Kojima will use 2005's Games Convention event - Europe's largest digital entertainment expo in Leipzig, Germany - to outline his plans to take the jungle-based combat of Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence online. For the PAL release, Kojima will offer a number of 'Versus' modes designed to allow gamers to compete against other fans via the PlayStation 2 network, marking the first time the best-selling series has entered the online area.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is a massively enhanced version of March's Snake Eater title. A new camera system has been incorporated allowing players to view the action from virtually any angle, and also features versions of the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 titles as originally created for the now defunct MSX2 format, chronicling the genesis of Metal Gear and available for the first time since their original release.

It is the new online modes that push Subsistence to its limits, however. Kojima has devised 'Sneaking Missions', 'Capture Missions', 'Rescue Missions', 'Death Matches' and 'Team Death Matches', which will allow up to eight players to battle against each other in real-time. These missions will be set within key locations from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and in new areas such as Small Forest, the Kill House and the Abolition Factory.

Each mode will feature up to five different mission styles settings to create varied parameters of play. For example in 'Death Matches' felled players are returned to play instantaneously after being killed, with the winner being the player with the most kills. Having selected which team to represents from Ocelot Unit, GRU or KGB, the action will offer the user full use of the control system seen in the main game, with he CQC (Close Quarters Combat) and weapons elements of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater all faithfully used. Similarly, players who accrue the best stats will be able to select major characters from the game to control, including Ocelot.

"Finally it is possible to battle with players from around the world online at Metal Gear Solid from the comfort of your own home," said Hideo Kojima. "For the online mode, the essence of Metal Gear Solid is retained, with additions of various online rules and original stages. With the continued growth of the culture of Metal Gear Solid, this new online addition, I believe will bring a new way to enjoy and experience the world. I hope fans will look forward to experiencing it."