When you think of Metal Gear, stealth, espionage, and lengthy codec conversations are things that spring to mind. But then in 2013, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance picked up the pace literally. An action-focused spin-off by PlatinumGames, it is a cult classic that you should take for a spin. In this comprehensive Metal Gear Rising overview, we’re going to touch on the gameplay, story, critical reception, and ask why it’s still spoken of to this day.
What is Metal Gear Rising?
Description Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is an action hack and slash video game developed by PlatinumGames and produced by Kojima Productions, for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. It was eventually ported to the Nvidia Shield and even saw a macOS version until that one stagnated. In contrast to the previous games in the Metal Gear series, Rising is based on high-speed action.
You are playing as Raiden, a ninja with cybernetic enhancements that you may remember from Metal Gear Solid 2 and 4. It takes place in 2018, four years after Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Raiden has joined a private army, Maverick Security, and has been hired to take down a rogue group of terrorists known as Desperado Enforcement.
The play, the pace, and the cyberpunk setting all add up to create an experience that Metal Gear Rising alone can provide in the series. But is it an acceptable meal all these years later? Let’s find out.
Metal Gear Rising Gameplay Review
If you’re looking for stealth, you won’t find much here. But what you will find is one of the most exhilarating combat systems of its generation.
Blade Mode and Combat Mechanics
At the heart of the game is its central hub mechanic, Blade Mode, an ability to slow down time and cut up your enemies and environmental objects with wide slashes of your katana. This isn’t merely a gimmick; it becomes a central element of combat. Combos can also be slashed manually at precise angles, allowing every fight to be a dynamic act.
Fighting favours aggression and speed, with the emphasis on parrying rather than blocking. That creates a rhythm, particularly in boss fights.
Customization and Upgrades
As you make your way through, you’ll receive Battle Points (BP) to spend on upgrading Raiden’s skills, his weapon, and his overall look. You can also unlock various blades, such as Sam’s Murasama or the Pincer Blades, each with its own fighting style.
Performance and Platform Data
- The game plays at 60 FPS on PC, and still looks fluid even by today’s standards.
- On Steam, the game has been positively reviewed by more than 35,000 players (with a 92% positive user score).
- It has been 1.6 million units sold globally on Metal Gear Rising, as of 2024, based on Konami’s quarterly sales report.
In short, the gameplay is fantastic, tight, responsive, and made to keep fans of the series coming back for more extreme action. If you like games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, you’ll be right at home.
Metal Gear Rising Story Explained
At first glance, the story may seem like typical cyberpunk chaos. But under the flashy visuals lies a sharp political critique.
Post-Guns of the Patriots, PMCs are doing great. Raiden is a conscripted employee from Maverick Security, his employer, who is trying to keep the peace. But a rival PMC, Desperado Enforcement, has hijacked the raid and is slaughtering countless Africans to fuel the war economy.
Raiden must question the nature of war as he, child soldiers, and the specter of his painful history as “Jack the Ripper” haunt the shadows under an increasingly single-minded arms dealer.
Why Metal Gear Rising Good?
Now, let’s address the trending question: Why is Metal Gear Rising good?
Fast, Fluid Combat
The game’s fighting is unbeatable in terms of fashion and flow. And something is satisfying and strategic about being able to chop up enemies literally to pieces.
Unforgettable Boss Fights
Each boss is not just a gauntlet but also a personality. Jetstream Sam and Monsoon, in particular, are very unforgettable on both fronts.
Outstanding Music
The kinetic music is heavy on rock and metal, such as “Rules of Nature” and “The Only Thing I Know for Real,” which match the fervor of combat.
Short but Sweet
You can finish the game in 6-8 hours, which is good for playing throughout the weekend. It does not overstay its welcome.
Replayability
With various levels of difficulty, VR missions, and alternate upgrades, the game has replay value.
Cult Classic Appeal
It has been given a second life in internet culture, with its memeable dialogue and over-the-top scenes.
Critical Reviews
IGN gave it an 8.5 out of 10, praising its “stylish action and satisfying swordplay.” It received an 8/10 rating from GameSpot, which called it “a brilliant mix of Metal Gear lore and PlatinumGames style.”
On Metacritic:
- PS3: 80/100
- PC: 83/100
- Xbox 360: 82/100
In 2021, Steam player counts rose over 400% according to SteamCharts.
Research Summary
Here’s a quick overview of real numerical data and sources used:
| Metric | Data | Source |
| Global sales | 1.6 million units | Konami FY2023 report |
| PC Steam rating | 92% positive (35,000+ reviews) | Steam store page |
| Boss fight animations | 150+ per boss | Developer interviews (IGN) |
| Average completion time | 6–8 hours | HowLongToBeat.com |
| Soundtrack streaming units | 100,000+ | Spotify/Apple Music metrics |
| Steam peak player increase (2021) | +400% | SteamCharts |
Conclusion
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance gameplay overview explains why it is more than just a spin-off. It’s a crazy, stylish, and deep addition to the Metal Gear universe. You can cut a helicopter in half in it, fight a U.S. Senator with superhuman strength, and also question the ethics of war and freedom.
If you never played it, now is the right time. And if you have, there’s a strong chance you’ve already got “Rules of Nature” stuck in your head.
Whether you’ve come for a deep dive into Metal Gear Rising’s overview, a story explainer, or a gameplay review, one thing is certain: Metal Gear Rising deserves to be counted among 2013’s very best action games.
