Not many games grabbed attention in the Xbox Showcase as much as the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater did. Originally released in 2004, the game remains one of the most iconic titles of the franchise, and Konami is trying to recapture the magic with a remake. While fans are excited about the game, one feature hinted at on Konami’s website’s about a legacy-style filter that’s left many scratching their heads.
The idea that a remake can be played with a legacy-style filter sounds appealing but could be a cash grab as the original and remake might look identical. Fans are also questioning why the filter is necessary to include in a modern remake.
What Does Legacy Filter Bring to Metal Gear Solid Delta?
The remake is built on Unreal Engine 5, upgrading the visuals while retaining the original landscape. However, old-school fans of the game will be able to enjoy the game as close to as it was using the legacy filter, which provides similar overhead camera features and controls.
As the name suggests, it’s a filter trying to recreate the original game. While some fans are excited to delve into the past, many are wondering why the feature even exists. This is because, upon using the filter, the game essentially resembles the original, making the point of a remake void.
It is now CONFIRMED that "Legacy Style" controls add a filter to METAL GEAR SOLID DELTA: SNAKE EATER to make it resemble the original game. pic.twitter.com/QN3QXgAe5B
— Stealth (@PerfectStealth) June 11, 2024
Fans are concerned about whether they’ll be able to play the game with the visual filter of the old style with modern controls.
But why can't we have the visual filter and modern controls too? Seems like a really weird decision.
— FPSthetics (@FPSthetics) June 11, 2024
If not, buying the remake of a game could prove to be redundant. Additionally, it’s essential that Konami provides a toggle feature where players can turn on/off the filter at will.
I'm a little confused. Does "Legacy Style" also change Snake's animations? I saw some people talking about it but personally I'm not so sure
— MrDoopliss (@MrDoopliss) June 11, 2024
As of now, not much has been revealed about the legacy filter, so fans would’ve to wait for Konami to address the situation. The game’s expected to arrive at the end of the year, but nothing’s been confirmed yet.
Is Remaking Games the Right Move From Game Studios?
Remaking beloved games has been a trend for a while. Players who have fond memories of the original game are often drawn to remakes and sucked in by nostalgia, which is pivotal for the success of a remake. However, this can also backfire, as developers often rehash the original game in the name of better graphics, adding minimal value to the original piece.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which featured GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas, was released in 2021 but failed to deliver on the big stage. The remake of the original three games was criticized due to numerous glitches and poor performance, which led to a mediocre experience for players. Warcraft III: Reforged is another title that was unable to reach the heights set by the original and was received negatively by fans.
Contrary to failed remakes, Resident Evil 2, which was released in 2019 (originally 1998), became a hit, winning several awards and even outselling the original. It was praised for its gameplay, graphics, and proper recreation while staying true to the original. The game proved that remakes could be successful if done correctly and without any intention of capitalizing on nostalgia.
What do you think about the Snake Eater remake? Let us know in the comments.
