Common Sense Media Review
Complex, violent, and for adults -- like C-SPAN.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say this game is highly regarded for its engaging gameplay and immersive story, making it an excellent choice for players aged 12 and up, despite containing some mature themes like smoking and mild violence. Many users have highlighted its historical context and the option to adjust settings for a more suitable experience for younger audiences, emphasizing its value in fostering interest in history and storytelling.
- age appropriateness
- historical context
- engaging gameplay
- adjustable settings
- mild themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say that this game is a transformative experience, often regarded as one of the best ever due to its intricate storytelling and stealth mechanics. While some users express concerns about the level of violence and suggest it may not be suitable for younger players, many argue that with the blood effects turned off and through non-lethal gameplay, it can still be appropriate for teenagers.
- life-changing experience
- deep storytelling
- non-lethal gameplay
- appropriate for teens
- complex themes
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER is the latest entry in the long running and popular Metal Gear series. The year is 1964, and players control a CIA agent code-named Naked Snake, sent into the Soviet hinterlands to extract a famous scientist being forced to work on a super weapon that could change the balance of the Cold War. Snake is double-crossed and his mission fails; the scientist is spirited away by the menacing and seemingly supernatural Colonel Volgin, and a small nuclear device is detonated on Soviet soil along the way. Facing internal political pressure to respond to what looks like a hostile act by the U.S., Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev tells President Lyndon Johnson that the U.S. has one week to quietly remove his opposition and restore order within the Soviet empire -- or face a nuclear war.
Is It Any Good?
Wrapping amazing graphics, countless gadgets, top-quality voice acting, and hours of cut scenes around a complicated, history-based scenario, MSG3 looks as good as any Hollywood summer blockbuster. Too bad it is so weighted with realistic detail that it's almost a chore to play. Many younger players may simply give up after a couple hours of wrestling with the controls.
There are a handful of scary and complex themes that should send up a red flag for parents, including nuclear war, betrayal of friends and country, and a dark, imperfect protagonist who excels at violence. But all of these issues are addressed with respect and often restraint. There's a lot to be said for game's tone and approach toward subjects the video game industry often gratuitously exploits. But parents may find this a moot point: It's unlikely any child of an impressionable age will have the patience or interest to play this game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about post-World War II Soviet-U.S. relations and cultural climate that era created. Why is this period such a popular setting for books, movies, and games? Families can also discuss whether Snake can really be seen as a hero. What are his flaws? What messages do those flaws send to players?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 2
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Konami
- Release date : November 17, 2004
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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