Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Overview -
From Kojima Productions, Konami, and Platinum Games, 'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance' is the 'Metal Gear Solid' spin-off that seemed doomed from the start. Back in 2009, the game was unveiled as coming to the 360 and PS3 and being developed by Kojima Productions. Starring Raiden, the child soldier turned FOXHOUND operative of 'Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,' 'Metal Gear Rising' was meant to showcase the action stylings of the new Raiden, whose appearance in 'Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots' featured a reinvented look quite similar to series favorite Cyber Ninja. After Kojima had shelved/cancelled the project, he enlisted another developer and in 2011, 'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance' was announced as a game more attuned to new developer Platinum Games. With a veteran Japanese developer ('Bayonetta,' 'Vanquish,' 'Mad World,') at the helm and the trappings of the 'Metal Gear' universe (sans hours of cutscenes and stealth focus), 'Metal Gear Revengeance' was poised to be the spin-off that netted a whole new fan base. The PC version comes late to the game, but bundles together all the DLC, pre-order, and limited edition content into one package at a value price.
Video Review
While the sub-par, repetitive levels hold back the game as a whole visually, several of the characters' designs are stunning. The game's HUD and VR levels touch on nice sci-fi aesthetic, while the Platinum Games twist on designs like Metal Gear Ray make for some eye candy as well. The stock settings for the PC version max out at 1080p, but framerate is solid. Set the environments (and their clutter) aside, and the game is a looker on the PC. Naturally, dicing an object into a 1000 parts did slow the framerate but not detrimentally so. Unlike many PC ports, the game's pre-rendered cutscenes look great.
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Audio Review
Platinum Games rock soundtrack seems at odds with the 'Metal Gear' settings, while the optional codec conversation options feel out of place beside the game's combat. Still, voice acting for the boss characters is decent enough, and the sounds effects across the board suit the game almost perfectly. Surround sound use is merely ok, and overall the sound suffers due to lack of variety. More sections like the factory where you control the Dwarf Gekko could have helped to mix up the sound experience.
As an off-shoot title in a genre outside of the series' norms, 'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance' succeeds, and its challenging core combat is a credit to Platinum Games. While I can't help but wish the game had a longer, better realized campaign, the plethora of assorted side content and value price speak louder than the game's flaws. As a new generation of consoles is upon us, the option of getting one of Platinum Games titles (a 'Metal Gear' no less) on the PC is much appreciated. When the action of 'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance' is flowing, the game seems so good that I wish Konami would commission a retouched version for the new consoles.
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