The review scores for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater have been released, and the game is receiving widespread praise from critics. However, despite the positive reception, Konami's latest title has not quite reached the legendary status of the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, though the gap is remarkably narrow.

Originally announced during the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase, the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is a collaborative effort between Konami and Virtuos, the studio behind Oblivion Remastered. This modern reimagining of the 2004 classic is scheduled for release on August 28 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox current-generation consoles.

The review embargo for Metal Gear Solid Delta was lifted on Friday, August 22, revealing overwhelmingly positive initial reactions. The game has earned a "Mighty" rating on OpenCritic, with an average score of 88 from 48 reviews and an impressive 96% recommendation rate. Critics have widely praised the game's production values and gameplay, noting that it remains faithful to the original while incorporating meaningful quality-of-life improvements. One notable enhancement is the real-time camouflage system, which allows players to switch outfits and face paint seamlessly during gameplay.

Review Scores at a Glance

• OpenCritic: 88 average score, 96% recommendation rate (48 reviews)
• MetaCritic: 86 average score (59 reviews)

Compared to even the enhanced 2005 edition, Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, the remake has been commended for its more intuitive controls, enabling smoother aiming and easier transitions into cover. Some critics, however, noted that the modernized mechanics might make the game feel too easy, with patrols becoming less threatening and bosses less challenging. The development team appears to have anticipated this concern, as Metal Gear Solid Delta includes an optional top-down perspective designed to replicate the original experience and increase difficulty. Performance issues, such as graphical glitches with hair and reflections, along with occasional cutscene stuttering, were also mentioned by reviewers.

While the remake has been well-received, it hasn't quite surpassed the original Snake Eater in critical acclaim. The 2004 title holds a MetaCritic score of 91 based on 68 reviews, compared to the remake's current score of 86 from 59 reviews. With the review embargo having been lifted just hours before this writing and the game's release still nearly a week away, scores may still fluctuate. That said, it's uncommon for day-one review averages of single-player games to change significantly, making it unlikely that the remake will overtake the original's score.

Reviewers consistently highlight that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater serves as an excellent entry point for new players. Not only is it the most recent release, but its story is also the earliest in the series' chronology, requiring no prior knowledge of the franchise.

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