Feb 222013
Metal Gear Rising Revengeance
- BRAND NEW
- MICROSOFT XBOX 360
- FACTORY SEALED
Product Overview METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory by focusing on delivering an all-new action experience unlike anything that has come before. Combining world-class development teams at Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE brings two of the world’s most respected teams together with a common goal of providing players with a fresh synergetic experience that combines the best e
List Price: $ 49.99
Price: $ 37.50
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Drenched in style and saturated with speed, this is a Metal Gear like none other,
Being a long time MGS fan, my hopes were not particularly high with this game. The absurd title, the ludicrous box art (which looks like something from the 90s), the temporary cancellation of the project, and the departure from the MGS tradition, all led me to believe that this was a disaster in the making (despite Platinum’s fine track record). Fortunately, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality of this game… “Rising” is a blast to play for anybody who enjoys action games (whether you’re an MGS fan or not).
Foremost, the game does manage to retain the feeling that it’s actually occurring inside the MGS universe, despite its over-the-top nature (and in terms of physics, anything our protagonist does in “Rising” is not far from what Vamp achieved in MGS2 and 4). Longtime fans will be pleased by the inclusion of familiar sights, sounds, and themes, even if the gameplay is radically different. Raiden, of course, returns, and his inclusion as the protagonist is bound to please any MGS fan who has wanted to step into the shoes of a ninja on the level of the legendary Gray Fox.
The heart of this game, like any action title, is its combat mechanics, and here “Rising” shines. Raiden moves with an effortless grace, and when he strikes, it carries a convincing “weight” that exceeds even the likes of “God of War” and “Bayonetta”. His “ninja run” while goofy in name, is a blast to execute, as are his assortment of magnificent combos.
When it comes to Japanese wackiness, I’ve pretty much seen it all at this point in my life. Giant robots, ninjas, and cyborgs generally come off as tired and cliched to me, but somehow, “Rising” makes these concepts seem fresh and EXCITING. What’s the secret? The game uses a beautiful style of presentation that is incredibly slick, resulting in an artistic, vibrant mode of visual storytelling that is a pleasure to behold. Despite the ludicrous dialogue, mediocre voice acting, and marginal plot, the game’s visual flair picks up the slack, and makes this somewhat-cheesy story work. It takes cyborg-ninjas (the “Winds of Destruction” are on par with finest of MGS bosses), and makes them viable, turning them into showmen that are simply a blast to watch and engage with. The gameplay is nicely balanced with expertly rendered cut scenes that always impress, and are kept to lengths that are actually appropriate (another breaking from MGS tradition). This game is so visually impressive, it actually made me want a bigger TV, to better digest the spectacle!
The limitations of this game are as follows: The camera will fight against you a bit too often, particularly during blade mode, when it will inexplicably perform a 180 and send you facing the wrong way (while you’re using your limited energy to pull off this special move). I hope this is corrected with a future patch. Another weak spot is that the mechanics, while largely intuitive, could have been explained much better during the game. I must have missed the part where they tell you how to parry (a skill you need in order to even get past the first boss, much less complete the game), and I actually had to go online to figure out how to do it. There is no explanation of parrying anywhere in the menus. Hint: Press “square” (X on the 360) and flick the analog stick at the incoming attack at just the right moment, in order to parry.
The greatest weakness, however, is an ill-fitting soundtrack that simply does not fit with the world of MGS. Fortunately, you can go into the options from the menu and turn the music level down, while leaving the sound effects at their normal level. The soundtrack was a point of contention where Platinum butted heads with Konami. I feel that Platinum should have yielded to the judgement of Kojima and Konami on this subject, and once more retained the superb services of composer Harry Gregson-Williams.
I rate “Rising” at 4, possibly 4.5 stars. Depending on the enjoyment that can be gleaned from additional play-throughs and the acquisition of unlockables, I may bump that rating up to 5 stars. This is by no means the best Metal Gear game, but it’s a fantastic, thrilling ride by any measure.
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|Action Games are Back with a Revengeance,
This game far exceeded my expectations. It is truly the best action game so far this year, and one of the best actions games of this gen. If you’re hankering for some action, or you’re just a long time Metal Gear fan, check this title out.
It’s certainly a Metal Gear game, though not a Metal Gear Solid game. If you want a focus on sneaking, Ground Zero was already announced a while ago. This game is all about fast, frenetic action… it is a veritable rollercoaster ride of ridiculous scenarios, absurd setpieces, and crisp clean combat. Despite this, there are actually quite a number of sneaking sections in the game, if you choose to go that route… certainly moreso than I expected. Alternatively, you can run into the fray swinging. It’s up to you, and each has its advantages. There are over 500 codec conversations for you to explore that expands on the game’s lore and characters.
The game focuses on ground based combat with a focus on counters, parries, and the new Zandatsu cutting mechanic. Parallels can be drawn to Ninja Gaiden. Essentially, you can slash your opponents open with the high frequency blade once you enter “Blade Mode” and pull out their electrolyte core to replenish your own health and energy meter.
What’s truly revolutionary is the parry/dodge mechanic in the game. Rather than having a dedicated block button, Revengeance makes it a forward+attack input, which maintains offensive momentum. You need to parry every attack coming at you, but the game’s window is generous, allowing for a lot of wiggle room until you nail down your timing. And once you nail down that timing? You get perfect parries with counterattacks that lead into Zandatsu (slowdown cutting mechanic where you can steal energy cores).
Even if you don’t get the combat, or you’re an action game novice, the game features a number of different difficulty levels to tailor the experience to what is most comfortable for you as a player.
The story is filled with its own levels of abrudity, but features a memorable cast and set of bosses. The bosses… Oh, the bosses. They’re some of the best of this entire generation- meticulously crafted and exhilarating to fight.
The game is about 8-10 hours long, depending on your skill level and your starting difficulty, and that’s not counting the plethora of VR Missions, unlockables, and successive playthroughs. Each difficulty will provide a unique experience with rearranged enemy encounters and enhanced boss behavior. The game is fast paced and addictive. Countless hours can be sunk into it.
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|PERFECTION,
I just beat it on hard mode. (normal is too easy. i usually start all my games on the harder difficulties)
I did try Revengeance mode & very hard but without moves & power-ups, let’s just say i got destroyed. LOL
Incredible combos, crazy yet simple plot. (don’t expect 5 hours of blahblah like previous Metal Gear titles)
This game is all about action. don’t expect the stealth either. though you CAN one hit kill them if you sneak up on the & there is an achievement to finish stages without being spotted.
The bosses & sountrack are THE BEST!!! The fighting is all super stylish.
once you get used to the controllers, you will be a ninja master!
there are left hands to collect for Doktor. items to find for VR missions. different weapons. power-ups.
then if you feel you are up to it, get S rank on it.
you will have a ton of fun playing this.
ok, i’m off to start very hard mode & collect the items i was missing.
IF YOU REALLY LIKE ACTION GAMES GET THIS
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