Random Video Game Review - Metal Gear Rising: Revengance

So much like with the Final Fantasy games, the Metal Gear games are also a series that I have struggled to figure out how to review them. In comparison, it's not an anthology series, but most of the games have a different character that goes by the name "Snake" with similar facial features and everything. So my decision there is to just review the games I have played and should they be part of a series featuring the same "Snake", then I'll review them as a series provided that I can access them somehow. So today we're looking at perhaps the only game not to feature someone called "Snake" and also the game set at the furthest point in the series timeline. It's a game that many people enjoyed playing, but will unlikely to have a sequel due to a fallout between Konami and Kojima Productions which has put the series overall at a halt (probably because the latter wants to go independent while the former feels as if they would be nothing without them). So let's take a look:

Set in an alternative 2018 (the game actually came out in 2013), the katana wielding cyborg known as Radien (voiced by Quinton Flynn who has voiced him since Sons of Liberty) is providing a security detail to the prime minister of an unnamed African country. But they are ambushed by rouge PMC Desperado which prompts Raiden to starting destroying the enemy forces. But his attempts come at a cost when the leader who is also a cyborg called Sundowner (voiced by Crispin Freeman) kidnaps the prime minister citing that there is a need for war. Later on Raiden gets some much-needed upgrades and goes on a revenge spree to find Sundowner and his forces and take them out. But he remains unaware of a much greater threat coming from the US Government. So while the main series focuses on stealth, Metal Gear Rising (which I hope will be more than just the one game) is more action orientated with a focus on hack and slash gameplay. While the katana is Raiden's primary weapon of choice, he isn't restricted to that as you can also use guns, grenades and other weapons as you play (as well as objects such as the iconic cardboard box). As you play, there will be some quick time events and moments when time slows down, and you can hack and slash away as you see fit. Most things in the game can be cut by the katana, but not everything. Also, as is often used in these kinds of games, some fighting moves can bring with them a lot of different combos and the ability to counterattack which certainly does help. Of course there are also ways where Raiden can ambush the enemies rather than attack head on, but that's up to the player. Also, very important is to use the visor to figure out your plan of action. And later on in the game, Raiden gains an ally which will help in various situations.

Many critics and fans have considered calling this game the best Metal Gear game of the seventh generation of gaming. Me on the other hand (having played this properly long after that generation came to an end), I call this a pretty good hack and slash game that combines elements typically seen in those games with what the Metal Gear series has been known for to give us a Metal Gear game unlike any many would have played before. It's great for anger management, has a fun element to it, and I'd say it's better than the Devil May Cry reboot which was released the same year (though that game had a bit more colour in comparison). 9/10