The Metal Gear franchise has been around since 1987 and has spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and spinoffs over the years. One of the more recent spinoffs is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Konami. When it was first announced, many fans were skeptical about a Metal Gear game without series creator Hideo Kojima at the helm. However, PlatinumGames proved the naysayers wrong and delivered a game that not only lived up to the Metal Gear name but also added its own unique spin to the series. In this article, we’ll explore why Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance might be the best Metal Gear spinoff.
Rich Storyline
While Metal Gear Rising Revenge is primarily an action game, it still manages to tell a compelling story. The game explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and the consequences of war, all of which are hallmarks of the Metal Gear franchise. But what sets Metal Gear Rising Revenge apart is its focus on Raiden’s character development. In previous Metal Gear games, Raiden was often a secondary character, but in this spinoff, he takes center stage. As players progress through the game, they learn more about Raiden’s past and his motivations, making him a more fleshed-out and sympathetic character.
No Metal Gear game would be complete without a great soundtrack, and Metal Gear Rising Revengence delivers on that front as well. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Jamie Christopherson and featured a mix of electronic and heavy metal music. The soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s action and adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.
From Stealth to Action
One of the most significant departures from the main Metal Gear series in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is the focus on action rather than stealth. While stealth is still present in the game to some degree, the emphasis is on fast-paced, over-the-top combat. This change in gameplay style is due in part to PlatinumGames’ expertise in developing action games, such as Bayonetta and Vanquish. The combat system in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is one of the game’s highlights. The game features a unique “blade mode” mechanic that allows the player to slow down time and precisely slice enemies into pieces.
This mechanic adds a level of strategy and depth to the combat that is absent from other action games. The game also has a “parry” system that rewards timing and reflexes, encouraging the player to play aggressively rather than defensively. Despite the change in gameplay style, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance still feels like a Metal Gear game. The game’s story takes place after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4 and follows the cyborg ninja Raiden as he takes on a private military company called Desperado Enforcement.
Another standout feature of Metal Gear Rising Revengence is its boss battles. The Metal Gear franchise has always been known for its epic boss battles, and this spinoff is no exception. Each boss battle is unique and challenging, requiring players to use all of Raiden’s abilities and skills to emerge victorious. From battling a giant robotic dog to facing off against a rival cyborg ninja, the boss battles in Metal Gear Rising Revengence are some of the most memorable in the entire franchise.
The Takeaway
Metal Gear Rising Revengence is not afraid to try new things. The game features some innovative mechanics that set it apart from other action games. For example, players can enter “Blade Mode,” which allows them to slow down time and precisely aim Raiden’s blade. This mechanic is used not only in combat but also in exploration, allowing players to cut through obstacles to reach new areas.
In conclusion, Metal Gear Rising Revengence is a shining example of what a spinoff game can be. It takes the core elements of the Metal Gear franchise and builds upon them, creating a unique and thrilling experience that stands on its own. From its incredible action and epic boss battles to its deep storyline and innovative mechanics, Metal Gear Rising Revengence has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a die-hard Metal Gear fan or just a fan of action games, this spinoff is well worth playing. It proves that even after over three decades, the Metal Gear franchise still has plenty of surprises in store for gamers.
