“What a thrill…” These three words alone are enough to send shivers down an entire generation of players. And when Cynthia Harrell’s warm and soulful voice rises in the emptiness, it becomes clear that Metal Gear Solid: Delta Snake Eater aims not just for a simple remake but to revive a bygone era. Here, Konami brings back not only a masterpiece of game design but also an era — that of Hideo Kojima at the peak of his craft, when video games embraced auteur cinema without losing their essence. However, this time, the original creator is no longer in control.
In any case, the introduction to Metal Gear Solid 3 is likely one of the most iconic intros in video game history. A memorable moment where a very self-assured James Bond-esque theme meets the sultry voice of soul music and the artistic confidence of a confident Kojima. Konami is fully aware of this. To keep fans waiting until August 28, the release date of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the publisher released the complete remastered intro sequence, still featuring Cynthia Harrell’s warm and legendary voice. And there, naturally, the moment is sacred. Because redoing Snake Eater isn’t just about polishing an old PS2 game; it’s about touching the totem, the myth. It’s replaying the adventures in the lost Soviet jungle, with a diva’s voice wrapping the experience in black velvet.
The song “Snake Eater” was indeed re-recorded for this release. It still features Cynthia Harrell and is directed by Kyle Cooper, who originally signed off on the intro. However, despite having the right people involved, there seems to be something missing. The new recording lacks a bit of punch, particularly in the last third. The brass instruments are quieter, and the dramatic build-up feels somewhat restrained. While the original PS2 version delivered a powerful impact, reminiscent of Shirley Bassey on steroids, the 2025 version takes a cooler approach. Perhaps too coolly. It might be intentional or simply a matter of mixing that isn’t quite as robust. Hearing “What a thrill…” again in a 4K rendition is an emotional jolt in itself; nostalgia immediately sets in. The essence is still there, even if the heart doesn’t beat quite as strongly…
