Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 14, 2006
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 860 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 700 out of 860
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 860
  3. Negative: 139 out of 860
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  1. Jagkid007
    Sep 6, 2010
    8
    This game is a very great game with excellent story with fun gameplay and plenty of intense moments. The original version (snake eater) wasn't super just because of the camera angle and that is why this is so much better. there is not much replay value to the game itself but subsistance comes with bonuses that ad to the game. unfortunately i can not review the bonus content because i gotThis game is a very great game with excellent story with fun gameplay and plenty of intense moments. The original version (snake eater) wasn't super just because of the camera angle and that is why this is so much better. there is not much replay value to the game itself but subsistance comes with bonuses that ad to the game. unfortunately i can not review the bonus content because i got the package that had the 1st 3 MGS games and it only came with disc 1.… Expand
  2. Nathan1963
    Sep 20, 2012
    10
    (Translate from Portuguese into English)Um dos melhores jogos do PS2,uma das melhores histórias dos games,momentos fantásticos,Naked Snake um verdadeiro herói,não desiste nunca,grandes vilões e chefes igualmente,a floresta muito bem representada,lugar perfeito para se camuflar,poder matar animais,colher frutas para se alimentar é muito legal,mostra(Translate from Portuguese into English)Um dos melhores jogos do PS2,uma das melhores histórias dos games,momentos fantásticos,Naked Snake um verdadeiro herói,não desiste nunca,grandes vilões e chefes igualmente,a floresta muito bem representada,lugar perfeito para se camuflar,poder matar animais,colher frutas para se alimentar é muito legal,mostra a luta pela sobrevivência em território,simplesmente fantástico esse jogo.… Expand
  3. Meridius
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Creative bosses, genuine 60s spy plot, and ingenious gameplay. The importance of the environment and your interaction with it (camouflage, caught/killed animals and plants as food, noise and sight detection by enemies, etc), along with an update to gameplay (via CQC and camera movement) and one of the best bosses in video game history, not only makes this game one of the best on PS2, butCreative bosses, genuine 60s spy plot, and ingenious gameplay. The importance of the environment and your interaction with it (camouflage, caught/killed animals and plants as food, noise and sight detection by enemies, etc), along with an update to gameplay (via CQC and camera movement) and one of the best bosses in video game history, not only makes this game one of the best on PS2, but one of the most important.… Expand
  4. Ernestei
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    Mastepiece.
  5. TheMrIron2
    Jun 9, 2016
    10
    This game is fantastic. There's just no stopping it. Easily one of my favourite games of all time. Before Ocarina of Time fans come yelling at me, yes, I have played it. I've beaten the 3DS remaster. This game trumps OoT.

    First off, let me just say how awestruck I was when I played this game to find these visuals on my PS2. It was incredible; lush foliage, beautiful character models and    This game is fantastic. There's just no stopping it. Easily one of my favourite games of all time. Before Ocarina of Time fans come yelling at me, yes, I have played it. I've beaten the 3DS remaster. This game trumps OoT.

    First off, let me just say how awestruck I was when I played this game to find these visuals on my PS2. It was incredible; lush foliage, beautiful character models and really nice post processing effects that really enhanced the lighting and other effects.

    For gameplay, I've always been a fan of stealth games but Splinter Cell aside, I hadn't really played any. Subsistence was my first dive into the Metal Gear series, and I don't regret it. The controls are clunky at first and a bit unorthodox, yes, but you get used to them fairly quickly, although I will admit the button sensitive interrogations/CQC gets annoying at times.

    Again, a fantastic game. The characters are engaging and the story is gripping, and I was blown away at how well written the game was. At the final scene (no spoilers here), I waited ages until I finally "finished it off" (people who finished the game will know what I mean). I'm playing this game in 2016 and I think it looks great; that is a true testament to how well this has aged. My only complaint with the game is that it felt like it was all over too quickly, and that's more of a compliment than anything. Phenomenal experience, would recommend any day.    … Expand
  6. AdamW.
    Jan 20, 2008
    7
    The controls are horrible. However the plot did strike a chord with me. The voice actors are also unwisely picked, not matching the characters too well. There weren't any cross hairs for aiming your guns. There's not too much replay value either except for secrets or harder difficulties. In the end it's definitely worth a rent at the very least.
  7. DavidL.
    Mar 13, 2006
    10
    Gaming euphoria.
  8. MacCAM
    Sep 4, 2010
    10
    (10.0)
    Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence est le meilleur épisode de la saga Metal Gear. Il est le jeu parfait de par ses graphismes, sa musique ou encore de par son style !
  9. DGDrocks7
    Aug 8, 2013
    9
    How could you own a PS2 and not own this game? This is one of the best games, not only on the PS2, but overall. Canonically, this is the first in the epic MGS series. See where it all started. Learn all about Naked Snake (the father of Solid Snake), and how he became Big Boss. Today, this masterpiece is on PSN, for $14.99. I need not say more. However, it is included in the MGS: LegacyHow could you own a PS2 and not own this game? This is one of the best games, not only on the PS2, but overall. Canonically, this is the first in the epic MGS series. See where it all started. Learn all about Naked Snake (the father of Solid Snake), and how he became Big Boss. Today, this masterpiece is on PSN, for $14.99. I need not say more. However, it is included in the MGS: Legacy Collection, which not only has this game, but every single MGS game.… Expand
  10. burza1982
    Jan 16, 2012
    10
    For me The Greatest game ever, even including games from new consoles. That powerful story and gameplay in Snake Eater it is like something which could not be compared to another game.
  11. joey1017
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    The already-fantastic origin story of the definitive stealth-action game series, smoothed out and perfected for the optimal PS2 gaming experience this time around. The second disc is an extra treat, including the original two MSX Metal Gear games (1987, 1990), Snake Vs. Monkey mode, the ever-funny Secret Theater, and (the now defunct) online mode to boot. This is a game more than worthy ofThe already-fantastic origin story of the definitive stealth-action game series, smoothed out and perfected for the optimal PS2 gaming experience this time around. The second disc is an extra treat, including the original two MSX Metal Gear games (1987, 1990), Snake Vs. Monkey mode, the ever-funny Secret Theater, and (the now defunct) online mode to boot. This is a game more than worthy of your time and money.… Expand
  12. Zman6495
    Jul 24, 2013
    10
    Metal Gear Solid 3 became one of my favorite video games of all time as soon as I played it. This game is a truly unique experience that needs to be enjoyed by everyone. The graphics are so stellar that they look better than some current generation games. There were a few times I had to remind myself that I was playing a PS2 Game and not a 360 game. The story is very strong as well.Metal Gear Solid 3 became one of my favorite video games of all time as soon as I played it. This game is a truly unique experience that needs to be enjoyed by everyone. The graphics are so stellar that they look better than some current generation games. There were a few times I had to remind myself that I was playing a PS2 Game and not a 360 game. The story is very strong as well. It is impossible not to care about the characters in this game. The story alone made me want to play through this game to see what would happen next. However, what makes this game truly superb is the gameplay. The gameplay is one of the most polished and well executed experiences I have ever played. The controls feel good, and although there are a lot of options and things you can do, I never felt overwhelmed by the possibilities. The game also lets you decide how to play through it. Want to kill everything? You can do that. Want to sneak around and use stealth (which admittedly is the game's encouraged way)? You can do that too. Metal Gear Solid 3 leaves you with so many ways to get through obstacles. You can use others as human shields, scare them to give you helpful information, and hide their bodies if need be. Or you can go non lethal, opting instead for tranquilizers and distractions rather than lethal tactics. Overall, this is one of the best and most well made video games I have ever played. I simply cannot give this game anything less than a perfect score, due to the extremely smooth gameplay and the great story. Anyone who has not experienced this game, please do yourselves a favor and play this game. It is worth every minute.… Expand
  13. Fantise1
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    The original MGS 3 was already an amazing game; however, the added camera made this version of MGS 3 easily the best version. The story is superb and the gameplay, while archaic in some ways (having to open the menu constantly got a little tedious), is deep and fun. While MGS 2 to me seemed a little bland and the story too convoluted, MGS 3 manages to portray and wonderful story in aThe original MGS 3 was already an amazing game; however, the added camera made this version of MGS 3 easily the best version. The story is superb and the gameplay, while archaic in some ways (having to open the menu constantly got a little tedious), is deep and fun. While MGS 2 to me seemed a little bland and the story too convoluted, MGS 3 manages to portray and wonderful story in a wonderful setting. The forests of Russia add some color that MGS 2 unfortunately lacked. MGS 3: Subsistence is easily the best MGS game out there. A must buy and easily a 10/10.… Expand
  14. rocco30
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    This game is really exciting and the story has you trying to guess whats gonna happen next and then surprises you.
  15. AmadeusE
    Feb 14, 2020
    5
    Having never played Metal Gear Solid properly(only tried MGS1 as a kid), I wanted to see what all the fuss is about. And since this is chronologically the 1st game in the story, I started with this.

    Sadly, too much focus on stealth, it seems. Not sure if I can knock the game for that, since it's supposed to be a stealth game? Although not being able to pick up enemy weapons doesn't make    Having never played Metal Gear Solid properly(only tried MGS1 as a kid), I wanted to see what all the fuss is about. And since this is chronologically the 1st game in the story, I started with this.

    Sadly, too much focus on stealth, it seems. Not sure if I can knock the game for that, since it's supposed to be a stealth game? Although not being able to pick up enemy weapons doesn't make sense. And the trial and error gets kinda dull, when you get spotted and a small army of enemies comes down on you, and you have nothing to defend yourself with, forcing you to just start over, because it gets pretty stupid and silly at that point. You start the game with only a knife and tranquilizer gun for attacking, and have to spend a pretty a long time like that, it seems. Having so much health, even on HARD difficulty, is also pretty weird. I think you have to repeatedly get hit for well over a minute to die. If this is HARD, I wonder what the lower difficulties are like...

    Snake's voice acting is also a bit overdone. Can't tell if his sarcastic or something every time he talks.    … Expand
  16. IlanXD
    Oct 7, 2012
    9
    Amazing title for the series.
  17. JohnnyS.
    Apr 18, 2006
    5
    I was very disappointed with the online play. It doesn
  18. E.L.
    Apr 17, 2006
    4
    While this game has the BEST story and game play I've played in years, the fact that it also has the WORST control system prevents me give it a score more than 4. I find it most annoying and frustrating when switching constantly between the first person and third person view. And some times the camera views get "auto-switched" when I don't even intent to. You can only move While this game has the BEST story and game play I've played in years, the fact that it also has the WORST control system prevents me give it a score more than 4. I find it most annoying and frustrating when switching constantly between the first person and third person view. And some times the camera views get "auto-switched" when I don't even intent to. You can only move around when you are in the third person view, but then you can't see what (or who) is ahead of you. Yes, you can switch to the first person view, but then you can't move in this view, only to look around. It's most frustrating and annoying to walk a few steps, then stop, then change camera view to first person, to look around, then change the view back to third person, then walk another few steps, then repeat the whole process again.… Expand
  19. Chris
    Aug 5, 2006
    5
    Man these game would be great if only for one thing --- the controls, which are absolutely horrible. The 3rd person perspective may be ok for 1st player but it is absolutely frustrating for online play (which is the reason I got the game). You can't see in front of you unless you press the r1 button, but even then you have to press the square button(lightly) to see what your gun, Man these game would be great if only for one thing --- the controls, which are absolutely horrible. The 3rd person perspective may be ok for 1st player but it is absolutely frustrating for online play (which is the reason I got the game). You can't see in front of you unless you press the r1 button, but even then you have to press the square button(lightly) to see what your gun, then you have to press the r1 button to cradle to your shoulder so you actually see what your aiming at, then you have to manevur your aim with the left analog stick..its rather difficult and annoying, plus if you press the fire button(square) too hard it will fire and give away your position before you get your aim your target. Another thing is you have to adjust the camera angle everytime you climb something, go around a corner, ect. Omg and did i forget...theres no crosshairs, these is especially fucked pup when you want to throw a grenade but don't know where your throwing it, or when you see someone while in 3rd person view and want to shoot them but you can't tell if your aiming at him so you have to go into 1st person and hope he dosen't turn away or just run away while your concentrating on holding down the l1 and r1 button and pressing the square button lightly and adjust it with the analog stick....omg god give me good controls. It would have helped tremendously if you could just have crosshairs and be able to choose between 3rd, 1st, or 2nd person view mode.… Expand
  20. Zippy
    Mar 15, 2006
    4
    Good game, finished it quickly. No replay value at all. P2 needs a stable online system, then it could have scored a 10.
  21. DylanT.
    Apr 23, 2006
    1
    I thought the game was a rip off the other metal gear solid games.
  22. JesusC.
    Oct 9, 2007
    6
    I couldn't stand the setting, the characters, the FPS lag, or the storyline--which didn't have quite the flair of MGS2. It's better off as a rent. You'll beat it once and never go back again (I didn't).
  23. NicholasR.
    Oct 8, 2008
    0
    Controls are crap, Visuals look like a ps2 launch title, and the story is a cut-rate spy movie knock-off. I lent this game to three different people who all agree that this is the worst game ever. I have played sudoku on gba and it's still better this game.
  24. MoneyMaker101
    Jan 29, 2015
    10
    This game...I really don't know what else to say but wow.EPIC! Graphics are really good,maybe blurry but ok I really enjoyed the story and this game is EMOTIONAL 0-100!!! This game teaches all the bad things about war and history of wars on this planet.I am really speechless when I take a look at this game or play it.Ladies and gentleman,one of the greatest games of all time,Metal GearThis game...I really don't know what else to say but wow.EPIC! Graphics are really good,maybe blurry but ok I really enjoyed the story and this game is EMOTIONAL 0-100!!! This game teaches all the bad things about war and history of wars on this planet.I am really speechless when I take a look at this game or play it.Ladies and gentleman,one of the greatest games of all time,Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence!… Expand
  25. UserReviewsLUL
    Feb 15, 2020
    4
    10/10? A masterpiece? Best game ever?
    Who's everyone rating this game like it's a masterpiece?
    To me it's mediocre. It has its peaks. Sometimes it's enjoyable. But as others have said it has too many poor design choices to be good or above that. There's nothing special here. Story is just cliché Stealth TPS with boring conversations adding nothing to the main plot. Combat is mostly    10/10? A masterpiece? Best game ever?
    Who's everyone rating this game like it's a masterpiece?

    To me it's mediocre. It has its peaks. Sometimes it's enjoyable. But as others have said it has too many poor design choices to be good or above that. There's nothing special here. Story is just cliché Stealth TPS with boring conversations adding nothing to the main plot. Combat is mostly unbalanced. Enemies are either too easy or suicide level challenging. It's painfully obvious how the developers made soldiers almost impossible to kill to force people into fighting monsters, so reviews wouldn't say "It's like Goldeneye 007."
    Mission payouts are close to 0. What you're gonna do with 50 Coins? Might as well loot everything and sell that for better profit. Perhaps you earn more later. I might figure that out some day.

    There's alot potential here. The design of the world is impressively detailed (especially rural locations), but that's pretty much the only impressive aspect.

    Back to my question. Who's everyone rating this game like it's a masterpiece?
    I know who. It's kids who aren't old enough to know the true masterpieces of gaming, and those who love it just because of the genre of setting and/or gameplay.
    To me it's nowhere close masterpieces such as My fav cuz im smart.

    I mean... masterpieces such as my fav cuz im smart    … Expand
  26. Plamen
    Mar 10, 2006
    10
    Awesome game!
  27. KristmundurS.
    Jan 1, 2007
    9
    The best re-release of a Metal Gear Solid game. The new camera angle is a blessing although some boss battles do good without it. The Online Mode is great port of the Metal Gear Solid gameplay along with the hilarious extras i.e.: cardboard box and porno books! The original MSX games are great and are fun play for those who want to see the origin of Solid Snake's adventures. The The best re-release of a Metal Gear Solid game. The new camera angle is a blessing although some boss battles do good without it. The Online Mode is great port of the Metal Gear Solid gameplay along with the hilarious extras i.e.: cardboard box and porno books! The original MSX games are great and are fun play for those who want to see the origin of Solid Snake's adventures. The Secret Theater is just drop-dead funny, especially: Metal Gear Raiden: Snake Eraser, Metal Gear S... and He's Still Got It. Duel Mode and the Snake vs. Monkey don't offer Europeans anything new except a new camera angle and the Demo Theater fails by giving you all the cutscenes of the game simply by making a save file. The Existence Disc is all right but many things could've been changed and the narration is just useless, but if you haven't been able to finish the game then it's good opportunity to see the full story. There are some control and lag issues online but since it's test version of the real MGO which is supposed to be on MGS4 fans should easily look past it and enjoy the sillyness. It's my favorite game of the series(way better than Snake Eater as whole).… Expand
  28. Beagrie
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    The game is amazing, packed with extras and bonus missions, the ame has reached a new high, all the metal gear solid games are top notch and deserve respect!
  29. RobertoL.
    Mar 10, 2006
    10
    MGS is the ultimate videogame that everyone can enjoy. With varying difficulties, gorgeous graphics and one of the best videogame stories ever, this game is a must have for everyone with a pulse.
  30. KromsSomething
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    One of the best games ever made; the story melds perfectly with the gameplay. Metal Gear Solid 3 is one game you'll enter as one person and leave as another. All the satisfaction you'll ever need.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS2 Game of 2006
4
#4 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
21
#21 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 53
  3. Negative: 0 out of 53
  1. PSM Magazine
    100
    Improving on one of the best games ever couldn't have been an easy job, but Kojima Productions was able to do it. They packed this director's cut of "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater", a thrilling and cinematic military stealth action game, so full of tweaks and extras, we wish our review scale went to 11. [Apr 2006, p.73]
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    98
    Subsistence's awe-inspiring single-player adventure outclasses every other stealth game in existence, including the previous MGS titles. It's the perfect blend of gripping narrative, nuanced gameplay, astonishing (nearly next-gen) graphics, and creative boss battles. [Apr. 2006, p.98]
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    98
    Subsistence goes a long way towards remedying the few problems of ["Snake Eater"] with a brand new camera system that literally rejuvenates the gameplay. The online mode adds a ton of replay value as well, and has dozens of options to keep you returning to blow away friends late into the night.
    Read full review
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