Playing Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater  is to rediscover a classic that has kept its essence intact. The jungle atmosphere, which was already impressive in the original, is now a visual spectacle: trees that sway in the wind, rivers that reflect the sunlight, and uniforms that get dirty as Snake crawls through the terrain. It is almost impossible not to stop for a few seconds just to observe the environment, which ceases to be a backdrop and becomes a true living character. The feeling of being surrounded by the jungle is so strong that immersion happens naturally.

The jungle as a character
 

One of the first things that catches the eye is how the Soviet jungle was recreated. In 2004, it was already impressive to see Snake camouflaging in the bushes. Now, every leaf, raindrop, and beam of light interacts with the character dynamically.

Snake's uniform gets dirty, scars appear after injuries, and even small details — like leaves stuck to the clothes or reflections in the mud — help to turn the environment into a silent enemy. The forest is not just a backdrop; it is a living character that reacts to the player.

This cinematic atmosphere makes you stop for a few seconds just to observe, take a deep breath, and remember: “this is it, this is why Metal Gear Solid has always been different from any other stealth game.”

Gameplay: tradition with fluidity
 

If the visuals impress, gameplay is the point where Konami managed to balance respect for the past with adaptation to the present. The remake offers two distinct ways to play: the Legacy Style, which faithfully reproduces the classic PlayStation 2 experience, with a rigid camera and heavier controls, and the New Style, which modernizes everything with a free third-person camera and more fluid controls, aligned with current genre standards. 

This choice was a huge success because it pleases both purists who want to relive the game exactly as they remember it and new players seeking a more accessible experience. All survival mechanics are back — camouflage, treating wounds, hunting to keep Snake's energy up — and although some of them still rely on menus that break the action's rhythm, the overall feeling is of a more cohesive and natural gameplay. 

Stealth remains the pulsating heart of the game, requiring patience, coolness, and creativity in every move, with that unique taste of reward when a risky plan succeeds.

A narrative that spans generations
 

Few games can deliver a story that remains relevant and impactful decades after its release, and Snake Eater is one of those rare cases. The remake keeps the narrative intact, without alterations, and that is one of its greatest virtues. Snake's mission, set at the height of the Cold War, mixes espionage, politics, and moral dilemmas with a density that many modern titles have not yet achieved. 

The relationship with The Boss remains the emotional core of the plot, and each scene carries a dramatic weight that goes beyond mere entertainment, approaching a classic tragedy. Even knowing the outcome, reliving those moments in Δ is like watching a play that never ages: you know what will happen, but the strength of the performance and the depth of the message continue to resonate deeply. 

For new players, it is an opportunity to discover one of the most remarkable storylines in the history of video games; for veterans, it is a chance to feel that impact again that seemed lost in time.

Sound that suffocates and moves 

If the eyes are delighted with the visuals, the ears are on alert with the sound atmosphere. The iconic theme song “Snake Eater” returns in all its glory, with arrangements that still evoke the grandeur of a 1960s espionage film. 

But it is in sound design that the remake truly shines: every branch that breaks underfoot, every panting breath in a getaway, every distant noise in the jungle increases tension and immersion. Playing with headphones is almost suffocating — the jungle ceases to be just a visual environment and becomes a constant presence, pressing and surrounding the player at every moment. 

It is the kind of sound work that not only complements the experience but transforms it into something visceral, where every detail can mean survival or failure.

Charm and frictions of the original

Despite all the polishing, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater does not hide that it was born from a 2004 game. Some design choices remain, for better and for worse. The use of menus for camouflage and treatment still breaks the flow, certain battles still require trial and error, and the camera can become uncomfortable in indoor environments. 

For veterans, these details carry a nostalgic charm; for newcomers, they may sound like unnecessary barriers in times of more direct interfaces. The fact is that Konami chose to preserve the essence of the classic at all costs, even if it meant also keeping some of its rough edges. 

It is a decision that may divide opinions, but at the same time, it ensures the authenticity of a remake that does not seek to replace the original, but to celebrate it.

We thank Konami for sending the key for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater for this review.