Masterpiece.

MGS3 is set during the Cold War and takes players on an espionage-filled journey deep into the Soviet jungle. The plot revolves around Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss) and his mission to prevent a nuclear catastrophe, thwart a military coup, and confront his own mentor.

What appears (at least in the beginning) as a simple stealth action game series explores themes of anti-war, criticism of the military industrial complex, government and corporate corruption, geopolitics, moral relativism, the impact of modern technological developments, the role of mass media, sacrifice, bioethics, genetics, destiny, generational trauma, terrorism vs freedom, duty vs desire, loyalty vs betrayal, ideals vs disillusionment, truth vs propaganda, naivety vs responsibility, the self-destructive nature of revenge, the dangers of ambition, the deliberately surreal nature of video games, the all-too meta nature of sequels as a concept... All wrapped up with some of the most polished gameplay and bizarre/entertaining/memorable characters you'll ever see. I wish I could get into this (especially MGS2 and 3) without spoiling the plots, but I don't want to spoil anything for you. The less you know going in, the better. If you don't want to play the games, you can find all of the games' cutscenes (and even non-commentary playhroughs) on YouTube. The Metal Gear Solid series is one of the most cinematic in all of gaming, so you can actually watch them as if they were long movies.

The game excels in its deep character exploration, especially of Snake and The Boss. The relationship between these two characters is the emotional core of the story, filled with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. The game's climax is particularly poignant and is often cited as one of the most memorable moments in video game history. It offers a rich, engaging story that can appeal to both fans of the series and newcomers who appreciate detailed, character-driven tales. The game's exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the costs of war is executed with nuance and sophistication. Overall, this game is a masterpiece.

The game of all time.

The suffering I’ve endured from playing Counter-Strike is a complex blend of mental, emotional, and even physical pain. It begins with the countless hours spent grinding in competitive matches, where every loss feels like a personal failure, a reflection of my inadequacies. I’ve experienced the gut-wrenching agony of getting matched with teammates who seem to have no regard for teamwork or strategy, leaving me to carry the game on my own shoulders. The weight of that responsibility crushes my spirit, especially when I still lose despite my best efforts. Every missed shot feels like a betrayal of my own hands, a reminder that no matter how many hours I pour into improving my aim or game sense, there are still moments where I am utterly powerless. The suffocating tension of a 1v1 clutch situation is something I’ve felt in my bones, the pressure building as the seconds tick away, my palms sweating, heart racing, only to die, completely erasing any hope of victory. Then there’s the pain of seeing a perfectly executed strategy fall apart due to one small mistake, whether it's a missed flashbang or an ill-timed push. The frustration builds with every game, the crushing realization that even though I’ve spent hundreds, maybe thousands, of hours in the game, I’m still not where I want to be skill-wise.

I can never stop playing for long because I’m chasing that one good game, that fleeting moment of victory that keeps me coming back, even though deep down I know that satisfaction will never outweigh the frustration. Counter-Strike has become a cycle of suffering, where each win is quickly overshadowed by a string of losses, and every moment of joy is drowned out by the ever-present, gnawing feeling of defeat.

10/10