Hideo Kojima may not have directly contributed to Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, yet his influence reverberates throughout the game. For fans of Kojima’s work, the title is packed with secrets and Easter eggs that make it a must-play. Let’s dive in and uncover what’s hidden within!
As a long-time follower of Kojima’s legacy, I can assure you that these nuances are not just for show. They enrich the gameplay and provide layered storytelling that deviates from the mainstream.
1. Guy Savage and Snake vs. Monkey
Even if you debate the original or this remake as the best entry in the series, the minigames are undoubtedly its crown jewel. The standout, Snake vs. Monkey, challenges players as Snake uses his stealth skills to catch not primates, but cunning apes—a delightful homage to Ape Escape in this generation.
In the Xbox version of Delta, instead of facing off against monkeys, players take on Bomberman. Unlike MGS3, the original game required you to finish the story before accessing this minigame; however, MGS Delta allows you to jump right in.
Another minigame, Guy Savage, is more challenging to unlock. Players can access this Devil May Cry-inspired hack-and-slash adventure by saving and reloading while Snake is imprisoned in Groznyj Grad or after completing the main story.
2. The Konami Code
The legendary Konami Code is a staple in most Konami games, and Delta is no exception, though it comes with a twist.
In the original MGS3, using the Konami Code during The End’s boss fight would reveal his location. In Delta, however, attempting this will just have the game scold you for cheating. But don’t worry—several Easter eggs from the original remain intact!
3. Creative Ways to Disrupt The End
Kojima originally envisioned the showdown with The End as a week-long challenge to resemble a real sniper encounter. While it’s less daunting than planned, players can still break this fight in clever ways:
- Take him out early by shooting him in the head while he’s being wheeled into the warehouse.
- Change your system clock by seven days, leading to his untimely demise from old age.
- Alternatively, save your game during the battle and return a week later—but remember, loading the save earlier means The End will sneak up on you.
- For a difficulty spike, shoot his pet parrot!
4. Secrets Behind the Boss Fights
Other bosses have tricks up their sleeves, such as The Fear, who can be vanquished merely by using spoiled food against him.
The Sorrow’s confrontation serves as a poignant commentary on Snake’s past, as players face ghosts of his defeated enemies. Pursuing a non-lethal approach will shorten this fight, as there will be fewer apparitions.
Volgin’s battle is one of the toughest in the game, but a clever disguise as Raikov, his lover, can stun him, leaving a window for attack.
5. Snake’s Hidden Secrets
For those looking to stop alarms, there are secret frequencies to call. Just interrogate guards until they reveal the area’s access codes.
If you’re feeling mischievous, you can make Snake vomit simply by spinning him around in the cure menu. No joke—if you do this enough times, he’ll hurl when you exit!
6. Eva’s Intriguing Easter Eggs
By game’s end, we realize Eva’s true allegiance may not align with what she claimed. While her secrets stay hidden during gameplay, some hints suggest her loyalties are complex.
Tranquilizing Eva leads to suggestive dialogue about Snake, stirring curiosity among players.
If interrogated near the conclusion of the game, she delivers a CONTRA code. What could that imply?
7. References to Previous Titles
In a delightful twist for loyal fans, the game presents photos of Huey Emmerich, the original creator of Metal Gear, a character introduced only in MGSV.
Additionally, humorous references to Raiden, the memorable protagonist from Metal Gear Solid 2, can be spotted. One such instance occurs if you mention liking MGS2 right before starting the game.
8. Unlocking Secret Cutscenes
When in first-person view, players can notice hidden details during select cutscenes. You can do this by pressing R1 when:
- The Boss departs on horseback to obtain the nuclear weapon.
- Ocelot exits the torture room.
- Snake asserts, “it’s finally over” after defeating Volgin.
- The Boss’s horse reacts to her death.
- Dive into the ending scene, particularly when Snake is offered a handshake or saluting The Boss’s grave.
9. Navigating Time Paradoxes
Kojima is meticulous when it comes to the storyline. If players disrupt events by eliminating characters who should be alive in future MGS timelines, they’ll receive a unique failure message that morphs into a “Time Paradox” warning on-screen. Tread carefully through history, Snake.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into the secrets of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, keep exploring the gamer’s universe at Moyens I/O for more insights and updates.