Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater bets on fidelity. Konami rebuilt the 2004 game in Unreal Engine 5 without significantly changing its original structure, reusing the original voice performances and upgrading all visuals. For fans it is a chance to return to Naked Snake's Cold War; for those wanting a reimagining, it is the point of debate.
The game launched on August 28, 2025 on PS5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S, earning a Metacritic score of 85 on PS5 and 89% recommendation on OpenCritic.
Quick Facts
- Release: August 28, 2025
- Platforms: PS5, Windows (Steam), Xbox Series X|S
- Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment with Virtuos support and PlatinumGames on Guy Savage; Unreal Engine 5
- Critic scores: Metacritic 85 (PS5), 83 (PC, Xbox); OpenCritic 89% (153 reviews)
- Sales: Over 1 million copies in the first 24 hours; over 2 million by March 2026
Story
In 1964, at the height of the Cold War, Naked Snake, a FOX operative, is sent to rescue a Soviet rocket scientist and destroy the Shagohod nuclear superweapon. The mission pits him against his defected mentor, The Boss, in a story about loyalty and sacrifice.
The remake keeps this story intact, without Hideo Kojima or artist Yoji Shinkawa involved, and reuses the original voice performances.
Behind The Scenes
Konami announced Metal Gear Solid Delta on May 24, 2023 at PlayStation Showcase and released an in-engine gameplay trailer on October 25, 2023. According to Metal Gear's official Twitter, the name Delta means change or difference without changing the structure, matching the project's remake philosophy.
It is the first Metal Gear to abandon the Fox Engine since Kojima Productions left Konami, with Virtuos supporting and PlatinumGames handling the Guy Savage mode.
Experience
Jungle stealth
The core is still infiltration and avoiding detection, now with crouch-walking and third-person aiming from later entries. An injury system leaves marks on Snake's body while camouflage accumulates mud, tears and bullet holes over time. Players choose between "New Style" with a modern free camera and "Legacy Style" that keeps the fixed overhead view of the original.
Extras and visuals
Unreal Engine 5 brings modern detail and lighting, though this is the first Metal Gear built outside the Fox Engine. Secret Theater returns with new unlockables; PS5 and Steam versions include "Snake vs. Monkey" (an Ape Escape crossover) while Xbox gets "Snake vs. Bomberman". The online Fox Hunt mode arrived later, on October 30, 2025.
Strengths
- Visuals and lighting are a major upgrade over 2004
- Preserves the original story and voice performances
- Two control schemes serve both newcomers and nostalgia
- Injury and camouflage systems add depth
Weaknesses
- Rolling Stone argued the remake sticks too closely to the original and does not feel new
- Digital Trends (4/5) said it is stuck in the shadow of its own legacy
- Fox Hunt was not available at launch
What Critics Say
Eurogamer scored it 5/5, calling it a stone cold classic revitalised; Game Informer, GameSpot, Push Square and PCGamesN all gave 9/10. IGN and VideoGamer gave 8/10, with VideoGamer calling it a pretty but dated hit of nostalgia. Rolling Stone was the sharpest critic, comparing it unfavorably to the 2024 Silent Hill 2 remake.
The common thread across reviews is fidelity: praised for staying true, faulted for offering little innovation next to contemporary remakes. The game sold over 1 million copies in its first 24 hours and was nominated for Best Remake/Remaster at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards.
Who Is It For
For Metal Gear fans who want to revisit Snake Eater with modern visuals, and for newcomers wanting to approach a classic story. If you expect a bold reimagining like the Silent Hill 2 or Resident Evil remakes, temper your expectations.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Metal Gear Solid Delta is a polished, faithful remake and the most modern way to approach Snake Eater. The price is caution: fewer changes than many hoped for. OtaHub scores it 8.8/10.
FAQ
Does Metal Gear Solid Delta change the story?
No, the team committed to reproducing the 2004 game without significantly changing its original structure.
Can I play with the classic controls?
Yes, the game has a "Legacy Style" with the fixed camera of the original alongside a modern "New Style".
Does it have multiplayer?
Yes, an online Fox Hunt mode arrived later on October 30, 2025.