MGS 3: Snake Eater 3D preview: Awkward Snake

There really isn't a lot to say about Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater. It's the same game that debuted on the PlayStation 2 over six years ago. Well, that's true for the most part. There are a few 3DS additions -- and some necessary control changes, but for the most part it's an enhanced port without too many surprises.
%Gallery-126069%

First, the additions. Weapons and items are equipped using the touch screen, which is intuitive and simple to use. The touch screen is also used to toggle aiming mode between third-person and first-person perspectives. Rudimentary motion controls are also used in some areas. Upon crossing a rickety wooden bridge, for example, I had to be careful to hold the 3DS as steady as possible. Tipping it too far to the left or right sent Snake toppling over the edge.

Players can also use the 3DS camera to create camouflage for Snake. In theory, you could coat snake in any texture you want, your favorite coffee mug, perhaps. Of course, we imagine the first choice for many players will be more ... anatomical.

Of course, with only one analog stick, camera control is something of an issue. Snake Eater 3D adopts the same camera control scheme as the PSP Metal Gear outings, essentially treating the face buttons as a rudimentary right stick. It's functional, but far from ideal, especially when trying to quickly tranquilize a guard before he sounds an alarm.

Again though, it's still essentially the same game a generation of players has grown to love, and it seems to be a perfectly capable 3DS title. That said, the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is on the way, and the PS3 does have two analog sticks.