The latest instalment of the 3D stealth series is really quite something. Just like a James Bond movie, the game opens in style with our hero parachuting into the jungle, performing the world's first Halo jump, a la Tomorrow Never Dies.

The Metal Gear Solid series, right from the beginning, has required the player to take a more tactical approach to gaming. However, the emphasis has never been quite as strong as it is here in the third instalment. Learning the basics of Close Quarters Combat and dispatching enemies quietly pays it's dividends, triggering the alarm causes so much trouble that it's impossible to simply shoot your way through it. The camoflage and facepaint combinations provide an extra facet of this espionage as you sneak your way through different environments.

The boss battles are very well composed, and clear references to anime classic Ninja Scroll become immediately apparent as you take on the gang of freaks that "the boss" throws at you. Different scenarios are explored, from shoot outs to fist fights to a battle between snipers. Some bosses even require you to use a combination of the various disciplines you employ throughout the game, all coalescing into a thorougly enjoyable and varied gaming experience.

In true Bond style there are conspiracy theories and subplots galore, with a bond girl love interest to boot.

It takes between 10 and 20 hours to complete the first time around, but there are enough secrets and alternative plot routes to demand further attempts.

Well worth a go, especially if you've enjoyed the first and second games. Thoroughly absorbing, I've barely done anything else for the last 5 days.

I must say that as a fan of the other MGS titles I was also very impressed with Snake Eater. The CQC system worked very well and the addition of camoflauge and healing screens was also a nice touch. I did still find the camera system a little constricting and resulted in me being spotted by guards I didn't realise were even there (yeah I should probably have used the motion tracker more!).

The motorbike sequence towards the end, with you being chased down by the shagohod was excellent and a real shock change in the pacing from the rest of the game, also the sequence just after that with snake leading a wounded Eva through the jungle towards his ultimate showdown with The Boss worked quite well.

I must say though that at several points during the game I got frustrated trying to sneak and found it easier to just run out into the open as if to say 'yoo hoo I'm over here' let them see me, then I'd just run off into a small room stand behind the door and blast all the guards with the M37 shotgun as they came through the door. I know this sort of knocks your final stats down a bit but it's just so much fun.

I'll be interesting to see how Kojima develops the next game apparently out in 2008.

i dont think this was as good as MGS on the ps1 but alot better than sons of liberty,the graphics are amaizing and the gameplay is just as good. this is more survival aswell as tactical espionage action a good combo i think.