Game music of the day: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Game:Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Song:Snake Eater

Composer:Norihiko Hibino

Composer:Cynthia Harrell

Above: Snake Eater from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

After the mixed reactions to Metal Gear Solid 2, MGS creator Hideo Kojima and his development crew decided to that the follow-up would be a more traditional prequel that starred a Snake, which was very preferable to a Raiden. But the team still took risks, with Metal Gear Solid 3’s Cold War-era espionage and the addition of a continually decreasing stamina gauge. The setting gave it a ‘60s vibe and the stamina meant Snake needed to be eating throughout the game. But how do you express those aspects in one succinct opening? With the song Snake Eater composed by Norihiko Hibino and sung by Cynthia Harrell. Here’s how it appeared in the game:

Maybe some of you find it too campy or thought that lyrics such as, “someday you feed on a tree frog,” and, “you’re so supreme,” are too silly. However, this tribute to classic James Bond openings is a great way to begin Naked Snake’s battle against hostile Soviets and sexy double agents. Maybe the lyrics are a little goofy, but that kind of lost in translation feel is part of MGS’s spirit. And when the brass section wails at the end, you know you’re beginning a great experience.

An instrumental version of the song appeared in Super Smash Bros: Brawl’s Snake stages, and hopefully we’ll see that opening once more when Snake Eater hits the third dimension on the 3DS next year. Until then, we leave you a GamesRadar classic. This is PSM alum and Joystiq authorRandy Nelsonsinging Snake Eater with our Naked Snake statue. I’m sure he’ll appreciate this seeing the light of day again.

Sep 23, 2010

Incredible Crisis Theme by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Title screen track by David Wise

Flight by Yoshitaka Azuma