On top of these three main bonuses there is another theatre on disc 2. It contains the gag trailers that were shown at E3 and the Tokyo Game Show, where Snake will do various silly things with the guards running around like clowns after him. These are very humorous and with over ten in total you will be able to sit and enjoy them if you want a break from the tense situations of the main game. Snake vs. Monkey also sees a return, where you run around as Snake through various maps trying to catch monkeys. Some new maps have been added but nothing major has been changed. However, it is still an amusing addition and fun to play.

Though all of the bonuses of Subsistence are excellent, the most valuable feature included (that was absent from the original game) is the Online mode. It is not simply an engine that has been created for the sake of being an extra for Subsistence, but a fully-worked mode allowing for up to eight players in five different game types. These include the usual Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch, as well as unique capture, sneaking and rescue missions. There are 12 maps to choose from not directly pulled from the game but all based on the various locations seen throughout.

The Capture missions are team-based and you have to capture a “Kerotan Idol” and bring it back to your team’s home base, keeping it there for a small amount of time. Though it is not too advanced there can be some very strenuous moments as you chase the opposition through small and large maps with various obstacles and buildings in your way. The Sneaking missions are a little one-sided in the sense that it is one against all. One player controls Snake whilst the others play as enemy guards. The player controlling snake has to steal a microfilm and once again take it back to base, with the guards charged with stopping him. Similar to the predator mode in Far Cry, the player controlling Snake has advantages over the guards such as stronger attacks and invisibility when not equipped with a weapon, or the microfilm.

Lastly, the Rescue missions see one team holding a character hostage whilst the opposition has to attack and rescue them. Once the time runs out or the opposition successfully nabs the hostage, the game is over. Again, simple but a lot of fun and grueling on smaller maps. The winning factor in all of the modes, and a sign that time was taking in developing it, is the amount of options and customization. You can create a “play list” of different mission types that you will then run through one after the other. You will also be able to control what factions and characters are available to play as, as well as weapons available within the mission. Just like in many games you can select only pistols, explosives or knives to create whatever match you want. There is also no simple game-matching scheme; you will however have a friends list that enables you to play with gamers you know. All of your achievements will also be calculated on a scoreboard on the server, including things such as kills, rounds you have survived, number of microfilms you have stolen, etc.

Without a doubt, 3: Snake Eater was, to many, a near-perfect game. Even though it was not thought possible, Subsistence makes it all the more close to perfection. With, literally, entire discs full of extras, a new camera within the main game, the two original Metal Gear titles and an Online mode that finally makes full use of the broadband adapter, Subsistence is a game that should be in everyone's PS2 collection. If you are one of the few who do not own a PS2 already, then this game is pretty much the best reason to-date.

96%

By Tobias Rowe