Topic: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Impressions

[the_dan_x]

Snake's in 3D, but does the TGS demo show promise?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/27888

Nintendo fans everywhere have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Though the GameCube saw the remake of the original in Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, the other entries in the series have always been on non-Nintendo platforms. This time around, Hideo Kojima and crew are giving stealth and espionage lovers the third entry in the series.

In the demo, you are put into the role of Snake as he is making his way through a Russian jungle in the 1960s. Like most other Metal Gear Solid titles, sneaking around and being stealthy is the best way to achieve your goal. I found this to be difficult at times throughout the demo thanks to the odd camera controls. The control layout for the title are serviceable, but can sometimes be a bit frustrating. Player use the circle pad to move Snake around and have the ability to choose weapons and items from the touch screen. Holding L will enter Snake into an aiming mode, and R shoots. The face buttons are used for a pseudo dual analog set up, which did not feel natural or smooth at all. While guiding Snake through the jungles, trying to be sneaky, I can’t count the amount of mistakes I made due to slow, uncomfortable camera control. When the game launches this winter in Japan, it is going to fully support Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS Circle Pad attachment, hopefully making the camera controls more bearable.

One of the main staples behind Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater is a camouflage system. Basically, the better blended in you are with your environment, the less likely the enemies will be able to spot you sneaking around. The 3DS version has a new take on this, giving the user the ability to create their own camouflage designs from pictures taken with the 3DS camera. On the show floor, the Konami staff had a white and lime green polka-dotted bag by the demo unit. After taking a picture of the bag and applying them to Snake’s outfit, Snake was now geared up in white and lime green polka-dotted outfit. Although I’m not sure how practical this is going to be in the game, it is still an interesting implementation of the 3DS technology.

Snake, you might want to reconsider that camo, bro.

Visually, Snake Eater 3D is hit or miss. While playing the game, visuals look quite nice and the frame rate is consistent. However, when the game engages into cut scenes, it can at times be choppy. It can definitely use some work before the final release hits store shelves.

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D is a quality offering from Konami, but still has a few kinks that need to be ironed out. I’m confident that the Circle Pad add-on will likely alleviate any camera issues with the game as well. I tried pressing the Konami staff about a solid release date for Snake Eater 3D, but got nothing. For now, the title is slated to hit stores in Japan this winter.

[AV]

couldn't they just put a virtual stick in the bottom right of the touch screen? you reach over and touch the screen and fix the camera like that. Seems like a logical thing

[Fatty The Hutt]

sounds like the controls are the same as for the  PSP games

[the_dan_x]

Adolph, that absolutely makes sense. From what I've played, I'm amazed at what kind of options player DON'T have with the control scheme. Hopefully the Slide Pad Add-on will remedy this...at least for Japan...


Fatty, I haven't played the PSP games, but have heard that the controls were terrible. If they were anything like what I played with the 3DS version of Snake Eater, I would have to heartily agree.

[Halbred]

Seems to me there's no reason to buy this if you have a PS3--the MGS Collection will offer a better visual upgrade and better controls. Just me.

[Adrock]

Snake Eater 3D uses the camo system from MGS4 and Peace Walker whereas I think the Collection version just cleans up the graphics. I prefer the updated camo system but the Collection is a much better deal. I wonder SE3D has any other additions of extras. It would have been pretty awesome if Konami included Peace Walker.

[Fatty The Hutt]

Dan_x, I've only played the Peace Walker demo on PSP but the controls are:
A) terrible; and
B) sound very similar to the 3DS controls. If I remember correctly, you control the camera with the face buttons and move with the control stick and go into aim mode with a shoulder button. They're clunky.
 
I think the above comments are probably right: one would be better off playing Peace Walker and/or MGS3 via the PS3 remakes.