Day 51, Game 51 - Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Slice! Dice! Chop Chop! Slice!

There are only two games built around the simple fundamental of slicing and dicing everything and anything around you into shreds: Fruit Ninja (on whatever platform you prefer), and the new Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

And no, I have clue how publishers can keep inventing words like "Revengeance," so don't ask. All I do know is that my spell check HATES that word with a passion.

Anyway, this game knows exactly what it is and makes no bones about trying to cover it up or pretend like it's something else. It was designed to be a game that moves at a frantic pace, enabling you to slice your way through everything in your path including any and all enemies, all while making you feel like an total bad-ass while doing it. MGR:R is proud of what it is, and I can't appreciate that more in a game, when it comes down to it.

I was pushed to buy this game after seeing how much I thoroughly enjoyed DmC, with the hack-and-slash style of game play touching an inner part of my gamer soul that had been dormant for quite some time. Last month, I played Ninja Gaiden 3, but that game forgot to include one key feature to the genre it was trying to fit into - it forgot that it was supposed to be fun and enjoyable.

Well, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance didn't forget that at all. So far, it is a blast to play. A CUT above the rest, if you will.

I first got to experience Raiden in Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, and his move set was off the charts insane in that game, as far as how quick he moved and how awesome it was to pull off combos. Well, take that small sample and expand it to a full game, and that's what you have in MGR:R. Slicing trees, slicing cars, dicing up cyborgs, cutting through giant robot monsters ... yeah, how can a game like that go wrong?

It also has a decent story so far, and some likeable characters to boot. Apparently, people on the internet are all up in arms about how short the campaign is, which is clocking in around 6 hours of game play, but a game like this encourages multiple playthroughs, trying to best you previous levels times and scores, and of course, collect trophies. Plus, with how fast this game moves and feels, I'm sure the complaints about campaign length are heightened by that sense of pure adrenaline. I haven't gotten through the first play yet, but I don't see any reason why I won't go back and play it at least a couple of more times.

With the ability to skip cut scenes, you can get right into playing with little slowing you down other than a wonky camera that gets a little frustrating at times.But you have full control of the camera on its 180 degree mount, so if you find yourself lacking visibility, it is probably your fault.

I can't wait to keep playing this game. I am having a blast with it so far, and look forward to slicing my way through more fruit ... err, I mean cyborgs.

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