Released by Konami, Kojima Production and Platinum Games, Metal Gear Rising: Reveneance (February 19, 2013 for XBOX 360 and PS3) is a continuation of the Metal Gear series. It is more focused on Raiden, the mysterious cyborg ninja who helped Snake in previous Metal Gear Solid series. The game picks up three years after Metal Gear Solid 4 with the collapse of the Patriots system. Raiden is a member of the PMC (Private Military Companies) “Maverick Security”, and he lives by the mantra of protecting and saving lives. With the world engulfed in conflict, the only path that leads Raiden forward is in resolving his past and slicing through anything that stands in his way.
**Disclaimer** This review is in no way to be taken literally. It is the opinion of a Gamer for the Gamers. **Disclaimer**
First Impressions
I wasn’t expecting this. Actually I didn’t know what I was expecting. The commercials and trailers for this game do not do it justice. The amount of sheer awesomeness that is contained on that little plastic disc is mind blowing.
To those that think this is just Metal Gear Solid with Raiden as the main character would be close, the mechanics are the same, but the game is far different. The graphics were astounding. Athough I would have preferred to play on the PS3, Konami did this game justice on the XBOX.
Game Play
So it plays much like the old Metal Gear games. The only difference is now you’re a cybernetic ninja with a score to settle. There is a small tutorial to get you through the basics of controlling Raiden, and then from there you are taken back to the main menu to start the game. For those of us that are familiar with the MG series, you can just jump right in and start playing, forgoing the tutorial, but we all know that’s one of the best parts of the game.
Using the HF or High Frequency katana as your primary weapon, you can literally slice through any object in the game. There are some boundaries of course, most buildings and important structures to the story are off limits but the rest is fair game. I spent a good amount of time just running around to see what I could slice up. I noticed that when you engage your Augmented mode, anything that can be sliced is tinted a different color. Slightly disappointed at the limited use of the HF though, button wise I mean.
There are only two forms of attack, light and heavy, but with these you can deliver some pretty lethal strikes. You can enter what is called Blade Mode by pulling the left trigger. This give you the opportunity to use a combination of high and low attacks to slice that sucker to pieces, there is also a little counter on the HUD that allows you to see exactly how many hits and pieces the unfortunate recipient took.
Blade Mode in action
This also gives you a way to “aim” your blade strikes, which will come in handy at a later time. Another feature is Ninja Run, accomplished by holding the right trigger, running through a section of the game while using this mode will allow you to automatically dodge and jump over any obstacles and also deflect any incoming fire.
Ninja Run in action
Making my way through the first chapter was like watching an action packed movie, full of explosions and gun fire. When it comes time to take control though, this game pulls no punches. Your first couple of fights consists of your typical gun wielding fiends; the difference is now they are all cyborgs, with the same enhancements as you. Dispatching the couple that you are faced with you make your way to the next way point, only to be greeted by and old friend from the past, a Metal Gear. Normally this giant machine would be somewhat of an intimidation, but not now, using the HF and a combination of Blade Mode and Ninja run you take down this monster with ease. I cannot tell you how much this game has surprised me and left me, at times, in awe. During the course of the game you will have opportunities to pick up VR missions to play at your leisure.
The Verdict
If you didn’t preorder this game you should be slapped with a ten pound mackerel. Why would you not want to play this game? For the hardcore Metal Gear fans, be ready for the ride of your life, this game is so worth the wait. Go...go now to pick it up. I think that on either platform it will be glorious. Konami knew what there were doing when they made this game and they knew exactly what the fans wanted.
