Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The season of sequels has officially come to an end-or perhaps, just begun-with the arrival of Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Like many of the other blockbuster sequels sprouting up, Snake Eater inherits its backbone from its predecessors, while managing to surpass them in every way-we certainly don't miss the mind-numbing philosophical ramblings of MGS2. But no radar? Don't fret, there's some Snake-friendly gadgets that will ease the pain of losing your most valued crutch. The new health/stamina/inventory systems may be different, but you'll find it helps to propel the gameplay, as does the camouflage. And certainly, some players will welcome the new close quarters fighting.

With Snake Eater, the developers have pushed the PS2 hardware to the max, without going overboard (see Killzone). Still, the dated camera system is annoying as ever, but the thrilling(!) boss battles and breathing environments are some of the best we've seen-and the number of available options you have to approach these scenarios is equally impressive. And c'mon, MGS characters are always priceless! Despite twists and turns around every corner, Snake Eater is clearly the best this series has to offer. But is it the best sequel this season has to offer? That remains to be determined...