Revolutionizing Snake's Camo Switching in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

With the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, fans are buzzing with anticipation about the improvements Konami will make to the beloved classic. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was a standout title that showcased Hideo Kojima's creative vision of the Cold War era, making it one of the most popular games in the franchise. Without Kojima at the helm, it remains to be seen whether Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will be as successful, but fans are eagerly waiting to see what Konami has in store.

As a remake, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will take advantage of modern technology to enhance the game's graphics and overall user experience. Konami has already promised "stunning visuals and a seamless user experience," indicating that the game's graphics and gameplay will receive a significant update. However, to truly surpass its predecessor, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater must address one key gameplay component.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater's Camouflage System Is Clunky

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater's stealth gameplay revolves around its innovative camouflage system. The game offers a vast selection of face paints and uniforms that Snake can use to blend seamlessly into his surroundings and avoid detection by enemies. The percentage meter displayed on the top right corner of the screen provides players with real-time feedback on the effectiveness of their camouflage. As enemies come closer, the meter becomes increasingly crucial, and players must ensure that they remain well-hidden to avoid detection.

At the start of the game, Snake is provided with a limited range of face paints and uniforms. However, he can acquire more specialized camouflage by completing specific tasks and defeating bosses non-lethally. For instance, players can obtain uniforms from bosses like The End and The Fear, as well as unlock new camouflage by shooting all the Kerotan frog Easter eggs scattered throughout the game.

The application of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater's camouflage system proves to be its biggest drawback. To change face paints and uniforms, players have to interrupt gameplay, go to the character menu, open up the "Camo" menu, and select one from their inventory. This process can be both time-consuming and immersion-breaking, especially when the game's unique environments require frequent camo changes. For instance, urban settings and indoor environments demand splitter camouflage, while jungles and deserts have their own specific camo requirements. Furthermore, the original game's release on PlayStation 2 in 2004 resulted in slower render and load times, leading to extended pauses in the action.

Modern Advancements Can Make Switching Snake's Camos More Intuitive

To further enhance the camo system in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami could implement a submenu dedicated solely to camouflage. This would enable players to switch their appearance on-the-go without disrupting gameplay. The submenu could house a list of players' preferred camouflages, which could be sorted and selected from the main Camo menu.

Additionally, a sophisticated system that analyzes players' surroundings and current situations could greatly improve the functionality of the camo system. For example, stealth-focused sections could require special camos like The End's Moss uniform. By introducing these quality-of-life improvements, players would be able to fully immerse themselves in the various combat and stealth scenarios presented in the game.

Although the existing camo system may be considered cumbersome, minor adjustments and improvements could transform it into a seamless gameplay element that players would delight in utilizing.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.