View source for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

{{Short description|2004 video game}}
{{about|the 2004 video game|the 2025 remake|Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
| image = Mgs3box.jpg
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = [[Konami Computer Entertainment Japan]]{{efn|''Subsistence'' version developed by [[Kojima Productions]]}}
| publisher = [[Konami]]
| series = ''[[Metal Gear]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[Nintendo 3DS]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|November 17, 2004}}|'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 17, 2004|JP|December 16, 2004|EU|March 4, 2005|AU|March 17, 2005}}'''''Snake Eater 3D'''''<br />'''Nintendo 3DS'''{{vgrelease|NA|February 21, 2012|WW|March 8, 2012}}}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure]], [[Stealth game|stealth]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| director = [[Hideo Kojima]]
| producer = Hideo Kojima
| designer = Hideo Kojima
| programmer = Kazunobu Uehara
| artist = [[Yoji Shinkawa]]
| writer = {{ubl|Hideo Kojima|Tomokazu Fukushima|[[Shuyo Murata]]}}
| composer = {{ubl|[[Harry Gregson-Williams]]|[[Norihiko Hibino]]}}
}}

'''''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|''Metaru Gia Soriddo Surī Sunēku Ītā''|{{ruby|METAL GEAR SOLID|メタルギアソリッド}}3 {{ruby|SNAKE EATER|スネークイーター}}|extra="Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater"}}}} is a 2004 [[action-adventure]] [[stealth game]] developed and published by [[Konami]] for the [[PlayStation 2]]. It was released in late 2004 in North America and Japan, and in early 2005 in Europe and Australia. It was the fifth ''[[Metal Gear]]'' game written, produced and directed by [[Hideo Kojima]] and serves as a prequel to the entire ''Metal Gear'' series. An expanded edition, titled '''''Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence''''',{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|''Metaru Gia Soriddo Surī Sabushisutansu''|{{ruby|METAL GEAR SOLID|メタルギアソリッド}}3 {{ruby|SUBSISTENCE|サブシスタンス}}|extra="Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence"}}}} was released in Japan in late 2005, then in North America, Europe and Australia in 2006. A [[video game remaster|remastered]] version of the game, '''''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - HD Edition''''',  was later included in the ''[[Metal Gear Solid HD Collection]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[PlayStation Vita]], while a reworked version, titled '''''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D''''', was released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2012. The ''HD Edition'' of the game was included on the [[Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection|''Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1'']] compilation for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on October 24, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-collection-vol-1-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|title=Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 1 Confirmed for Nintendo Switch|website=[[IGN]]|date=June 21, 2023|accessdate=June 21, 2023}}</ref> The same year, Konami announced a [[Video game remake|remake]], entitled ''[[Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater]]'', which released for the [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X/S]] and [[Windows]] in August 2025.

Set in 1964, 31 years before the events of the original ''[[Metal Gear (video game)|Metal Gear]]'', the story centers on the FOX operative codenamed [[Big Boss (Metal Gear)|Naked Snake]] as he attempts to rescue Russian rocket scientist Nikolai Stepanovich Sokolov, sabotage an experimental superweapon, and assassinate his defected former boss. While previous games were set in a primarily [[urban area|urban]] environment, ''Snake Eater'' adopts a 1960s [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] jungle setting, with the [[high tech|high-tech]], near-future trappings of previous ''Metal Gear Solid'' games replaced with wilderness. While the environment has changed, the game's focus remains on stealth and [[Espionage|infiltration]], while retaining the series' self-referential, [[fourth wall|fourth-wall]]-breaking sense of humor. The story of ''Snake Eater'' is told through numerous [[cutscene]]s and radio conversations.

Considered one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games of all time]], ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' was met with critical acclaim and was a commercial success, having sold more than four million copies worldwide {{as of|2010|3|lc=y}}.

== Gameplay ==
The [[gameplay]] of ''Snake Eater'' is similar to that of previous games in the ''Metal Gear Solid'' series. Snake, controlled by the player, must move undetected through a hostile, enemy-filled environment. Although Snake acquires various weapons (ranging from [[handgun]]s to [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s), the emphasis is on using stealth to avoid confrontations. Many objects and gadgets can be found along the way to aid in this, including motion detectors<ref name="eurogamer">{{Cite web |last=Bramwell, Tom |date=November 25, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=57274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919163629/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_metalgearsolid3_ps2 |archive-date=2012-09-19 |access-date=2006-08-10 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> to track hostile soldiers, and the ''Metal Gear'' series' trademark cardboard box, which Snake can hide under to avoid visual detection.<ref name="gamespot">{{Cite web |last=Kasavin, Greg |date=November 17, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater-review/1900-6113331/ |access-date=2006-08-10 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701104928/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater-review/1900-6113331/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite the fundamental similarities, ''Snake Eater'' introduces many new aspects of gameplay not present in previous ''Metal Gear'' games, including [[military camouflage|camouflage]], a new hand-to-hand combat system called "[[close quarters combat]]" or "CQC", a stamina gauge, and an injury-and-treatment system.<ref name="gamespot" /><ref name="official site">{{Cite web |last=Konami Computer Entertainment staff |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater official site |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/english/index.html |access-date=2006-08-11 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923105957/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/english/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two-thirds of the game is set outdoors in a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests|tropical forest]],<ref name="gamespot" /> and using the environment to its fullest potential is often the key to success. Of the new features, particular emphasis is placed on camouflage and using the jungle environment itself (for example, climbing trees or hiding in tall grass) to avoid being seen by the enemy.<ref name="gamespot" /> The advanced radar from previous games has been removed in favor of a simple motion detector and sonar system more suitable for the game's setting.

[[Image:MgsCamoExample.jpg|thumb|right|Snake uses camouflage to remain undetected. The "camo index" can be seen in the top, right-hand corner.]]

A [[percentage]] value called the "camouflage index" gauges Snake's exposure, on a scale from negative values (highly visible and attracting attention) up to 100% (completely invisible to the enemy).<ref name="europreview">{{Cite web |last=Bramwell, Tom |date=March 17, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Preview |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=54922 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035026/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=54922 |archive-date=2007-09-30 |access-date=2006-08-22 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> To minimize visibility, the player must switch between different camouflage uniforms and [[Body painting#Use in military|face paints]] to blend in with the environment; for example, wearing a bark-patterned uniform while leaning against a tree, or wearing striped face paint while hiding in tall grass.<ref name="official site" /> Other devices for camouflage, such as a fake [[gavial]] head to decrease chances of being detected in water, or a monkey mask, are also available.

The basic close combat from previous installments has been heavily refined and expanded into the CQC system. When unarmed or using a one-handed weapon, Snake can grab opponents and put them in a [[chokehold]],<ref name="official site" /> at which point a variety of actions can be performed, such as choking the enemy unconscious, throwing the guard to the ground, slitting the enemy's throat, or interrogating them at knifepoint to obtain information.<ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="official site" /> The context, the pressure applied to the button, and movement of the analog stick determine the action performed.

While previous games used only a simple [[life bar]], ''Snake Eater'' keeps track of injuries over the entire body.<ref name="official site" /> For example, a long fall could fracture Snake's leg, lowering his maximum life until the injury either heals by itself over time, or is healed instantly through treatment with a [[Splint (medicine)|splint]] and [[bandage]].<ref name="official site" />

Besides the aforementioned features, there is also the need to rely upon native [[flora]] and [[fauna]] to survive.<ref name="official site" /> This is manifested in a stamina gauge which constantly depletes during gameplay.<ref name="cnet">{{Cite web |last=Ramsay, Randolph |date=April 19, 2005 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review |url=http://www.cnet.com/au/products/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/ |access-date=October 1, 2015 |website=CNET Australia |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042431/http://www.cnet.com/au/products/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Failure to restore the gauge by eating has detrimental effects on gameplay, such as decreasing Snake's ability to aim his weapon and being heard by the enemy due to Snake's loud stomach grumbles.<ref name="official site" /> Food can be stored in the backpack until it is needed. However, some types of food rot over time, and consuming rotten foods may result in Snake developing a stomachache, causing the stamina gauge to deplete faster.<ref name="gamespot" />

The [[PlayStation 2]] version of ''Snake Eater'' include a [[minigame]] titled "Snake vs. Monkey", a crossover with [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]'s ''[[Ape Escape]]'' series in which Snake has to catch monkeys.<ref name="gamespot" /><ref name="eurogamer" /> In addition to containing tongue-in-cheek humor associated with both series,<ref name="toptentues">{{Cite web |last=IGN staff |date=January 31, 2006 |title=Top 10 Tuesday: Best Use of Monkeys |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/684/684825p1.html |access-date=2006-09-28 |website=IGN |archive-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612050935/http://cube.ign.com/articles/684/684825p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> bonus items usable in the main game can be unlocked by progressing through various stages.<ref name="eurogamer" />

== Synopsis ==
=== Setting ===
''Snake Eater'' takes place in an alternate history of events, set within the [[Cold War]] during the 1960s. The game's story acts as a prequel to the entire ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series, exploring the origins of several events covered by previous games, as well as being the first chronological chapter in an overarching story following Big Boss.

=== Characters ===
{{Main|List of characters in the Metal Gear series}}

The protagonist of ''Snake Eater'', [[Big Boss (Metal Gear)|Naked Snake]] ([[David Hayter]]/[[Akio Ōtsuka]]), known as Big Boss in subsequent games, is a young former [[United States Army Special Forces|Green Beret]] assigned to the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] unit [[List of Metal Gear characters#FOX|FOX]]. During his mission, Snake is assisted by fellow FOX members over his radio:  [[List of Metal Gear characters#Zero|Major Zero]] ([[Jim Piddock]]/[[Banjō Ginga]]), commander of FOX and a former member of the British [[Special Air Service]] (SAS), who provides Snake with mission advice and battle tactics; [[List of Metal Gear characters#Para-Medic|Para-Medic]] ([[Heather Halley]]/[[Houko Kuwashima]]), who provides medical information, as well as advice on flora and fauna; and [[List of Metal Gear characters#Donald Anderson|Sigint]] ([[James C. Mathis III]]/[[Keiji Fujiwara]]), who provides weapon and equipment information.

The two primary antagonists of the game are [[List of Metal Gear characters#Volgin|Colonel Volgin]] ([[Neil Ross]]/[[Kenji Utsumi]]), an electricity-controlling [[GRU (Soviet Union)|GRU]] colonel and member of the extreme Brezhnev faction, who are attempting to overthrow [[Nikita Khrushchev]] to seize power for [[Leonid Brezhnev]] and [[Alexei Kosygin]],<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Sokolov''': A certain group is plotting to use this opportunity to seize power by rallying the anti-government forces, overthrowing Khrushchev, and installing Brezhnev and Kosygin in his place. The mastermind behind this plot is Colonel Volgin of the GRU. |year=2005}}</ref> and [[The Boss (Metal Gear)|The Boss]] ([[Lori Alan]]/[[Kikuko Inoue]]), former mentor to Naked Snake and co-founder of the FOX unit.<ref name="official site" /> The Cobra Unit, a Special Forces unit led by The Boss, is composed of [[The End (Metal Gear)|The End]] ([[J. Grant Albrecht]]/[[Osamu Saka]]), a venerable expert sniper credited as the "father of modern sniping";<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''EVA''': I heard that one of the Cobras is waiting for you in the jungle at the foot of the mountains. He's a legendary sniper called The End. // '''Naked Snake''': Yeah, I've seen him before. That ridiculously old guy, right? // '''EVA''': Don't underestimate him. He's known as the father of modern sniping. |year=2005}}</ref> [[List of Metal Gear characters#The Fear|The Fear]] ([[Michael Bell (actor)|Michael Bell]]/[[Kazumi Tanaka]]), who has supernatural flexibility and agility; [[List of Metal Gear characters#The Fury|The Fury]] ([[Richard Doyle (actor)|Richard Doyle]]/[[Masato Hirano (voice actor)|Masato Hirano]]), a disfigured former [[cosmonaut]] armed with a flamethrower and a jetpack;<ref name="official site" /> [[List of Metal Gear characters#The Pain|The Pain]] ([[Gregg Berger]]/Hisao Egawa), who can control [[hornet]]s to both defend himself and attack his enemies;<ref name="official site" /> and [[List of Metal Gear characters#The Sorrow|The Sorrow]] ([[David A. Thomas (voice actor)|David Thomas]]/[[Yukitoshi Hori]]), the spirit of a deceased [[Medium (spirituality)|medium]].<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Major Zero''': The Sorrow was a man with, well... special powers. |year=2005}}</ref>

Other characters include [[List of Metal Gear characters#Sokolov|Dr. Sokolov]] ([[Brian Cummings]]/[[Naoki Tatsuta]]), a [[Nuclear warfare|rocket scientist]] whom Snake must rescue; rival scientist [[List of Metal Gear characters#Aleksandr Granin|Aleksandr Granin]] ([[Jim Ward (voice actor)|Jim Ward]]/[[Takeshi Aono]]); [[EVA (Metal Gear)|EVA]] ([[Jodi Benson]]/[[Misa Watanabe]]),<ref name="EVA voice">{{cite web | last=Warren | first=Mark | title=Ahead of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami finally puts MGS3's Suzetta Miñet mystery to bed with a confirmed answer | website=VG247 | date=November 6, 2024 | url=https://www.vg247.com/metal-gear-solid-delta-snake-eater-mgs3-suzetta-minet-actor-revealed | access-date=November 6, 2024}}</ref> Snake's love interest, American defector, and [[KGB]] agent sent to assist him, and a young [[Revolver Ocelot|Ocelot]] ([[Josh Keaton]]/[[Takumi Yamazaki]]), commander of the elite Ocelot Unit within Volgin's GRU.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Soldier''': You... you're from the Ocelot Unit of Spetsnaz! What's a GRU soldier doing here? // '''Ocelot''': Soldier? // '''Soldier''': He's the Ocelot commander! |year=2005}}</ref>

=== Plot ===
{{Metal Gear chronology}}

In 1964, [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent Naked Snake is sent to Tselinoyarsk, [[USSR]] in an operation known as the "Virtuous Mission."<ref name="official site" /> Aided by his superior Major Zero, medical advisor Para-Medic, and his former mentor The Boss,<ref name="eurofirstimpressions">{{Cite web |last=Bramwell, Tom |date=May 13, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater First Impressions |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=55543 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919164405/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/p_metalgearsolid3_ps2_e32004 |archive-date=2012-09-19 |access-date=2006-08-23 |website=Eurogamer}}</ref> Snake is tasked with rescuing Soviet scientist Dr. Nikolai Sokolov, a prominent weapons developer who defected two years earlier until the Russians forced the United States government to return him in order to end the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]]. Zero informs Snake that following his return, the CIA received intel that Sokolov is placed in charge of a secret military project to create a nuclear-equipped tank called the [[Metal Gear (weapon)#Shagohod|Shagohod]], which could end the [[Cold War]].<ref name="official site" /><ref name="eurofirstimpressions" /> Although Snake locates the scientist, the mission falls apart when The Boss appears before him and announces her intention to defect to the USSR. While her special forces unit, the Cobras, recapture Sokolov for their new benefactor, Russian officer [[List of Metal Gear characters#Volgin|Colonel Volgin]], the Boss defeats Snake in close combat, injuring him and leaving him for dead. Volgin swiftly captures the Shagohod, which was being tested in the region, and uses a [[Davy Crockett (nuclear device)|Davy Crockett]] nuclear shell supplied by The Boss to destroy its research facility and cover up the theft.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''The Boss''': I'm defecting to the Soviet Union. Sokolov is a little gift for my new hosts. // '''Colonel Volgin''': Recoil-less nuclear warheads... these will make a fine gift for me. |year=2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Khrushchev''': So, The Boss, with Colonel Volgin's help, stole two experimental nuclear shells and took them with her as a gift when she defected. Then, shortly thereafter, Sokolov's design lab, a top-secret military research facility, was destroyed by one of these weapons. Am I right so far? // '''President Johnson''': Yes, that's correct. |year=2005}}</ref> The injured Snake is recovered via [[fulton extraction]], moments after the nuclear blast.

In the aftermath of the destruction, the Soviet Union accuses the United States of the attack,<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Colonel Volgin''': But it won't be me that pulled the trigger. It will be our friend, the American defector. |year=2005}}</ref> after detecting their aircraft over Tselinoyarsk. To avoid a nuclear war, [[Premier of the Soviet Union|Soviet Premier]] [[Nikita Khrushchev]], who suspects Volgin's involvement, agrees to let [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] prove the U.S.'s innocence.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Major Zero''': To put it simply, in order to avoid a full-scale nuclear conflict, we have to prove that America was not involved in that explosion. |year=2005}}</ref> Snake, finding himself assigned by Zero to assist in this manner, is ordered to complete "Operation Snake Eater," which comprises three objectives: stop Volgin's faction; destroy the Shagohod; and eliminate The Boss.<ref name="objectives">{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Major Zero''': Snake, let's go over your mission objectives one more time. Rescue Sokolov. Find out what's happened to the Shagohod – then destroy it. And finally, eliminate The Boss. // '''Naked Snake''': Eliminate The Boss... // '''Major Zero''': This mission will be code-named "Operation: Snake Eater". // '''Naked Snake''': Because I'll be taking on The Boss and her COBRA Unit, right? // '''Major Zero''': Don't forget about Colonel Volgin. // '''Naked Snake''': I'm not a hired killer. // '''Major Zero''': I know. But that was the Kremlin's demand. |year=2005}}</ref> Redeployed into Tselinoyarsk to fulfil these demands, Snake is first sent to meet with NSA agent ADAM, who defected to the Soviet Union to infiltrate Volgin's ranks with fellow agent EVA; Snake is instead met and assisted by EVA, who directs him to a lab where Sokolov was taken.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Naked Snake''': I heard you used to be a code breaker for the NSA. // '''EVA''': I was. Four years ago I defected to the Soviet Union with ADAM. |year=2005}}</ref> Snake survives encounters with Ocelot and eliminates The Pain, one of the Cobras. He reaches the lab and meets Soviet scientist Granin, whose conceptualization of a [[Metal Gear (mecha)|bipedal tank]] has been shunned in favour of the Shagohod. Dejected, Granin reveals that Sokolov and the Shagohod are located in Volgin's military fortress Groznyj Grad. Snake eliminates the remaining Cobra members: The Fear, The End, and The Fury. At Groznyj Grad, Snake finds Sokolov but is captured. Having killed Granin, a suspicious Volgin beats Sokolov to death and tortures Snake, who loses an eye while protecting a disguised EVA from Ocelot after suspecting her of being a spy. Snake is imprisoned but escapes.

Snake returns to Groznyj Grad to destroy the Shagohod, but is confronted by Volgin, The Boss, and Ocelot, having uncovered EVA as the spy. Volgin informs Snake of the Philosophers, a secret organization of the most powerful figures in the United States, the [[Soviet Union]], and China, who formed a pact to win [[World War II]] and create a new world order.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Colonel Volgin''': (...) During the last great war, the most powerful men in America, China, and the Soviet Union had a secret pact. The pact was a blueprint for defeating the Axis Powers and creating a new world order. |year=2005}}</ref> The group jointly amassed $100 billion, the Philosopher's Legacy, to finance their research and operations. However, after the war, the organization began to infight and disintegrated, with the Legacy divided and hidden in banks across the world.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Colonel Volgin''': Admit it! You're after the location of the Legacy! The secret fund established by the three Great Powers during the two World Wars. That's what you're looking for isn't it? One hundred billion dollars. Divided up and hidden all over the world. |year=2005}}</ref> Volgin had illegally inherited this money,<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Granin''': (...) Volgin's father was in charge of the Philosopher's money laundering activities. In the confusion of the war, he somehow ended up with their treasure. And Volgin inherited that treasure illegally. |year=2005}}</ref> and Snake learns the U.S. is attempting to retrieve it.

Snake defeats Volgin and destroys the hangar, but Volgin pursues in the Shagohod. Snake disables the Shagohod and Volgin is seemingly killed by a bolt of lightning. Snake and EVA flee to a lake, where a [[Bartini Beriev VVA-14|WIG]] is hidden. Before they escape, Snake confronts The Boss<ref name="objectives" /> and defeats her in battle. The Boss gives him a microfilm of the Legacy before Snake reluctantly kills her. Snake and EVA escape to [[Alaska]] and spend the night together. EVA disappears before morning with the microfilm  and leaves a tape revealing herself to be a Chinese spy sent to steal the Legacy for China.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''EVA''': (...) I'm not a KGB spy and I never worked for the NSA. I am an agent of the People's Republic of China... for the General HQ Second Department of the People's Liberation Army. It was all a lie. I tricked you... and I'm sorry. The Philosophers still exist in China, too. You see, my mission was to find out where Volgin was hiding the Philosopher's Legacy and steal it. |year=2005}}</ref> She also reveals that The Boss did not defect, but was ordered to infiltrate Volgin's ranks and find the Legacy to bring back to America.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''EVA''': The Boss's defection was a ruse set up by the U.S. government. It was all a big drama  by Washington so they could get their hands on the Philosopher's Legacy. And The Boss was the star of the show. They planned it so that they could get the Legacy that Colonel Volgin inherited... and destroy the Shagohod at the same time. |year=2005}}</ref> However, because of Volgin's nuclear attack, The Boss had to be seen as a traitor and die at the hands of Snake to prove the U.S.'s innocence.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''EVA''': (...) Everything was going according to plan, but then something happened that no one could have predicted. Colonel Volgin fired an American-made nuclear warhead at Sokolov's research facility. Khrushchev demanded that the U.S. government provide proof that it wasn't involved. (...) The authorities in Washington knew that in order to prove its innocence they'd have to get rid of The Boss... and that one of their own would have to do the job. (...) That was the mission she was given. (...) She sacrificed her life and her honor for her native land. |year=2005}}</ref>

A demoralized Snake is awarded the title of [[Big Boss (Metal Gear)|Big Boss]] and given the [[Distinguished Service Cross (United States)|Distinguished Service Cross]] by President Johnson.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''President Johnson''': You are above even The Boss. I hereby award you the title of Big Boss. |year=2005}}</ref> In [[Arlington National Cemetery]], Snake adorns The Boss' unmarked gravestone and tearfully salutes her.

Ocelot telephones the KGB Chief Director to suggest that the KGB use the knowledge of the Virtuous and Operation Snake Eater missions to blackmail the United States during future negotiations.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Ocelot''': ... Yes. The American President is relying on us to keep a ling on the whole affair. We've got him by the balls. It should make a valuable trump card in future negotiations. |year=2005}}</ref> Ocelot then informs the director of the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] that the microfilm stolen by EVA was a fake and that half of the Philosopher's Legacy is now in America's hands, with the other half held by the KGB, revealing himself as ADAM.<ref>{{Cite video game |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Japan |publisher=Konami |quote='''Ocelot''': (...) The Philosopher's Legacy is now safely with us... in America's hands. (...) The film we handed the Chinese was a fake. Peking must be in an uproar right about now. (...) Only half of the money has made it back to the United States. (...) I've obtained something from Granin that you might find interesting. It's a revolutionary new nuclear attack system (...) Yes, we have John – I mean Snake – to thank for that. (...) Yes, it appears that no one knew that I was ADAM. Of course. I'm always at the CIA's disposal... Mr. Director. |year=2005}}</ref>

=== Themes ===
The overarching theme of ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' is "Scene", which has to do with how politics changes with time and location. The narrative technique [[hyperreality]] is used, which involves blending fiction and history. The game does this by intermingling historical events and people, like the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]], President Lyndon B. Johnson, and Nikita Khrushchev, with its own fictional elements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-18 |title=GameSetWatch Analysis: What Metal Gear Solid 3 Teaches Us About Hyperreality |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/07/what_metal_gear_solid_3_teache.php |access-date=2023-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618075445/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/07/what_metal_gear_solid_3_teache.php |archive-date=June 18, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/342798547168686080 |url=https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/342798547168686080 |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref>

== Development ==
Initially, the game was supposed to be developed for the then-upcoming [[PlayStation 3]], but due to the long wait for the console, the development was moved back for the [[PlayStation 2]] instead.<ref>''MGS4'' Limited Edition Blu-ray DVD, ''Metal Gear'' 20 year SAGA.</ref> From the outset, the game{{'}}s director [[Hideo Kojima]] wished to drastically change the setting from previous games.<ref name="gameprointerview">{{Cite magazine |last=GamePro site staff |date=August 19, 2003 |title=Feature: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Interview |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/features/30936.shtml |magazine=GamePro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040228191427/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/features/30936.shtml |archive-date=February 28, 2004 |access-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref> He stated that the jungle setting is what both his development team, and the ''Metal Gear'' fans, wanted.<ref name="gameprointerview" /> However, he acknowledged that the elements of a jungle environment, such as the weather, landscape, and wildlife, were features that would present problems during the game's development.<ref name="gameprointerview" /> Whereas in previous installments the player started close to, or even within, the enemy base, Kojima wished for ''Snake Eater'' to be more realistic, with Snake starting miles from civilization and having to work his way to the enemy encampment.<ref name="gameprointerview" />

Kojima asked Yoji Shinkawa to make Naked Snake similar to Solid Snake. However, unlike Solid Snake, Naked Snake was a rookie and thus acted more naïvely. Shinkawa stated he had no difficulties in designing Naked Snake as essentially a revised version of Solid Snake. As a result, Naked Snake is virtually identical to Solid Snake from the previous ''Metal Gear Solid'' games in terms of appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payton, Ryan |title=The KP Report Session 027 |url=http://mp.i-revo.jp/user.php/kp-ryan/entry/52.html |access-date=February 17, 2012 |website=Kojima Productions Report |publisher=mp.i.revo |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703183506/http://mp.i-revo.jp/user.php/kp-ryan/entry/52.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The love scene between Naked Snake and EVA was inspired by the film ''[[The Pink Panther (1963 film)|The Pink Panther]]'' (1963). Kojima and Shinkawa watched the movie but the former stated it might have come out differently from the original version.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2004 |title=THE SNAKE EATER INTERVIEW |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/01/the-snake-eater-interview?page=3 |access-date=January 11, 2018 |publisher=IGN |archive-date=November 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103191232/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/01/the-snake-eater-interview?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the game's trailers did not state that Naked Snake was Big Boss, Kojima often gave vague answers regarding the character's true identity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=C. Perry, Douglass |date=May 15, 2003 |title=E3 2003: Hideo Kojima Interview |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/402/402879p1.html |access-date=March 26, 2012 |publisher=IGN |archive-date=December 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208070916/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/402/402879p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Originally, Naked Snake was planned to have been voiced by [[Kurt Russell]] by Kojima's request, but the actor declined.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2016 |title=Solid Snake's longtime voice says Konami had tried to push him out before Metal Gear Solid 5 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/3/26/11309190/david-hayter-solid-snake-metal-gear-solid-3-5-snake-eater-phantom-pain |access-date=April 7, 2020 |website=Polygon |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407211642/https://www.polygon.com/2016/3/26/11309190/david-hayter-solid-snake-metal-gear-solid-3-5-snake-eater-phantom-pain |url-status=live }}</ref> Russell corroborated further in January 2024 saying that while he understood that Naked Snake was inspired by [[Snake Plissken]], a character he portrayed in the 1981 film ''[[Escape from New York]],'' he was not interested in reprising roles nor working on a project that did not involve movie director [[John Carpenter]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Kurt Russell explains why he'd never voice Solid Snake |url=https://www.polygon.com/24055881/metal-gear-solid-snake-kurt-russell-escape-from-new-york |website=Polygon |date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=23 February 2024}}</ref>

Kojima commented that the outside environment was challenging to create.<ref name="gamespyinterview">{{Cite web |last=GameSpy site staff |date=January 8, 2004 |title=Talkin' Snakes with KCEJ |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/january04/mgsroundtable/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090921081905/http://archive.gamespy.com/interviews/january04/mgsroundtable/ |archive-date=September 21, 2009 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |website=GameSpy}}</ref> He explained that the reason previous games were primarily set indoors is that the current consoles were not powerful enough to portray a true jungle environment.<ref name="gamingworld">{{Cite web |last=Hivner, Brendon |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (First Look) Preview |url=http://www.gamingworldx.com/ps2/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEaterFirstLook.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704142839/http://gamingworldx.com/ps2/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEaterFirstLook.shtml |archive-date=July 4, 2003 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=GamingWorld}}</ref> In contrast with urban environments, the jungle does not have a flat surface. The protagonist in ''Snake Eater'' has to cross uneven terrain, including rocks, dirt mounds, and tree stumps. As a result, the collision engine used in previous installments could not be used, and a new one had to be built from scratch.<ref name="gamingworld" /> Setting up the motion capture technology so players could walk over these mounds was a problem during development.<ref name="gamespyinterview" /> Many fans wanted ''Snake Eater'' to use a 3D camera, but this was ultimately not implemented in the game. Kojima views ''[[Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game)|Metal Gear Solid]]'', ''Sons of Liberty'' and ''Snake Eater'' as a trilogy, and wished to keep the camera the same as the previous two, to keep the feel of the three games the same, despite the shifting trend towards full 3D camera movement.<ref name="boomtown">{{Cite web |last=Matting, Matthias |date=May 23, 2005 |title=Hideo Kojima Interview |url=http://ps2.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles/art.view.php?id=8293 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208204022/http://ps2.boomtown.net/en_uk/articles/art.view.php?id=8293 |archive-date=2007-02-08 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=Boomtown}}</ref>

Kojima designed the [[Boss (video gaming)|boss battles]] of ''Snake Eater'' to be totally different from those in previous ''Metal Gear'' games, or any other games. He said that the boss battle with sniper [[The End (Metal Gear)|The End]] best represented free, open gameplay in the game.<ref name="igninterview">{{Cite web |last=Lewis, Ed |date=December 2004 |title=The Snake Eater Interview |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/569/569922p1.html |access-date=2006-09-02 |website=IGN |archive-date=March 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310054222/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/569/569922p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The battle takes place over a large area of dense jungle, and the player must search extensively for The End, who attacks over a long-range from an unknown position. This battle of attrition can last for hours<ref name="igninterview" /> and contrasts with other boss fights in which the enemy is right in front of the player and in view the whole time. In addition, the player can avoid this boss battle altogether by killing The End earlier in the game, or saving and quitting during the fight, waiting a week (or simply advancing the internal console clock), and reloading the game to find The End has died of old age. Kojima commented that features like this do not appear in other games.<ref name="igninterview" />

=== Music ===
{{Main|Discography of the Metal Gear series#Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Original Soundtrack}}

{{Listen
|filename=Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater Main Theme.ogg|title=TAPPY <br /> "Metal Gear Solid Main Theme (Metal Gear Solid 3 version)"
|description=30-second sample from the main [[theme (music)|theme]] of ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'', composed by [[Tappi Iwase|TAPPY]], arranged by [[Harry Gregson-Williams]].
|format=[[Ogg]]}}

The musical score of ''Snake Eater'' was composed by [[Harry Gregson-Williams]] and [[Norihiko Hibino]], who provided material for both cutscenes and the game itself. Hibino wrote the game's opening theme, "[[Snake Eater (song)|Snake Eater]]", a distinctly [[James Bond|Bond]]-like vocal track which also appears in the game proper, as performed by Cynthia Harrell.<ref name="gamespot" /> Composer and lyricist [[Rika Muranaka]] provided a song called "Don't Be Afraid" which is played during the ending of the game. The song is performed by [[Elisa Fiorillo]].

In a break from tradition, one of the ending themes of the game was not an in-house production, but [[Starsailor (band)|Starsailor]]'s "Way To Fall". [[Hideo Kojima]] later revealed in his blog that he originally wanted to use "[[Space Oddity]]" and "[[Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie song)|Ashes to Ashes]]" (by [[David Bowie]]) for the ending themes because of the space development theme of the game,<ref name="Kojimablog1">{{Cite web |last=Kojima, Hideo |date=October 1, 2015 |title=Hideoblog |url=http://www.blog.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2005/10/000267.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213010652/http://www.blog.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2005/10/000267.html |archive-date=February 13, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=Konami Japan}}</ref> but during the game's development that theme lost its significance. One of his colleagues then advised him to listen to [[Stellastarr]], but Kojima misheard it as [[Starsailor (band)|Starsailor]]. He liked the song "Way To Fall", and chose it as an ending theme.<ref name="Kojimablog2">{{Cite web |last=Kojima, Hideo |date=September 25, 2005 |title=Hideoblog |url=http://www.blog.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2005/09/000165.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024235241/http://www.blog.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2005/09/000165.html |archive-date=October 24, 2005 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=Konami Japan}}</ref>

== Release ==
''Snake Eater'' was first released in North America; the Japanese release was held back for almost a month after that.<ref name="ignmgs3">{{Cite web |last=IGN staff |date=November 17, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |url=http://ps2.ign.com/objects/536/536086.html |access-date=October 1, 2015 |website=IGN |archive-date=August 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813223931/http://www.ign.com/games/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/ps2-536086 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ignmgs2">{{Cite web |last=IGN staff |title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty |url=http://ps2.ign.com/objects/014/014538.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020216005550/http://ps2.ign.com/objects/014/014538.html |archive-date=February 16, 2002 |access-date=2006-08-15 |website=IGN}}</ref> The Japanese version featured several additional downloadable camouflage patterns that were not available for the North American version,<ref name="mgs3_us_special_camo">{{Cite web |title=Camouflage Download |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/english/camouflage_main.html |access-date=August 5, 2016 |website=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater official site |publisher=Konami Digital Entertainment |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410003914/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/english/camouflage_main.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="mgs3_jpn_special_camo">{{Cite web |title=Camouflage Download |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/japanese/camouflage_index.html |access-date=August 5, 2016 |website=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater official site |publisher=Konami Digital Entertainment |language=ja |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410114022/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/japanese/camouflage_index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> some which were only downloadable through data from ''Metal Gear Solid 3''-related soundtrack CDs. A limited "premium package" edition of ''Snake Eater'' was released alongside the standard version in Japan. The premium package comes with a DVD featuring all the promotional trailers shown before the game's release (including a [[proof of concept]] video shown internally within Konami), two booklets and a painted 1/144-scale model of the Shagohod.<ref name="ignpremium">{{Cite web |last=Gantayat, Anoop |year=2004 |title=Metal Gear Special Package Revealed |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/542/542720p1.html |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=IGN |archive-date=August 28, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828064830/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/542/542720p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A special limited edition CD was given away to those who pre-ordered the Japanese version of ''Snake Eater'', which included several tracks from the game's soundtrack, as well as computer [[screensaver]]s and additional camouflage for the main game. The pre-order package allowed cell phone users to access a special site featuring image and music downloads.<ref name="ignjappreorder">{{Cite web |last=Gantayat, Anoop |date=30 August 2004 |title=MGS3 Japanese Preorder Update |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/543/543076p1.html |access-date=2006-08-24 |website=IGN |archive-date=March 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310054203/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/543/543076p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

For the European release, Konami added several new features, including the "European Extreme" difficulty setting, a "demo theater" which allows players to view all cutscenes at any point after viewing them once during the main game, and a Duel Mode, where players can replay boss battles from the main game, in addition to extra facepaints based on European flags and two new "Snake vs. Monkey" levels.<ref name="igneuro">{{Cite web |last=Dunham, Jeremy |year=2005 |title=MGS3 PAL Details and Facepaints |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/586/586942p1.html |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=IGN |archive-date=March 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310054216/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/586/586942p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Most of the downloadable camo patterns that were available for the Japanese version were also released for the European version, with only a few exceptions.<ref name="mgs3_uk_special_camo">{{Cite web |title=Camouflage Download |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/uk/index.html |access-date=August 5, 2016 |website=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater official site (UK) |publisher=Konami Digital Entertainment |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910022637/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3/uk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2007, Konami re-released all the mainline ''Metal Gear Solid'' games from the PlayStation and [[PlayStation 2]], along with the PSP game ''Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops'', individually and as part of a limited edition box set in Japan commemorating the 20th anniversary of the original ''Metal Gear''. This edition of ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' features the first disc from the ''Subsistence'' version and a new second disc containing ports of the MSX2 games ''Metal Gear'' and ''Solid Snake'', lacking ''Metal Gear Online'' (due to the discontinuation of its servers), as well as all the other content that was present in ''Subsistence'''s original second disc (Snake vs. Monkey, Duel Mode and Secret Theater).<ref name="mgs20th">{{Cite web |title=METAL GEAR 20th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL SITE |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mg20th/ |website=Konami Digital Entertainment, Co. Ltd. |language=ja |access-date=August 4, 2016 |archive-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223123114/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mg20th/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="konamistyle">{{Cite web |title=「METAL GEAR 20th ANNIVERSARY METAL GEAR SOLID 3 SNAKE EATER (PS2)」商品情報 – コナミスタイル |url=http://www.konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item40296.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302223234/http://konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item40296.html |archive-date=2009-03-02 |type=Japanese}}</ref> A similar box set was released for the North American market in March 2008, titled ''Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection'', which includes the first disc of ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence'' along with the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance'', but lacks the second disc with the MSX2 games from the Japanese 20th Anniversary edition.

=== ''Subsistence'' ===
{{video game reviews
| MC = 94/100<ref name="metacriticsub">{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence for PlayStation 2 on Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=August 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825052838/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence |url-status=live }}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rob Fahey |date=October 24, 2006 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Review • Page 2 • Eurogamer.net |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mgs3sub_ps2?page=2 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |archive-date=July 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722175307/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_mgs3sub_ps2?page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GamePro = 5/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vicious Sid |date=March 14, 2006 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Review for PS2 on GamePro.com |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/52651.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060319115048/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/52651.shtml |archive-date=March 19, 2006 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[GamePro]]}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="gamespot sub rev">{{Cite web |last=Greg Kasavin |date=March 14, 2006 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence for PlayStation 2 Review - PlayStation 2 Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/review.html?sid=6145929 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831161709/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/review.html?sid=6145929 |archive-date=August 31, 2006 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>
| GSpy = 5/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benjamin Turner |date=March 10, 2006 |title=GameSpy: Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence - Page 1 |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/696626p1.html |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323095745/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/696626p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN = 9.8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeff Haynes |date=March 10, 2006 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence - IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/10/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence?page=4 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[IGN]] |archive-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827032905/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/10/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence?page=4 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| award1Pub = ''[[IGN]]''
| award1 = Best Online Game, 2006, PS2<ref name="bestonlinegame" />
}}

''Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence'' was released in Japan on December 22, 2005, later in North America on March 14, 2006,<ref name="ign" /> in Europe on October 6, 2006, and in Australia on October 13, 2006.<ref name="aus1">{{Cite web |last=Jeremy Jastrzab |date=October 2, 2006 |title=Updated Australian release list |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?title=Updated+Australian+release+list%2C+2%2F10%2F06&id=5431 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184603/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?title=Updated%2BAustralian%2Brelease%2Blist%2C%2B2%2F10%2F06&id=5431 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=PALGN}}</ref> ''Subsistence'' continues the ''Metal Gear Solid'' series tradition of follow-up expanded versions. While previous releases, such as ''[[Metal Gear Solid: Integral]]'' and ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty#Substance|Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance]]'' included skill challenge missions and/or [[side story]] missions, ''Subsistence'' eschews the extra single-player missions to include ports of the [[MSX|MSX2]] version of the original ''[[Metal Gear (video game)|Metal Gear]]'' and its sequel ''[[Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake]]'' (with the latter being officially localized for the first time);<ref name="gamespot sub rev" /><ref name="ign sub rev" /> ''Metal Gear Online'', an online multiplayer component; and a fully 3D, user-controlled camera in the main portion of the game.<ref name="ign sub">{{Cite web |editor-last=IGN |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence |url=http://ps2.ign.com/objects/748/748590.html |access-date=2006-08-11 |website=IGN |archive-date=June 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628140723/http://www.ign.com/games/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/ps2-748590 |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of all the additional content that was added, the ''Subsistence'' edition was split into two discs: the first disc contains the main game only (including the cutscenes viewer), while the second disc features the online multiplayer mode and all the other supplemental content.

[[Image:MGS3online.jpg|left|thumb|The online mode in ''Subsistence''. Here, the GRU team faces off against the KGB team.]]

''Metal Gear Online'', consists of five [[tournament]]-style game modes, each with a capacity of up to eight [[player (game)|players]].<ref name="subsistenceonline">{{Cite web |last=Konami staff |title=Online Mode Game Introduction |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/online.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015091304/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/online.html |archive-date=2012-10-15 |access-date=2006-08-22 |website=Konami}}</ref> This mode pits players, each playing as a generic soldier against each other in [[Deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]] battles and variations of [[capture the flag]], using stages, items, maneuvers, and units (such as the KGB, GRU or Ocelot Unit) from the main game.<ref name="ign sub rev">{{Cite web |last=Haynes, Jeff |date=10 March 2006 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Review |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/694/694781p1.html |access-date=2006-08-11 |website=IGN |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819102730/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/694/694781p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Depending on server settings, each round the highest-scoring player in each unit automatically assumes the role of one of the main characters (or [[Rumble Roses#Wrestlers|Reiko Hinomoto]] from ''[[Rumble Roses]]''), along with unique abilities and/or items. For example, the highest-scoring player on the GRU team would assume the role of Major Raikov, leader of the GRU, next round.<ref name="subsistenceonline2">{{Cite web |last=Konami staff |title=Online Mode Unique Characters |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/online_03.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015122704/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/online_03.html |archive-date=2012-10-15 |access-date=2006-08-22 |website=Konami}}</ref> Konami's ''Metal Gear Online'' service for the PlayStation 2 closed in Japan on December 26, 2006,<ref name="mgodown_japan">{{Cite web |title=MGO online service terminated |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/japanese/last/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007041030/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/japanese/last/index.html |archive-date=2012-10-07 |access-date=2007-04-04}}</ref> followed by in North America on April 2, 2007, and in Europe on October 30, 2007, although a fan community has revived it by emulating the servers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fox-Brewster |first=Tom |date=2014-09-24 |title=Metal Gear Online brought back to life by professional hackers |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/24/metal-gear-online-professional-hackers |access-date=2023-05-26 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526211642/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/24/metal-gear-online-professional-hackers |url-status=live }}</ref> As noted above, the online mode, after one of the players unlocks an animal codename, also allowed for the player to play as either Reiko Hinomoto or Rowdy Reiko from ''Rumble Roses'' (depending on if the player in question was in the red team or the blue team, respectively). According to ''Metal Gear'' series creator [[Hideo Kojima]], he added the characters into the game as secret characters in part due to opportunity: Kojima had earlier been offered a deal with ''Rumble Roses'' producer Akari Uchida to make a crossover between ''Metal Gear'' and ''Rumble Roses''. However, the ''Metal Gear'' development team at the time refused to work with them. Kojima eventually accepted the offer when trying to decide on secret characters for the online mode for ''Subsistence'' to tie up loose ends. He also admitted that he originally considered offering Tomonobu Itagaki, at the time the producer of the Tecmo fighting game series ''Dead or Alive'', the opportunity of using one of his characters as a secret character.<ref name="roses inclusion">{{Cite web |title=Saving Private Raiden |url=http://www2.1up.com/features/saving-private-raiden?pager.offset=3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326131942/http://www2.1up.com/features/saving-private-raiden?pager.offset=3 |archive-date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=June 4, 2011 |publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref>

In addition to the older games and the online mode, ''Subsistence'' includes many of the features that were introduced in the Japanese and European releases. It includes the downloadable extra camouflage and facepaint designs and "Snake vs. Monkey" stages previously exclusive to the European release, the European Extreme difficulty level,<ref name="ign sub rev" /><ref name="Subsistencesnakevsmonkey">{{Cite web |last=Konami staff |title=Snake vs. Monkey Battle Summary |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/saruhebi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015123007/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/saruhebi.html |archive-date=2012-10-15 |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=Konami}}</ref> parody cutscenes and trailers from the official website,<ref name="Secrettheater">{{Cite web |last=Konami staff |title=Secret Theatre |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/ss.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015123112/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/ss.html |archive-date=2012-10-15 |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=Konami}}</ref> and connectivity with ''[[Metal Gear Acid 2]]''.<ref name="subcover">''Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence'', game cover (back) (English). Konami Computer Entertainment Japan (2006).</ref> The Japanese version also includes a URL for a hidden website that allows the download of [https://web.archive.org/web/20071130021957/http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/english/dl/item_ota.html OtaClock], a PC and Mac clock program that features ''Metal Gear Solid'' series recurring character [[Otacon]].<ref name="Otaclock">{{Cite web |last=GameSpot staff |date=January 20, 2006 |title=Otakon clock to come with select MGS titles |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/news.html?sid=6142794 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929160907/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/news.html?sid=6142794 |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> This website is now publicly available.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kojima Productions<!-- Bot generated title --> |url=http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/english/dl/item_ota.html |access-date=August 14, 2006 |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623144316/http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/english/dl/item_ota.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

"Limited Edition" copies of ''Subsistence'' also include ''Existence'', the game's cutscenes edited into a three-and-a-half-hour [[feature film]] with additional scenes and [[remaster]]ed sound.<ref name="gamespot sub rev" /> The North American "Limited Edition" package was only available to consumers who pre-ordered it before the game's release.<ref name="USExist">{{Cite web |last=Konami staff |title=Snake Eater Movie |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/existence.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015123736/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/america/mgs/existence.html |archive-date=2012-10-15 |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=Konami}}</ref> The three-disc edition is the standard release of ''Subsistence'' in Europe to make up for its later release in the region.<ref name="eurogamersub">{{Cite web |last=Bramwell, Tom |date=14 July 2006 |title=MGS3 Subsistence dated |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=66060 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813083443/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news140706mgs3subsistence |archive-date=2012-08-13 |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=EuroGamer}}</ref>

A bonus [[documentary film|documentary]] [[DVD#DVD-Video|DVD video]] titled ''Metal Gear Saga Vol. 1'' was [[product bundling|bundled]] with [[pre-order]]s for ''Subsistence'' in [[North America]] and with the European [[Platinum range|Platinum]] reissue of ''Snake Eater'' released in Germany on March 23, 2006.<ref name="NASaga">{{Cite web |last=Gouskos, Carrie |date=January 26, 2006 |title=A First Look at Metal Gear Saga Vol. 1 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/news.html?page=1&sid=6142974 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930095112/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/news.html?page=1&sid=6142974 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><ref name="EUSaga">{{Cite web |last=Konami Staff |date=February 15, 2006 |title=MGS3 Snake Eater Platinum with Metal Gear Saga |url=http://de.games.konami-europe.com/game/news.do?idGameNews=196&idGame=64&idGamePlatformInfo= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927185427/http://de.games.konami-europe.com/game/news.do?idGameNews=196&idGame=64&idGamePlatformInfo= |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=Konami Germany}}</ref> The disc includes a five-part, 30-minute [[featurette]] about the entire ''Metal Gear'' series interspersed with an [[interview]] of [[Hideo Kojima]], as well as [[trailer (film)|trailers]] for various current ''Metal Gear'' games.<ref name="NASaga" /><ref name="Saga">{{Cite AV media |title=Metal Gear Saga Vol. 1 |date=2006 |type=DVD |publisher=Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.}}</ref>

''Subsistence'' received marginally higher review scores than the original ''Snake Eater'', averaging 94% on Metacritic.<ref name="metacriticsub" /> Reviewers commented that the introduction of the 3D camera removed the "only grade-A problem"<ref name="Spysubrev">{{Cite web |last=Turner, Benjamin |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/696626p1.html |access-date=2006-10-28 |website=GameSpy |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323095745/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/696626p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and makes the gameplay feel "less restrictive and more natural".<ref name="gamespot sub rev" /> The online mode is considered "impressive for a PS2 game", though "[''Snake Eater'']{{'}}s distinctive gameplay conventions do not entirely lend themselves to the online action-gaming experience."<ref name="Spysubrev" /> ''Subsistence'' received ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s award for "best online game" for the [[PlayStation 2]] in December 2006.<ref name="bestonlinegame">{{Cite web |editor-last=IGN site staff |title=Best of 2006 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/28.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110082813/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/28.html |archive-date=January 10, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=IGN}}</ref>

=== ''HD Edition'' ===
{{main|Metal Gear Solid HD Collection}}
''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - HD Edition'' was released on the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] consoles in late 2011.<ref name="ign.com">{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2011 |title=Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Release Date |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/26/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-release-date |access-date=March 24, 2017 |website=IGN |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709110428/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/26/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released as part of the ''[[Metal Gear Solid HD Collection]]'', as well as a digital download on [[PlayStation Network]] and [[Xbox Live Arcade]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-08-12 |title=Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Includes Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/08/12/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-includes-metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/ |access-date=2011-12-21 |publisher=Siliconera |archive-date=August 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818151100/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/08/12/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-includes-metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-06-02 |title=Metal Gear, Zone of Enders, Silent Hill HD Collection Coming to 360/PS3 |url=http://www.damnlag.com/metal-gear-solid-zone-of-enders-hd-collection-coming-to-360ps3/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324225224/http://www.damnlag.com/metal-gear-solid-zone-of-enders-hd-collection-coming-to-360ps3/ |archive-date=2012-03-24 |access-date=2011-12-21 |publisher=The DamnLag}}</ref> The [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] versions run in a resolution of [[720p]] and aim for a target framerate of 60 frames per second, compared to the [[PlayStation 2]] version's maximum of 30 FPS. The aspect ratio has also been increased from the original's [[4:3]] presentation to a wider [[16:9]] resolution, giving players a wider view of their surroundings.<ref name="tech foundry HD">{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter, Richard |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Tech Analysis: Metal Gear Solid Remastered |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-tech-analysis-metal-gear-remastered |access-date=September 5, 2012 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Eurogamer Network Ltd. |quote=While Konami shot for 30 frames per second, it frequently went over budget - the days of MGS as a 60Hz series were over. We saw dips down to 20 and even 15 frames per second during the cut-scenes... |archive-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901032536/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-tech-analysis-metal-gear-remastered |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''HD Edition'' features some of the content from the ''Subsistence'' version, such as the third-person camera and demo theater, but lacks the online multiplayer mode and the "Snake vs. Monkey" minigame (due to this version also being released on the [[Xbox 360]]). The original ''Metal Gear'' games are also included in this version, both accessible from the main menu. A [[PlayStation Vita]] version of the ''Metal Gear Solid HD Collection'' released in June 2012, which features ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' and ''3'';<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-17 |title=Metal Gear Solid HD Collection for PS Vita |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/17/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-vita-release-date.aspx |access-date=2012-05-17 |publisher=Jim Reilly |archive-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808205042/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/17/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-vita-release-date.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |date=May 17, 2012 |title=Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Vita Release Date |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/17/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-vita-release-date |access-date=March 24, 2017 |website=IGN |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709112441/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/17/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-vita-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="eurogamer.net">{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2012 |title=Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Vita release date |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-05-24-metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-vita-release-date |access-date=March 24, 2017 |website=IGN |archive-date=June 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603110155/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-05-24-metal-gear-solid-hd-collection-vita-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> this version of ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' features limited touch controls to take advantage of the Vita's touchscreen, and compared to the [[PlayStation 2]] version, the framerate is a more consistent 30 FPS, with less [[screen tearing]].<ref name="tech foundry vita">{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter, Richard |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Tech Analysis: Metal Gear Solid HD on PS Vita |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-mgs-hd-on-ps-vita |access-date=September 5, 2012 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Eurogamer Network Ltd. |quote=On PlayStation 2 ... Konami dropped v-sync in gameplay where necessary in order to maintain a more fluid frame-rate... On Vita, thankfully, we have locked v-sync, and there appears to be enough horsepower to maintain a much more consistent 30 frames per second, with only certain cinematics causing frame-rate dips. |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804232816/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-mgs-hd-on-ps-vita |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== ''Snake Eater 3D'' ===
{{video game reviews
| MC = 78/100<ref name="SE3D-metacritic">{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D for Nintendo 3DS on Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106014341/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d |url-status=live }}</ref>
| EuroG = 7/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey Matulef |date=March 7, 2012 |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Review • Eurogamer.net |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-06-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=August 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828002854/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-06-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peter Brown |date=February 22, 2012 |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Review on GameSpot.com |url=http://www.gamespot.com/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d/reviews/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review-6350817 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403161449/http://www.gamespot.com/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d/reviews/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review-6350817 |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richard George |date=February 24, 2012 |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D - IGN |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/25/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review?page=2 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |publisher=[[IGN]] |archive-date=July 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718035731/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/25/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review?page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
[[Image:MGS3DS CQC.jpg|left|thumb|A screenshot of ''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D'', showing Snake restraining the enemy with CQC]]

At [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010]], Konami displayed a technical demo for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] entitled ''Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater – The Naked Sample''. The demo's subtitle "The Naked Sample" was meant to convey its purpose as just a sample of the 3DS hardware, with no plans to bring a game into production at that point.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kojima Productions - Hideoblog English |url=http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2010/07/000220.html#more |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402052748/http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2010/07/000220.html#more |archive-date=2012-04-02 |access-date=2011-12-21 |publisher=Kjp.konami.jp}}</ref> Series producer [[Hideo Kojima]] stated at the time that if a ''Metal Gear'' game for the 3DS was actually made they would consider some elements from the [[PlayStation Portable]] title ''[[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker]]'', including the game's cooperative gameplay system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Famitsu: Hideo Kojima Discusses Metal Gear Solid 3DS |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/07/07/kojima_on_mgs_3ds |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711041552/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/07/07/kojima_on_mgs_3ds/ |archive-date=July 11, 2010 |access-date=July 7, 2010 |publisher=Andriasang}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN staff |date=7 July 2010 |title=Hideo Kojima May Work on Metal Gear Solid 5 |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/110/1104460p1.html |access-date=2010-07-07 |website=IGN |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124122023/http://ds.ign.com/articles/110/1104460p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in 2010, Konami announced a full ''Metal Gear'' title for release on the 3DS,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater slithers onto 3DS in 2011 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater-slithers-onto-3ds-in-2011/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021020059/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater-slithers-onto-3ds-in-2011/ |archive-date=2012-10-21 |access-date=2010-09-16 |publisher=joystiq.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Konami Topics 3DS |url=http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/ja/news/topics/2011/0108/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823002215/http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/ja/news/topics/2011/0108/ |archive-date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=January 8, 2011 |publisher=Konami News |type=Japanese}}</ref> which was revealed at Nintendo World 2011 to be ''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo World 2011 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/experience/nw2011/list/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081421/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/experience/nw2011/list/index.html |archive-date=2016-03-05}}</ref> It was released on February 21, 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-11 |title=North America Infiltrated by Metal Gear Solid 3D on 21st February |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/01/north_america_infiltrated_by_metal_gear_solid_3d_on_21st_february |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526211647/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/01/north_america_infiltrated_by_metal_gear_solid_3d_on_21st_february |url-status=live }}</ref> in North America and March 8, 2012, worldwide.<ref name="Anime News Network">{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Slated for March 8 |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-11-21/metal-gear-solid/snake-eater-3d-slated-for-march-8 |access-date=November 22, 2011 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013170956/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-11-21/metal-gear-solid/snake-eater-3d-slated-for-march-8 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Metal Gear Solid 3D Snake Eater">{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3D Snake Eater |url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=43&prod_id=20989&pageID=4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211201447/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=43&prod_id=20989&pageID=4 |archive-date=11 February 2012 |access-date=11 January 2012 |publisher=[[Nintendo Australia]]}}</ref><ref name="3ds.nintendolife.com">{{Cite web |date=2012-01-10 |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Sneaks into Europe on 8th March - 3DS News @ Nintendo Life |url=http://3ds.nintendolife.com/news/2012/01/metal_gear_solid_snake_eater_3d_sneaks_into_europe_on_march_8th |access-date=2012-06-16 |publisher=3ds.nintendolife.com |archive-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515110238/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/01/metal_gear_solid_snake_eater_3d_sneaks_into_europe_on_8th_march |url-status=live }}</ref>

Due to the limited interface of the 3DS, as well as to take advantage of the touchscreen, ''3D'' has unique controls when compared to other games in the ''Metal Gear'' series. While the game has been heavily criticized for these control changes,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Juba |first=Joe |date=2012-02-21 |title=Snake Eater 3D Review: Snake's Least Successful Mission |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/metal_gear_solid_snake_eater_3d/b/3ds/archive/2012/02/21/snake-eater-3d-review-snake-s-least-successful-mission.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223142429/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/metal_gear_solid_snake_eater_3d/b/3ds/archive/2012/02/21/snake-eater-3d-review-snake-s-least-successful-mission.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=February 23, 2012 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=2012-02-21}}</ref> use of the [[Circle Pad Pro]] peripheral has been cited for alleviating many of the control issues of the 3DS.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer">{{Cite web |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=2012-03-06 |title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Review |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-06-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review |access-date=2012-03-07 |publisher=Eurogamer |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023045257/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-06-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="3D-Destructoid">{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Jonathan |date=2012-03-19 |title=Review: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-223656.phtml |access-date=2012-03-19 |publisher=Destructoid |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102213209/http://www.destructoid.com/review-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-223656.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> This is done by restoring camera movement to the second analog stick, adding ZL and ZR buttons for aiming and attacking, and allowing the face buttons to be used in a manner more in line with all other releases in the ''Metal Gear'' series.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer" /><ref name="3D-Destructoid" />

''3D'' also has certain optional in-game differences that affect play, such as the concise over the shoulder third-person view and the addition of crouch-walking. Firing in this third-person view substitutes an open cross-hair for the standard down-the-barrel sighting of the standard FPS view. This method of aiming can seem less precise but does allow for a greater margin of error in accuracy.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer" /><ref name="3D-Destructoid" /> ''3D'' makes use of the 3DS console's gyroscope, which is used to maintain balance when walking across a bridge or standing on tree branches.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer" /><ref name="3D-Destructoid" /> The camouflage system has also been updated, allowing the player to make use of the 3DS's camera to make a custom camouflage pattern.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer" /><ref name="3D-Destructoid" /> The port features numerous graphical improvements over the initial [[PlayStation 2]] version including better character models and the addition of normal mapping.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer" /><ref name="3D-Destructoid" /> Despite this, the frame rate has been criticized for falling far below the other versions of ''Snake Eater''.<ref name="3D-Eurogamer" /><ref name="remastered">{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=2012-03-17 |title=Tech Analysis: Metal Gear Solid Remastered |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-tech-analysis-metal-gear-remastered |access-date=2012-03-17 |publisher=Eurogamer |archive-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901032536/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-tech-analysis-metal-gear-remastered |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Snake Eater 3D'' has met with positive reviews, averaging 78/100 at [[Metacritic]] based on 46 reviews.<ref name="SE3D-metacritic" />

=== Master Collection ===
{{main|Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection}}

An enhanced port of ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - HD Edition'' was released onto PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam in 2023. This version drops the HD Edition suffix in its title, and include a Digital Screenplay Book as well as a Digital Master Book. On Nintendo Switch, the game runs in 720p 30 FPS in handheld mode and 1080p 30 FPS in TV mode. On other platforms, the game runs in 1080p 60 FPS.

=== Remake ===
{{main|Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater}}
A remake of ''Metal Gear Solid 3'', titled ''Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater'', was developed by Konami with support from [[Virtuos]].<ref name="virtuos confirm">{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Virtuos Assisting Konami on Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Development |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/05/virtuos-assisting-konami-on-metal-gear-solid-3-remake-development |access-date=26 May 2023 |website=Push Square |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526082706/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/05/virtuos-assisting-konami-on-metal-gear-solid-3-remake-development |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Delta'' was announced during the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase and was released on August 28, 2025, for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]].<ref name="polygon">{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=24 May 2023 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 remake confirmed, coming to PS5, PC, and Xbox |url=https://www.polygon.com/23351764/metal-gear-solid-3-remake-release-date-trailer-announcement |access-date=24 May 2023 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524204431/https://www.polygon.com/23351764/metal-gear-solid-3-remake-release-date-trailer-announcement |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Kat |last=Bailey |date=2023-05-24 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Announced Alongside Collection Featuring First Three Games |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-3-remake-announced-playstation-showcase |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601005555/https://www.ign.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-3-remake-announced-playstation-showcase/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater Remake, Metal Gear Solid Collection Revealed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-remake-metal-gear-solid-collection-revealed/1100-6514455/ |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531234720/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-remake-metal-gear-solid-collection-revealed/1100-6514455/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Related media ==
=== Novel ===
A novelization of ''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater'', written by Satoshi Hase, was published by [[Kadokawa Shoten]] in [[Japan]] on January 25, 2014.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Satoshi Hase |publisher=Kadokawa Shoten |year=2014 |isbn=978-4041009918 |language=ja |script-title=ja:メタルギア ソリッド スネークイーター |trans-title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater}}</ref>

=== Pachislot ===
KPE, the parlor entertainment subsidiary of Konami, announced a [[Slot machine#Japan|pachislot]] adaptation of ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater''. It runs on a new type of cabinet known as the "Big Boss", which features a 32-inch LCD monitor in [[full HD]] covering its front surface. Scenes from the original video game have been redone in updated CGI to showcase the cabinet's high-end video capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casey Baseel |date=June 6, 2016 |title='Metal Gear' video game masterpiece becomes a pachinko machine |url=http://www.japantoday.com/smartphone/view/arts-culture/metal-gear-video-game-masterpiece-becomes-a-pachinko-machine |access-date=June 8, 2016 |website=Rocketnews24 |publisher=[[Japan Today]]}}</ref><ref name="kpemgs3">{{Cite web |title=パチスロ「メタルギア ソリッド スネークイーター」TEASER SITE - KPE |trans-title=Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater pachislot teaser site from KPE |url=https://www.kpenet.jp/slot/mgs_se/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818202017/https://www.kpenet.jp/slot/mgs_se/ |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=August 31, 2017 |language=ja}}</ref> The machine was officially distributed on October 17, 2016, to various parlors nationwide in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pachislot Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater official website |url=https://www.konami.com/amusement/psm/slot/mgs_se/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615131331/https://www.konami.com/amusement/psm/slot/mgs_se/ |archive-date=2017-06-15 |access-date=August 31, 2017 |publisher=KPE |language=ja}}</ref>

== Reception ==
''Snake Eater'' was a commercial success, selling {{nowrap|2.38 million}} units in Asia and America by December 2004,<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 31, 2004 |title=Million-Seller Genealogy |work=[[Konami Computer Entertainment Japan]] (KCEJ) |publisher=[[Konami]] |url=http://www.konamijpn.com/corporate/million_e.html |url-status=dead |access-date=11 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050315004002/http://www.konamijpn.com/corporate/million_e.html |archive-date=2005-03-15}}</ref> and 3.6 million copies worldwide by August 2005.<ref name="sales">{{Cite web |date=2005-08-17 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Company Line |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/news.html?sid=6131345 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025131811/http://www.gamespot.com/news/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence-company-line-6131345 |archive-date=2012-10-25 |access-date=2006-11-02 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> This was considerably lower than ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty]]'', which had sold 7 million copies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Big Gaz |date=May 15, 2003 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 Exclusive For Sony |url=http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Features/1751.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030802051846/http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Features/1751.html |archive-date=August 2, 2003 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=GamePlanet New Zealand}}</ref> ''Snake Eater'' sales increased to over {{nowrap|3.7 million}} units by September 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2005 |title=MGS3 Subsistence |url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/uk/mgs/mgs3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816172724/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs3_sub/uk/mgs/mgs3.html |archive-date=2007-08-16 |access-date=2008-05-29 |publisher=[[Konami]]}}</ref> and more than four million units sold worldwide {{as of|2010|3|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2010 |title=Konami Kabushiki Kaisha (Konami Corporation) Annual Report |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1191141/000119312510184085/d20f.htm |access-date=31 October 2020 |website=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108121618/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1191141/000119312510184085/d20f.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In Japan, ''Subsistence'' sold 133,339 copies and ''Snake Eater 3D'' sold 79,284 copies.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Game Search |url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search |magazine=Game Data Library ([[Famitsu]] sales data) |access-date=26 September 2020}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 91/100<ref name="metacritic">{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater for PlayStation 2 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |access-date=2008-03-04 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916105344/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater |url-status=live }}</ref>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref name="eurogamer" />
| Edge = 8/10<ref name="edge">{{Cite book |title=Edge |date=January 2005 |publisher=Future Publishing |volume=145 |pages=80–81}}</ref>
| GI = 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (reviews) |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/914828-metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/critic |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=GameFaqs |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915095000/http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/914828-metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/critic |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.7/10<ref name="gamespot" />
| GSpy = 4.5/5<ref name="gamespy">{{Cite web |last=Turner, Benjamin |date=November 17, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/566899p1.html |access-date=October 1, 2015 |website=GameSpy |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215230939/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/566899p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN = 9.6/10<ref name="ign">{{Cite web |last=Lewis, Ed |date=November 17, 2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/566/566279p1.html |access-date=2006-08-10 |website=IGN |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819102659/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/566/566279p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| award1Pub = ''[[IGN]]''
| award1 = Best Story,<ref name="bestof.ign.com">{{Cite web |title=IGN.com's Overall Best of 2004 Awards - Best Story |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2004/overall/16.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050117020226/http://bestof.ign.com/2004/overall/16.html |archive-date=January 17, 2005 |access-date=March 5, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Best Use of Sound<ref name="http">{{Cite web |title=IGN.com's Overall Best of 2004 Awards - Best Use of Sound |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/13.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050119035219/http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/13.html |archive-date=January 19, 2005 |access-date=March 5, 2012 |publisher=IGN}}</ref>
| award2Pub = ''[[GameSpot]]''
| award2 = Best Story,<ref name="Best Story">{{Cite web |title=Best Story |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_8.html |access-date=March 5, 2012 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=May 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520010610/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_8.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Best Sound Effects,<ref name="Best Sound Effects">{{Cite web |title=Best Sound Effects |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_10.html |access-date=March 5, 2012 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=May 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520021844/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_10.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Best New Character<ref name="Best New Character">{{Cite web |title=Best New Character |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_24.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041228225850/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2w_24.html |archive-date=December 28, 2004 |access-date=March 5, 2012 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>
| GT = 9/10<ref name=GT>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/g2ekms/metal-gear-solid-3--snake-eater-review |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |publisher=Gametrailers.com |access-date=2013-07-10}}</ref>
}}

''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'' received "universal acclaim" according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=metacritic/> Gaming website ''[[IGN]]'' awarded a 9.6/10<ref name="ign" /> and ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' rated it 8/10.<ref name="edge"/> ''[[GameSpot]]'', who granted it an 8.7/10, commented that the game is "richly cinematic" and "a great achievement".<ref name="gamespot" /> ''[[GameSpy]]'' hailed it as "probably the best ''Metal Gear Solid'' game yet",<ref name="gamespy" /> and ''[[Eurogamer]]'' called it "overwhelmingly superior to ''MGS2: Sons of Liberty''" in their review.<ref name="eurogamer" />

Critics were pleased with the new protagonist,<ref name="cnet" /> Naked Snake—who strongly resembles the series protagonist [[Solid Snake]]—after fans were disappointed by Raiden in ''MGS2''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jake Magee |date=May 27, 2015 |title=Why 'Metal Gear Solid 2's' Raiden was misunderstood |url=http://www.walworthcountytoday.com/20150527/press_start_why_metal_gear_solid_2s_raiden_was_misunderstood |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003134358/http://www.walworthcountytoday.com/20150527/press_start_why_metal_gear_solid_2s_raiden_was_misunderstood |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |website=Walworth County Today}}</ref> Some critics, who found the lengthy dialogues and the multitude of [[plot twist]]s in ''Sons of Liberty'' to be detrimental to the game experience<ref name="mgs2revgc">{{Cite web |last=Weise, Matt |year=2001 |title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (Review) |url=http://www.gamecritics.com/mgs2-sons-of-liberty/review |access-date=2006-08-14 |website=GameCritics |archive-date=March 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326135256/http://gamecritics.com/mgs2-sons-of-liberty/review |url-status=live }}</ref> found the storyline of ''Snake Eater'' a pleasing throwback to the original ''Metal Gear Solid'', with less of the "philosophical babble"<ref name="cnet" /> present in ''Sons of Liberty''. ''[[GameTrailers]]'' scored the original game a 9/10, sighting the improved graphics, gameplay and story from the previous two games but critiqued the camera and downtime between cutscenes.<ref>{{Citation |last=Gametrailers |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater [PS2 Review] (Gametrailers.com) |date=2005-08-09 |url=http://archive.org/details/7129-t-mgs-3-vr |access-date=2025-10-15}}</ref>

Reviewers had mixed opinions about the game's camouflage system. ''Edge'' commented that "laying, camouflaged, in short grass inches away from a patrolling enemy is a gripping twist on stealth",<ref name="edge" /> while ''GameSpy'' criticized it as "just a number to monitor and not a terribly interesting one".<ref name="gamespy" /> Out of the variety of new features, ''GameSpot'' called it "the most important and best implemented".<ref name="gamespot" /> The game has also been criticized for its low [[frame rate]], which has been reduced to 30 frames per second (compared to 60 frames per second in ''Sons of Liberty'').<ref name="gamespy" /> Other reviewers criticized the camera, which was labeled "dated" by ''IGN'',<ref name="ign" /> and "off-kilter" by ''Eurogamer''.<ref name="eurogamer" />

The cut scenes of ''Snake Eater'' have been called "visually exciting and evocative, beautifully shot" by ''Edge''.<ref name="edge" /> However, they commented that the script "ranges from awkward to awful" and criticized [[David Hayter]]'s performance as Snake, concluding that "''Snake Eater'''s speech is not up to the standard of other games, let alone cinema."<ref name="edge" /> ''GameSpot'' said that some of the humor "falls flat, as if lost in translation from Japanese" and "should appeal to... hardcore fans but... takes you out of the moment."<ref name="gamespot" />

=== Awards ===
[[File:Hideo Kojima at E3 2006.jpg|thumb|Kojima at [[E3 2006]] holding a ''[[Gameplay (magazine)|Gameplay]]'' award for Best Story of the Year, 2005]]

Since its release in 2004, the game has received numerous awards. Notable ones include Best Overall Action Game, Best Overall Story<ref name="bestof.ign.com" /> and Best PS2 Use of Sound<ref name="http" /> at ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s ''Best of 2004'' awards, and Best Story,<ref name="Best Story" /> Best Sound Effects<ref name="Best Sound Effects" /> and Best New Character<ref name="Best New Character" /> at ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Game of the Year 2004 awards. It was a runner-up in GameSpot's Best Action Adventure Game, Best Graphics, Artistic and Best Original Music categories.<ref name="bestworst2004">{{Cite web |last= |date=January 5, 2005 |title=Best and Worst of 2004 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050307021607/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/ |archive-date=March 7, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

At the [[Japan Game Awards#The 9th CESA Game Awards (2004~2005)|9th CESA Game Awards]], the game was one of the recipients of the Award for Excellence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=9th CESA GAME AWARDS {{!}} Awarded Games |url=https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2005/english/game.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418015617/https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2005/english/game.html |archive-date=2021-04-18 |access-date=2020-04-23 |website=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]]}}</ref> ''Snake Eater''{{'}}s theme song won the Best Original Vocal Song - Pop award from the [[Game Audio Network Guild Awards]] at the Game Developers Conference in August 2005, while the game itself won the award for Best PS2 Game at 2005's Game Convention in [[Germany]].<ref name="official site" /> At the [[8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]] (now known as the [[D.I.C.E. Awards]]), ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'' was nominated for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year|Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character|Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance - Male]]" for David Hayter's vocal performance as Naked Snake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=195 |access-date=April 9, 2020 |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808151205/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2005&idGame=195 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Legacy ===
''Snake Eater'' was developed as a [[prequel]] to the entire [[Metal Gear|''Metal Gear'' series]],<ref name="gamespy" /> and was followed by several direct [[sequel]]s: ''[[Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops]]'', ''[[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker]]'', ''[[Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes]]'', and ''[[Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain]]''. In 2011, Kojima revealed that he floated the idea of a ''Metal Gear Solid 5'' set during the World War II [[invasion of Normandy]], showing The Boss and Cobra Unit's assistance in the fight. However, the team was hesitant about such a big project and Kojima later felt that "simply dropping ''MGS5'' on the younger staff members was a bit heavy."<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2011 |title=Hideo Kojima's original idea for Metal Gear Solid 5 featured The Boss, Cobra unit - PlayStation Universe |url=http://www.psu.com/a013903/Hideo-Kojimas-original-idea-for-Metal-Gear-Solid-5-featured-The-Boss-Cobra-unit |access-date=2012-12-02 |publisher=Psu.com}}</ref> Although the ending of ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' reveals Naked Snake was given the Big Boss title, Kojima stated "he's not really the Big Boss yet". With ''[[Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker]]'', he wanted to explain how Naked Snake became the man who appeared in the original ''Metal Gear'' games as Solid Snake's enemy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Totilo, Stephen |date=September 25, 2009 |title=Hideo Kojima Talks Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker And How You Can Help Him |url=http://m.kotaku.com/5367724/hideo-kojima-talks-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-and-how-you-can-help-him |access-date=March 26, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref>

The game has since been listed on several "Best of ..." lists by video-gaming publications. In 2009, ''IGN'' placed ''Subsistence'' at number 3 on its "The Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time" list.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-08-10 |title=The Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time (5) |work=IGN |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2009/08/10/the-top-25-ps2-games-of-all-time?page=5 |access-date=2013-11-06 |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131106025504/http://au.ign.com/articles/2009/08/10/the-top-25-ps2-games-of-all-time?page=5 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'' listed ''Snake Eater'' and ''Subsistence'' at 8th place on its list of "The 36 Best PS2 Games" in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-10-26 |title=The 36 Best PS2 Games (5) |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/205783/the-36-best-ps2-games-page-5-of-5 |url-status=dead |access-date=2013-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223173809/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/205783/the-36-best-ps2-games-page-5-of-5 |archive-date=December 23, 2010}}</ref> That same year, ''IGN'' ranked ''Snake Eater'' 2nd on its list of the "Top 100 PlayStation 2 Games", and said that it had "the best story in the franchise".<ref>{{Cite web |year=2010 |title=Top 100 PlayStation 2 Games - 2: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |url=http://au.ign.com/top/ps2-games/2 |access-date=2013-11-06 |publisher=IGN |archive-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809154752/http://au.ign.com/top/ps2-games/2 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, ''[[GamesRadar]]'' placed the game at number 22 on its "The 100 Best Games of All Time" list.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-02-15 |title=The 100 best games of all time |work=[[GamesRadar]] |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |access-date=2013-11-06 |archive-date=March 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324030030/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, the game's story was ranked 10th place on ''GamesRadar''{{'}}s list of "The Best Videogame Stories Ever".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-07-12 |title=The best videogame stories ever |work=GamesRadar |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-best-videogame-stories-ever/ |access-date=2013-11-06 |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422042037/http://gamesradar.com/the-best-videogame-stories-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, the game placed 2nd on USgamer's "The 15 Best Games Since 2000" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=August 7, 2015 |title=The 15 Best Games Since 2000, Number 2: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-2-metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810204847/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-2-metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater |archive-date=August 10, 2015 |access-date=August 10, 2015 |website=USgamer |publisher=Gamer Network}}</ref>

At one point in the game, the player must climb an extremely tall ladder for approximately three minutes while "[[Snake Eater (song)|Snake Eater]]" plays in the background. This sequence was cited as one of the series' most memorable moments, as well as an example of [[metafiction]] that highlights the [[Linear gameplay|linearity]] of video games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henley |first=Stacey |date=2022-04-16 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3's Ladder Section Is Genius That Must Not Be Skipped |url=https://www.thegamer.com/metal-gear-solid-3-ladder-section-skip-kojima/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> It has since become a well-known video game [[meme]], with players calling attention to or creating very long ladders in other games such as ''[[Starfield (video game)|Starfield]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Mollie |date=2023-09-19 |title=This Starfield tribute to Metal Gear Solid's awfully long ladder scene would keep even the most determined space pirate away from your loot |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/this-starfield-tribute-to-metal-gear-solids-awfully-long-ladder-scene-would-keep-even-the-most-determined-space-pirate-away-from-your-loot/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |language=en}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Official website|https://www.konami.com/mg/mgs3r/gate}}

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