Metal Gear Rising

As some of you will soon learn, I am a huge fan of Metal Gear. I could probably talk about Metal Gear forever. With such a passion for the series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Metal Gear Rising. The interesting thing about Rising is that while it is something of a spiritual sequel to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots, it stars Raiden of MGS 4 and Sons of Liberty fame.

The story takes place a few years after the events of MGS4. Raiden is a member of a PMC group called Maverick. The group specializes in protection and aid for developing nations. Our hero discusses philosophy with his presidential employer.The two exchange some respectful, celebratory dialogue before a cyborg attacks their caravan and kidnaps the president. This is when Raiden springs into action and the game can begin properly.

Everything in this game moves at neck-breaking pace. Shortly after the opening sequence, your first task is to fight a Metal Gear Ray. After that, the game is a non-stop ride of constant action, chase-scenes, combat, and chopping. Lots. And Lots. Of Chopping.. In fact, one of the most fun game play mechanics is Blade Mode. In Blade Mode, time slows down and you can execute a series of precise sword slashes(typically with two buttons or the analog stick for more control) that can dice your enemies into countless pieces. The chopping doesn't stop with enemies, either. The environments have dozens of items – everything from pillars to cars, boxes and street signs – can be sliced and diced on a whim.

(In blade mode, you can actually sever limbs at the joints)

The combat system is just as fast-paced as the rest of the game. Enemies have different attack patterns that need to be learned, and they have no qualms about ganging up on you if need be. Fortunately, you can fight back with the game's unique parry function. Instead of a block button, the game demands you time pushing one stick in the direction of an incoming attack and then pressing the light attack button to block. Doing this can sometimes leave an opponent open for counter attacks that lead to devastating combos. While this system is tricky to master, it is the only way you can survive some of the later boss fights.

The game really shines with its boss fights. Each fight is unique and includes several parts, and each boss fight is completely different from the last. Survival depends on mastering the parry mechanic, learning their weak points, and having good reactions. The battles are very rewarding, both in how the bosses interact with Raiden and the different strategies they require to defeat. My favorite is probably the battle against Monsoon.

(Raiden ninja-slicing into Monsoon}

The story is one area where the game needs some work. It includes some very nice moments of characterization for Raiden but it doesn't fully deliver. The game will often introduce an idea that is never as fleshed out as it could be. The game's fast pace often hinders character development. Another detriment to the story(and for that matter, the game) is the length. The game clocks in at around six or seven hours depending on how quickly you can grasp the mechanics. There simply isn't enough game in any category to justify the asking price of sixty dollars. Lastly, the camera can be very problematic at times. On more than one occasion it would whip around in a direction I did not want and cause me to die. It isn't so bad as to suggest unplayability, though.

The game delivers on creating something that is very unique to Raiden and his cyborg transformation, while at the same time staying faithful to the world of Metal Gear. While some of the technical issues hinder it from greatness, what it does right it does very well. If the game kept a consistent tone, fleshed the story out and worked on some bugs, it could easily be a high recommend on my part.

As it is though, I can only recommend a 3 out of 5.