The original release of Metal Gear was every bit as groundbreaking as the more modern games. No game had really tried to do what Hideo Kojima did for the MSX computer or consoles for that matter. It may not exactly be the first stealth game but it certainly expanded the idea of what one could accomplish with one.
The series continued to innovate over the years and along with internal upgrades, other companies tried to take them on too. The most prominent one being Splinter Cell during the PS2, GameCube, and Xbox generation. This list isn’t going to go into what game series is better. Instead, it will determine who would win in a fight between Solid Snake and Sam Fisher in their prime.
10 Weapons: Snake
Solid Snake has too many weapons to count. Even if one were to just include his arsenal from Metal Gear Solid, he would still have Sam beat.
That cardboard box may not fool Sam, but let's see how he handles a rocket launcher. Where does Snake keep all that gear? No, logically it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense but that doesn't change the fact that he had all of those items.
9 Equipment: Sam
The one thing Sam does have over Snake in terms of equipment is his iconic, three lensed goggles. Sure, Snake can find goggles that will sort of do the same thing, but Sam has them as standard issue. That is to say, they never leave his side or head in this case.
Combined with a later entry, Sam can be a deadly foe if certain elements are met. It doesn't make sense how enemies don't see Sam coming for them since those lenses seemingly bright green, but again, logic isn't the case here.
8 Body: Snake
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Snake is a super-soldier clone. That’s why he is as good as he is. He’s no Superman by any stretch but he's formidable.
In fact, his perks aren’t even that extraordinary for reality, but they still give him an edge over Sam in terms of strength, and more importantly, endurance.
7 Using Darkness: Sam
This was the aforementioned element from earlier. Sam can use darkness like an invisibility cloak. What does Snake have? A box?
Sam could see through that disguise easily thanks to his goggles. If he simply shoots out the lights, he may be able to overthrow Snake if he is quick enough in the dark.
6 Field Support: Snake
Let’s say Snake is down on his luck on the fight and just can’t get a lay down on Sam. Well, thankfully, he has his Codec system built into his ear.
Snake is always accompanied by a cavalcade of assistants for whatever danger may arrive. Allies can look up Sam’s weaknesses and give them to Snake just like a boss in Metal Gear Solid.
5 Family: Sam
Snake may be rich with allies ready to assist him in battle but are they really that close to him outside of work? Snake is always looking forward to his goal and doesn’t have much in terms of ideals.
Sam does in that everything he pulls off is done for his daughter. That isn’t necessarily something that carries over in all Splinter Cell games, but it is an important element nonetheless.
4 Healing: Snake
Sam can heal himself, but to coincide with the equipment entry from earlier, Snake is just better stocked for resources. Snake can chow down on some rations and then be good to go.
They’re like Sensu Beans from Dragon Ball Z. The only difference there is that rations probably don’t taste as good. Too bad he never gets any snake meat like his father loved.
3 Longevity: Sam
Snake may be a super soldier who can heal himself, but that does not stop Foxdie from aging him. In this way, Sam wins genetically as he will age more naturally over time.
Is that going to help him win on a one on one fight? No, probably not, but given enough time Sam could always just wait it out like The End boss in Metal Gear Solid 3.
2 Experience: Snake
Sam is a grizzled soldier turned super spy in Splinter Cell. He has plenty of skill, but nothing compares to Snake’s experience. Sam isn’t dealing with crazy bosses like cyber ninjas or shamans in tanks or giant mechs.
Fighting against stuff like that, even if he hasn’t been as active, surely trained Snake more for war.
1 Verdict: Snake
This would be an exciting match to watch. Both are highly trained and each has their own set of skills. Certain aspects could easily turn the tide for any character, but Snake, at least in this article’s breakdown, is the winner.
It would be odd to see but maybe fans could act this one out if Sam ever makes it into Super Smash Bros. Ubisoft and Nintendo are pretty tight so one never knows.