Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – August 28th Release Date Confirmed?
After months of speculation and radio silence, a potential leak from Sony’s PlayStation Store has seemingly revealed the release date for Konami’s highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. The remake of the classic PlayStation 2 stealth-action title is now reportedly slated for an August 28th, 2025 launch.
The leak, first spotted by eagle-eyed users on ResetEra, a popular gaming forum, appeared as an update to the game’s digital storefront. While some regions still show only a “2025” release window, others now confirm the August 28th date. Adding further fuel to the fire, A new cinematic trailer was also included in this update which ends with the definitive release date confirmation.
Visual Enhancements and Gameplay Improvements
The leaked trailer showcased a fresh look at the game's overhauled visuals. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, rather than Kojima Productions' proprietary FOX engine, Delta promises lavish graphics and fluid animation. Beyond a new first-person perspective, the gameplay appears to be relatively identical to the original, with some key quality-of-life improvements.
Movement and Aiming
Movement and aiming have been refined, offering a smoother experience. Snake now features a crouch-walk mechanic, negating the constant toggling between belly-crawling and sprinting. The ability to aim over his shoulder with the left trigger, bypassing iron sights, allows for more precise shots. In addition to these improvements, there is a unique new “battle damage” system; the cuts and bruises that Snake incurs during missions will now stay visible and could affect his movement speed – so remembering to tend those wounds is essential.
The Absence of Hideo Kojima
The remake's development by Konami's internal team, with support from Virtuos (known for their work on titles like Dark Souls Remastered and Uncharted 4), raises a significant point for fans of the series. The absence of Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima is a noticeable change. After his departure from Konami, Kojima has concentrated on his own projects, such as Death Stranding and its forthcoming sequel, under the independent Kojima Productions banner.
This lack of Kojima’s involvement might be a deal-breaker for some longtime fans, who cherish his unique creative vision and eccentric storytelling. However, the remake’s producer, Noriaki Okamura, has expressed the development team's commitment to honouring Kojima's original work and respectfully recreating it for a new generation. The opening credits proudly list Kojima as the original “director”, demonstrating that the game's core essence remains intact.
Platform Availability and Early Access
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam). It won't launch on last-gen consoles such as the PS4 and Xbox One. Though there are hints of a potential future release on the Nintendo Switch 2, this remains unconfirmed. Players eager to play early can purchase the Deluxe Edition for £89.99, granting three days’ early access starting August 25th. This edition includes the base game, a SteelBook, future expansions and DLCs, a keychain, Fox unit patch, and various other extras.
Ape Escape Collaboration and Potential State of Play Announcement
The leaked trailer features a surprise crossover element; a cheeky appearance by a monkey from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Ape Escape series. A follow-up message of “And More” hints at other potential crossovers. This hints at the return of the original’s quirky ‘Snake vs. Monkey’ mode, where players capture mischievous chimps, a feature sure to excite fans of the original game. This is likely a reference to the original Metal Gear Solid 3, which featured a monkey minigame in which Snake had to use stun grenades and his “Monkey Shaker” gun to subdue the animals.
Given rumours of an upcoming PlayStation State of Play showcase in mid-February, the leaked trailer could have been intended for the event, but was seemingly released prematurely. This showcase could potentially become a showcase for Kojima’s work, with reports suggesting that Death Stranding 2 might also make an appearance. The sequel recently received an age rating in South Korea, suggesting an imminent release.
A Faithful Remake with Modern Touches
While described by some sources as a ‘shiny HD remaster’ rather than a completely reinvented experience, Delta undeniably brings a modernized feel to the original Snake Eater. The updated visuals, combined with enhanced controls and new features, offer a fresh perspective on this classic title. The addition of features like first-person mode, streamlined camouflage and radio mechanics, and 3D audio enhance the experience while retaining the heart of the original gameplay loop. Konami seems dedicated to delivering a faithful yet improved experience, appealing to both veteran fans and newcomers alike. Although the absence of Kojima is noteworthy, the development team’s commitment to respect the original vision is clear, making Delta a title to watch for action stealth fans.
The Verdict: A Timeless Classic, Reimagined
Konami hasn’t officially confirmed the August 28th release date, but the leaked information and trailer strongly suggest its accuracy. This remake promises a high-quality experience that blends nostalgia with modern enhancements. The focus on respecting the original while implementing modern improvements ensures an enthralling experience for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Metal Gear Solid franchise. Ultimately, while the absence of Kojima is a noticeable shift, the potential for a well-executed remake that stays true to the original's core gameplay and spirit remains strong.
