Firstly i should say that i actually like Metal Gear Solid2's gameplay and story. However i hope you don't judge that against me in this review. MGS3 quite simply is the best in the series gameplay and story wise.
The graphics. Unbelievable. I have nfi how Konami got so much detail out of the PS2. The character models would be best ever if it wasn't for Half Life 2. The beauty of the diverse environments at any time of the day are exquisite. Unfortunately this means the game runs at 30fps unlike MGS2's smooth 60fps, but its worth the cut.
The gameplay has been pulled off exceptionally. Reading previwes i was daunted by all the new systems of camouflage, cure, feeding, items and CQC(close quarters combat - which rocks by the way, and is extremely easy to master). However they all bond together so well, you are almost unaware of their presence, but they just compliment each other to the overall experience and tension, which is the highest i've ever experienced in a video game. Camouflage can be adjusted in 2 seconds, as is the cure section, where you heal wounds to maintain stamina. Feeding is also an elemnt of the stamina, basically replacing rations, however with a twist of hunting food and eating healthy so Snake isn't sick - he actually vomits! You have to manage your vast backpack, which really seems pointless to the variety of items you can carry, however the more items, the slower snake moves, the lower his stamina gets, and the more dizzy, shaky hands while shooting and weak he becomes. CQC is an extension of the punching in MGS/2. Now you can take a guard hostage and shoot others, knock them out, interrogate them, or slit their jugular=v.cool. enough about gameplay, all you need to know is it dominates.
The sound is fantastic. Harry Gregson-Williams has done it again. The ability to put the music in context of the 60s is well done. The caution music is so cool, you'll want to get seen. Rika Muranka also does excellent work again for MGS3.
Now the part that drew many away from MGS2. The story. The story here is unbelievably awesome. Arguably the best story ever. It ties up knots in MGS2's story which occurs 40 years after MGS3! The codec sequences (the talking heads) while prevalent in the first 2 hours, are almost non-existent for the rest of the game, and aren't used to tell the story. This allows for much more immersion in the game and works. The cinematics are...."wow". Coolest action you will ever see. A flaw in MGS2, was the short gameplay hidden by the cinematics and codec sequences. Here however is actually a big game, with a wealth of environments to explore. And its completely unlinear. You will instantly want to play this game again, guaranteed. So many options to various situations. The weapons are ultra realistic and cool, and the way snake interacts with his environments.
btw, box hiding is back XD.
the characters are interesting, however there are a few strange ones. The majority are cool, and the strange ones are unimportant. Especially cool is the Snake vs Ocelot relationship. Their involvement in the story is great too. Don't worry. No-one on the codec is a traitor or anything so they don't impact the story. As i said the codec is purely reserved for help and mission briefings, NO STORYTELLING!!!
The camera, is slightly annoying. No more is there the helpful radar to rely on. Consequently due to the obscuring camera you can't see ahead, and rarely remain stealthy, unless you want to scope the situation out first. This isn't necessary as the guards, while having fantastic AI, their bullets are like Mosquitos, and require a high difficulty to actually be challenged. Consequently this makes the boss battles near impossible to accomplish. People are talking about the annoyance of crawling in grass and getting a default first person view. This can be overcome by pressing the shoulder buttons to go on your tiptoes and see over the grass.
The boss battles are the best in the series. The bosses can be taken down in many ways. I took down a boss a certain way in 10 minutes, my friend another way in 30. This game has so many ways to beat it!! One boss uses camouflage against you, and you realise what it must be like for the guards looking for Snake!
Overall, an exceptional game. The only gripes i can think of is the camera acting like an enemy. Even though you can use 3 items to create a radar, they use up battery power, and can attract guards attention; and take time. On top of the camera, the interface on the controller is as wacky as it was in MGS2, and will take gamers new to the series, around an hour to pick up. But i insist, stick with it, it is worthwhile. MGS2 has been rectified, and exemplified by this exceptional game. BUY THIS. If you can't afford it due to other games out atm, demand it for Xmas! Snake is back in his best fashion, and get a copy, just don't eat it.