1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
I don't really know how to begin this, other than to call Snake Eater what I believe it to be. Gaming perfection. From the moment that Kojima first revealed the world of MGS3, it was clear that we were in for an all new Metal Gear experience. The era had changed to that of the Cold War, and the small confined spaces of Shadow Moses, as well as the Tanker and the Plant from MGS2, were being replaced with jungles full of flora and fauna. Kojima was going to get every ounce of power that he possibly could out of the PS2, before moving on to the PS3. The framerate wasn't as fluid as MGS2, but that was the only possible complaint one could have about the graphics and the presentation. The stealth mechanics had also been completely overhauled. With the game taking place in 1964, the gadgets at the disposal of Naked Snake would have to reflect the times. Our best friend, the soliton radar, was no more, and had been replaced by anti-personnel sensors, sonar, and motion detectors. The player now had to be much more aware of their surroundings, instead of simply relying on a vision cone on the map. You also now had camouflage at your disposal for the first time, and this was essential in order for you to sneak around the jungle and other environments. The other major additions were the "Food" and "Cure" options that would allow Snake to recover from injuries, as well as recovering his stamina by hunting and eating wildlife throughout his journey. The story here was the main reason that I think so highly of this game. Snake Eater struck the perfect balance between gameplay and cut-scenes and kept the game moving at a better pace than any of the other games in the series. We were introduced to a young and inexperienced Ocelot, whose character was in stark contrast to the mastermind we would end up seeing later in the chronology. The double and triple crosses from the original MGS were also on full display here, but the most important part of the story was clearly the evolution of Naked Snake into Big Boss. Big Boss was never thought of as anything other than a despicable human being, and a villain to end all villains before MGS3 came along. Kojima decided to tackle his origin story to show that this evil human being was once the ultimate soldier, who was loyal to his country no matter what the mission was that he was tasked with. We were able to live vicariously through Big Boss, and experience the betrayal and heartache that started him down a path that would lead him toward the darkness I explained back in my Peace Walker section. No matter how many times I play through Snake Eater, it is always so hard to press the fire button one last time, ending the life of The Boss at the close of their climatic final battle. I got chills the first time I watched the ending when Naked Snake was actually given the title of Big Boss, and still do to this day. I could go on and on about how much I love Metal Gear Solid 3, and why it is the best of the Metal Gear Solid series, but that is for another time. In a series filled with critically acclaimed games that will always stand the test of time, Snake Eater is the one that stands ever so slightly above the rest. So what do you think? Do you agree with my rankings? Please leave your comments and let me know what your favorite MGS is.