Video & PC Game Discussion

I didn't mind it at all. I have the regular edition of Snake Eater. It's superb so far.

I love the idea of having to treat your own wounds with ointments, bandages, and disinfectants. Burning off leeches with a cigar and prying bullets out of your leg with a knife? I don't know why that prospect excites me. I think it's because, to me, Metal Gear Solid 3 is the ultimate spy fiction. It isn't about a host of illustrious gadgets, tuxedos, code words, or driving sports cars. Nor is it about breaking into government complexes all day just to steal information. 

You're behind enemy lines, you're truly working on camouflage and covert operation. Sneaking is more favorable than killing, and you're surviving on rat meat and chopped alligators. I love the fact that it takes place in 1964. It's as if Apocalypse Now, The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, and philosophy were all twisted together. When Snake delves into a gun-nut monologue, it's surprising. Some games have a lot of gun information, but Snake is a character that knows more gun information than I'll ever know. I like how a new weapon seems to excite him. It's a plausible character trait.

It's as if the characters and events actually matter. In MGS2, two weapons controlled by the hand of circumstance, two genetic soldiers fight to kill each other, both considered to be lacking free will, above the statue of George Washington, one of the most anthemic points in the history of declared freedom. In a game like God of War (love it, anyway) the characters seem written solely to have the simple revenge greek tragedy play through. In a movie like Pay it Forward, the main by character seems written solely to, erm, you know...not be a happy ending. But in these games (and it is a rare occasion for me, which is why I care), the people all have something they want to accomplish for specific reasons. The only other gaming experiences that gave me plots I cared for were Bioshock and possibly a few Bioware games. 

The only thing I don't like about Snake Eater, and it is terribly minor, is the crouching. If you're on your stomach in cover you have to press the button once to rise to your knees, wait for it to register THEN press it again to fully rise. That can be much too delayed in certain high pressure situations.

EDIT: Never even mind that complaint. I didn't realize the button was pressure sensitive. I don't make a habit of reading instruction manuals. I'm more of a 'hop in and see what happens' video game player.