The Metal Gear game series/franchise expands with the fast and furious katana action mix with gunplay and special mechs in the speedy epic Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
The Hype
METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory by focusing on delivering an all-new action experience unlike anything that has come before. Combining world-class development teams at Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE brings two of the world’s most respected teams together with a common goal of providing players with a fresh synergetic experience that combines the best elements of pure action and epic storytelling, all within the expansive MG universe.
Epic story in the vein of what MG is known and loved for: The game takes place in 2018 after the events of METAL GEAR SOLID 4 where the world has fallen into chaos with cyborg crimes & terrorism running rampant in society. Delves into the continuing story of Raiden, a child-soldier turned cyborg ninja whose origins are connected to both METAL GEAR SOLID 2 and METAL GEAR SOLID 4. The game introduces Raiden as the central character; a child soldier transformed into a half-man, half-machine cyborg ninja, equipped with a high-frequency katana blade and a soul fueled by revenge.
In the near future, cyborg technology has become commonplace throughout society. Three years have passed since the collapse of the Patriots system that had been secretly controlling the global power balance from the shadows. However, peace remains elusive. The dissemination of cybernetic technology has triggered instability and conflict as those who control the trade gain increasing power. Furthermore, large ‘Private Military Companies’, or PMCs, that had been supported and controlled by the Patriots have collapsed, spawning countless rogue entities with origins to larger criminal organizations. These renegade PMCs employing cyborg technology have become increasingly more disruptive shifting policy and power at will. As a member of the peace-keeping PMC ‘Maverick Security’, Raiden lives by the mantra of protecting and saving lives. But as the world plunges further into asymmetric warfare, the only path that leads him forward is rooted in resolving his past, and carving through anything that stands in his way.
The Reality
As you can tell by the game title, this action opus feature revenge involving a twisting story centering on a cyborg ninja named Raiden. The great story developments and revelations are a mainstay in the Metal Gear games, and this installment is no exception. Developed by Kojima Productions and Platinum Games and published by Konami, Metal Gear Revengeance slices and dices a great action game offering.
As you can tell by the game title, this action opus feature revenge involving a twisting story centering on a cyborg ninja named Raiden. The great story developments and revelations are a mainstay in the Metal Gear games, and this installment is no exception. Developed by Kojima Productions and Platinum Games and published by Konami, Metal Gear Revengeance slices and dices a great action game offering.
Veterans to the series know Raiden has been around the block before in Metal Gear Solid 2. This time he uses a high Frequency katana blade while using the ZanDatsu cut mechanic – an all-encompassing cutting plane in real-time where players can cut anything, anytime, anywhere. Very cool stuff in slow motion where you get the satisfaction of every move you would not see because the regular action occurs at a very high speed.
This one player action opus presents high challenges as well as an easy mode to help players through the main one player mode with additional adventures like VR missions. Players collect various items to unlock these supplementary missions.
The outstanding graphics offer contrast and color that is both functional and captivating while the action never slows thanks to quick load times. The settings are moderately destructible while the unique environments add appeal. The navigation stays linear, so it’s hard to get lost.
The format and progression methods are familiar. Complete missions, defeat baddies (light, heavy & combo attacks) and upgrade Raiden along the way. Impressive QTE-style finishing moves are satisfying while the sub weapons (grenades, RPGs, etc.) involve slow targeting methods, so use them in long-range situations.
Performing the action is very satisfying though it occurs so fast that players button mash fanatically to make something happen. Might not really know what’s happening, but the sound help reveal when Raiden is causing damage until the enemy target finally falls.
Boss character offer big challenges are much easier after regeneration. Targets appear on larger enemies when they are weakened so players know where to target enemies and eventually finish them off. The standard health meter accompanies the special power (Zandatsu) meter.
Sharp combat timing is essential. Players get nice visual cues like light flashes at the right times to perform counter moves/parries (light attack while moving the control stick in enemy’s direction), which leads to a simple block or, ideally, a block with a cool move. Easy mode offers automatic counter moves/parries.
The story has contains several current event overtones and the cyborg-human being Raiden struggles emotionally. He displays protective elements, which could have been more uniform throughout the story and developed into more defensive weapons that protect him and innocent human civilians from evil PMCs (Private Military Companies) and their rising cyborg technology.
Players naturally must follow a fast-moving story pace that parallels the action. The main story contains a high amount of cut scenes (skippable) where Raiden works for a security company involved in various activities including protecting important leaders – foreign and domestic.
The Ninja Run (hold R1) and the standard jump action (x button) helps in combos and avoidance. The problematic camera can be quickly reset (R3) and should be done often so you can see enemies, which are occasionally blocked. Lock on and off enemies with the R2 button. A weapon switch is hard to perform at times, so plan the strategy before entering these fantastical forays in battle.
The overall main story mode has a medium length (depend on difficulty level) while resulting in a satisfying experience bolstered by the strong voice acting lead by veteran Quinton Flynn as Raiden.
The add-on DLC (downloadble content) currently includes three packs with more on the way. Composer Jamie Christopherson (Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams) handles the solid music soundtrack, which works well except during a few boss fights. Metal Gear Revengeance only requires 483KB of hard drive space.
Also available on Xbox 360 and in limited editions on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. A great addition to the game series, which will soon add the Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection (eight games total).
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
MSRP: $39.99 (Amazon and other stores)
What I Like: combat movements/options, color schemes, sound, high replay value, high challenge, engaging story, compelling Raiden main character
What Needs Improvement: camera angles/movement, weapons switching, music during a few boss fights
Source: Reviewer copy provided by publisher