Other entries in the series may do individual things better than Snake Eater, but this is easily the most well-rounded MGS game. If you need to Kojima-pill someone and you can only make them play one game, this should be your choice.
Has solid doses of everything that keeps us Kojima connoisseurs coming back for more: Fantastic gameplay that felt like it was from the future (compare this to other action games from '04, it's incredible), always fun and occasionally brilliantly insightful writing, gorgeous cinematics and stunning set pieces. It has arguably the most emotional ending of any Metal Gear title, too, with one of the all time great boss battles.
Hideo-heads stay winning
Has solid doses of everything that keeps us Kojima connoisseurs coming back for more: Fantastic gameplay that felt like it was from the future (compare this to other action games from '04, it's incredible), always fun and occasionally brilliantly insightful writing, gorgeous cinematics and stunning set pieces. It has arguably the most emotional ending of any Metal Gear title, too, with one of the all time great boss battles.
Hideo-heads stay winning