Metallic Gear Strong 3’s Digital camera Modes, Defined

Otávio Games
By Otávio Games
6 Min Read


With the discharge of the Metallic Gear Strong: Grasp Assortment in 2023, video games like 2004’s Metallic Gear Strong 3 are extra freely obtainable (albeit in a very compromised and feature-lacking assortment) than they’ve been earlier than. However as MGS3within the Grasp Assortment is secretly a repackaged model of its follow-up growth, Subsistence, you may not pay attention to an necessary digital camera choice that toggles between a traditional view perspective and one thing that feels a bit extra fashionable.

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Finally, the “proper approach” to play MGS3 is nonetheless you’re most comfy with the sport. That stated, you actually ought to take into account looking on the digital camera choices in MGS3 as they’ll affect your play fashion and one of many choices is arguably extra genuine than the opposite.

“third Particular person View ” vs “Regular”

In almost all variations of Metallic Gear Strong 3 following the discharge of Subsistence in 2005, you’ve gotten a alternative of two digital camera modes: third Particular person View and “Regular.” These phrases aren’t terribly useful in discerning the variations between each modes.

A pause screen in Metal Gear Solid 3 shows camera options.

Screenshot: Konami / Kotaku

third Particular person View makes Metallic Gear Strong 3 play nearer to a contemporary third-person sport, with a digital camera that orbits the participant character and could be adjusted by shifting the fitting analog stick. Regular, nonetheless, fixes the digital camera above Snake, permitting some motion with the fitting analog stick, however is in any other case caught in place. This attitude is almost equivalent to Metallic Gear Strong and Metallic Gear Strong 2 (in addition to the primary two 2D Metallic Gear video games).

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You’ll discover the digital camera alternative within the sport’s choices menu. Whereas taking part in MGS3 (sport choices are solely obtainable inside the sport, not within the further launcher that comes with the Grasp Assortment), hit the menu button and navigate to Choices > Digital camera Mode to modify views.

Why “Regular” digital camera mode is best

Metallic Gear Strong 3: Snake Eater initially shipped on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 with one digital camera mode: the overhead, mounted, “Regular” mode. The moveable 3D digital camera arrived with Snake Eater’s expanded launch, Subsistence, the place it was initially added to facilitate the sport’s on-line mode, Metallic Gear On-line (RIP) and was included within the single-player sport as an choice.

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Not solely is taking part in in “Regular” mode extra genuine to the unique launch, it additionally synergizes MGS3’s gameplay with MGS1 and 2, which don’t have any digital camera choices. MGS3 was designed with “Regular” digital camera mode in thoughts, so not one of the sport’s challenges will probably be inconceivable with a set, overhead digital camera.

Snake stands in a destroyed building with an overhead camera perspective looking down on him.

Screenshot: Konami / Claire Jackson / Kotaku

Additionally, whereas third Particular person Digital camera does really feel extra fashionable, MGS3’s aiming, which is certain to the Sq., X, and Y buttons on PlayStation, Xbox, and Swap respectively, notably doesn’t. Not like most third-person video games with a heavy emphasis on taking pictures, you’ll be able to’t maintain down an goal button to then get full digital camera management over a reticle. In MGS3, Snake’s aiming continues to be depending on auto-aim and the first-person view mode. Switching to third Particular person Digital camera gained’t make the fight any simpler and the outdated aiming fashion simply makes this playstyle really feel disjointed—particularly compared to MGS1 and MGS2.

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I additionally discover that the jungle environments of MGS3 really feel smaller when you’ll be able to freely flip the digital camera round to have a look at all of your environment. In “Regular” digital camera mode, you’re extra restricted in what you’ll be able to see of the surroundings, which, I’d argue, helps the jungle really feel thicker and extra immersive.


MGS3 is definitely one of many many highlights of the PS2 period. By switching to the unique, “Regular,” digital camera mode, you’re setting your self up for a extra genuine, early 2000s expertise. And, whenever you get to Metallic Gear Strong 4, the variations between these two eras will probably be way more noticeable.



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