The game was originally being developed internally by Kojima Productions, who announced the game in 2009 under the title of Metal Gear Solid: Rising. However, the team met with difficulties in developing a game based on swordplay, so executive producer Hideo Kojima postponed its development until a solution could be found. The project resurfaced in late 2011 under its finalized title, with PlatinumGames as the new developer. The game underwent significant changes in its play mechanics and storyline under PlatinumGames’ involvement, although Kojima Productions retained responsibility for the game’s overall plot and Raiden’s design.
Upon its worldwide release in February 2013, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was well-received by critics, being praised for its sophisticated cutting system, its use of Metal Gear elements to complement the story despite the game’s focus on action, its soundtrack, and its boss fights; some criticism was directed at its camera and the length of the story mode. The game also enjoyed positive sales, with the PS3 and Steam versions selling an estimated total of more than 1.2 million copies. While those involved in the game’s production have expressed desire to develop a sequel, such prospects have yet to come to fruition due to the ongoing conflicts between Konami and Kojima Productions.
Gameplay
Raiden attacking an enemy in Blade Mode. The top-left bars indicate Raiden’s health and remaining time in Blade Mode. The mid-right counter tallies the player’s number of hits.
Players assume control of Raiden, a katana-wielding cyborg. He is initially playable in his “Standard Body” form, which resembles the body used by Raiden in Metal Gear Solid 4, but with a more natural-looking face. The player can alter Raiden’s appearance through alternative skins. Unlike previous titles in the Metal Gear series, where players try not to be noticed by enemies, Rising is action oriented, focusing on sword fighting and a sophisticated cutting system to fight and defeat enemies. Although Raiden’s main weapon is his high-frequency blade, he isn’t restricted to just that as he can use other replacement blades, sub-weapons or secondary weapons. Raiden can wield sub-weapons such as 2 kinds of rocket launchers, 4 kinds of grenades, the iconic cardboard box, and a 3D photo frame.[1][2] Otherwise, secondary weapons can only be obtained after defeating the game’s bosses.[3]
The game’s cutting system allows players to engage in melee combat, as well as to precisely slash enemies and objects at will along a geometrical plane using the “free slicing” Blade Mode. Virtually any object in the game can be cut, including vehicles and enemies, though elements of the environment were intentionally limited to structures such as pillars and walls to better facilitate the game.[4] Entering Blade Mode produces a special targeting reticule in the form of a transparent blue plane which can be rotated and moved, tracing orange lines across the surfaces of objects to indicate exactly where they will be cut; it can also be used to enter a bullet time state, giving players the opportunity to precisely slash targets during moments of action, such as slicing through a falling target from multiple angles before it hits the ground. These features can be employed strategically, for example disabling opponents, finding weak points and gaps in armor, severing support columns to collapse ceilings or walls onto enemies, deflecting enemy fire, or cutting through objects to remove enemy cover.[5][6] However, entering into Blade Mode reduces Raiden’s energy to the point that if dropped to a certain level, it cannot be used.[7] Throughout the story the player obtains the Ripper Mode, a state which enhances Raiden’s power for a limited time facilitating the use of Blade Mode.[8]
Raiden has the ability to parry attacks even when his back is turned,[1] allowing him to counterattack enemies and perform multiple combos.[2] The player also has access to a stealth mode called “Ninja Run” which drastically increases Raiden’s speed and allows him to climb certain areas. This allows him to strategically ambush an enemy rather than fighting head to head.[2] Another key feature is called Zandatsu (斬奪, lit. “cut and take”), and involves “cutting” through enemies and “taking” parts, energy, ammunition, items, and information from the bodies of dismembered cyborgs and robots.[5][6][9] This maneuver can be employed when attacking an enemy during Blade Mode and helps Raiden gain energy.[7] When completing a mission, the player will be rewarded with a specific number of points depending on their performance and will receive a grade, with the highest being “S”. These points allow them to buy upgrades for Raiden’s equipment.[10]
The player can carry out reconnaissance using a visor. Through this, the player can verify the areas and proceed to the objective avoiding contact with enemies.[11] Hiding in a cardboard box makes sneaking easier for Raiden.[12] Being spotted by an enemy triggers the “Alert Mode”, in which Raiden is assaulted by multiple enemies for a determined time.[13] The player also gains assistance from Bladewolf, a canine-like robot that gathers map information for Raiden.
