MGS3 is a game that needs really no introduction. It's a masterclass of it's platform using the PS2's limitations to craft something that impresses even today on any platform. There's some of the best cutscenes ever created here full of detail and emotion and energy. It's a type of creation that is ahead of the curve even today.
It's also just one of the top tier stealth games with AI that is both fun to exploit while still presenting a solid challenge for the hardcore stealth players. I've always appreciated that Metal Gear has never let you save scummed your way to a perfect ranking. There's every type of self imposed challenge you might want to put on yourself here while the ranking system accommodates and encourages it all. The pacing of the stealth is also just top notch. I think it's better to slow down a stealth game than to make it super fast and the camo and environment do that wonderfully. I also think the survival elements in this game are a perfect balance. Stamina is never a true annoyance and you never have to spend time scrounging around for resources while curing wounds is also a pretty fun procedure too. The game makes it clear it's something you can't ignore without making it a hassle and I'm actually surprised this never seemed to catch on as a mechanic in other action games including this very series.
If there's maybe one problem I have with this game is that the controls are definitely clunky. They were clunky back in the day and they're more so clunky playing the Vita version. Losing those pressure sensitive buttons from the PS2 required some finagling and the end result is having to press several different buttons at once.
It's one of the top tier games of all time no questions asked. MGS3 Ocelot was a peak character too (in a game already full of fantastic characters). I can't believe how dirty MGSV did him.
It's also just one of the top tier stealth games with AI that is both fun to exploit while still presenting a solid challenge for the hardcore stealth players. I've always appreciated that Metal Gear has never let you save scummed your way to a perfect ranking. There's every type of self imposed challenge you might want to put on yourself here while the ranking system accommodates and encourages it all. The pacing of the stealth is also just top notch. I think it's better to slow down a stealth game than to make it super fast and the camo and environment do that wonderfully. I also think the survival elements in this game are a perfect balance. Stamina is never a true annoyance and you never have to spend time scrounging around for resources while curing wounds is also a pretty fun procedure too. The game makes it clear it's something you can't ignore without making it a hassle and I'm actually surprised this never seemed to catch on as a mechanic in other action games including this very series.
If there's maybe one problem I have with this game is that the controls are definitely clunky. They were clunky back in the day and they're more so clunky playing the Vita version. Losing those pressure sensitive buttons from the PS2 required some finagling and the end result is having to press several different buttons at once.
It's one of the top tier games of all time no questions asked. MGS3 Ocelot was a peak character too (in a game already full of fantastic characters). I can't believe how dirty MGSV did him.