher/Splinter Cell: PT. While in battle, you can use Snake's overview camera or first person camera while shooting a weapon and also take notice of the pressure point system. The amount of pressure you press a button with will determine wether you perform such techniques as head locks to take one hostage, or just slitting his throat and leave him for dead. I can not emphasize more that if you are a long time MGS fan, you will probably love the gameplay. The bosses are crazy and twisted, all I can say is "wow" and go check them out for yourself, they are superb, some of the best boss battles in the entire series can be found in MGS3. There have been some throw in MGS3, but nothing drastic. There is a new healing system, which allows you to pull up a menu during the game and gives you options to sew up your wounds and regain life. If you are lacking stamina, go find yourself a fork and a spoon, because eating animals you will find will slowly help increase stamina which has been lossed while you have been playing.

Graphics:
The graphics are clean cut (mostly), and look very polished, especially on the PS2 graphics engine. None the less, you will see some blurry patches here and there, especially in the background setting (trees especially), but hey, thats minor. The cinematic scenes/cutscenes/movies (whatever you want to call them) are beautifully done, I mean, you can't ask or find much better than what MGS3 has to offer, especially on the PS2. If you are thinking MGS3's graphics are the best on the PS2, I might have to disagree a bit (Final Fantasy probably, anyways...), from my view point, you just can't go wrong with MGS3 graphically, especially on a console which has decent graphics, but all in all could vastly improve upon its current engine right now. It is sort of hard to compare graphics on the PS2 compared to the Xbox or the PC, but MGS3 is definatly one of the betterlooking games graphically out there.

Sound:
The sound is superb, especially the game sound (shots being fired, explosions, weapons, etc.) for any action/stealth game I think game sound is pivitol. The voice overs/acting adds a touch to MGS3, and although they are not the greatest, you can find far worse in many other games out there. The voice overs/acting do add to the realism of the story, especially since MGS is all about the story around Solid Snake. MGS's music, in MGS2 and now in MGS3 I think is great. The soundtrack was well organized and done, can't go much wrong with MGS3's music (I believe), the sound of MGS newest installment won't fail to disappoint MGS fans and regualr gamers alike.

Last Thoughts:
MGS 3 was made and developed for the Metal Gear Solid fan, no doubt about that. The newest installment brings with it the trademakr MGS stamp of not just being your average action/adventure/stealth game. If you are new to the series, give it some time, it will grow on you, trust me. If you want a fantastic game which is not on any other console except the PS2, MGS 3 will fit the bill. For all you MSG gamers out there, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater will own your soul (my opinion). Its a definant pick up for any gamer looking for a superb game to play and add to his or her growing collection.