My Words On:

Story/Plot: It is an unsaid ordinance that games that conjure up spin offs should be able to stand up on their own without the game/s it spawned off from. The character/s that are taken from the main game should be able to walk on their own endeavors with very little confusion from their previous path. At least a gamer, that is what I really feel. It is a very well known fact that this Metal Gear derives from a bigger game that I am not too familiar with. The gamut of story line, characters, and all the things that came from those games are oblivious to me so entering Metal Gear Rising, I am almost lost in translation(I played the previous Metal Gear for ps3 a LONG time ago and I was lost back then).

The not so distant future where cyborgs are within our military and police. Special forces of course have some enhanced beings within their ranks. Of course when the law has it so does the lawless crowd. This is where our ninja turned cyborg, Raiden comes into play. In a world where war is the major economical booster, there are those who wish for war to erupt while we have the protector of the weak-badass-of-the-week-ninja-cyborg-poet-killer-jack-the-ripper Raiden who will do anything to find his way while staying true to the ideals of peace. For the most part that sums it up but there are a lot of tidbits that I feel like I should've known to make things clearer. I'm not sure if some of the characters that Raiden faced had some sort of footing in the past Metal Gear. I'm not sure how much Raiden played a part in the old games and why is he the way he is; or is it simply he is the way he is. Is Metal Gear just that? A gargantuan robot? To me it feels like there is more than a subliminal message that there should be some history as a gamer to the old games to make this one worth it plot wise. There were so many abbreviations left and right that I felt like I am missing something grand. Don't get me wrong, as I have stated, I get the main course, but the others, well, again, it's me not steering to Metal Gear's direction that perhaps made Raiden's story less enamoring.

7/10


Gameplay: Now this is something I can praise and somewhat admonish. From what I know, Metal Gear had always been about stealth play and such. Considering that Raiden is a ninja, you would think discreet like gameplay would be in abundance and almost always be the highlight of the game, not so much. Now don't get me wrong, there are some sneaking around involved and certain stages it is encouraged(subliminally and through conversations with Raiden and the supporting characters), however one could go through the whole game without even touching that aspect. To an extent, I damn near didn't touch on the notion of stealth.

Stealth Kill.

Now while it would've been helpful to delve into being illusive, the main highlight of this game's mechanics is Raiden's prowess. For a ninja, this guy is flashy as all hell to say the least! Which in turn adheres to how exuberant the gameplay is when Raiden is engaged with his assailants. Like most games, Raiden is equipped with a light attack and a strong attack with the use of his signature katana, or later on if one chooses, Raiden can gain weapons from 'mid-bosses' he would encounter. Basically there is the common hack and slash method, then every once in a while (especially with much more finessed enemies like 'Sam') the player must parry. The timing in parrying doesn't have to be immaculate, it just has to hit an allotted timeframe and Raiden will ward off most attacks! Basically, a pretty methodical tactic with a little bit of berserker barrage involved.

Now Raiden's unique abilities are his 'Zan-Datsu' and his 'Jack-The-Ripper' mode. Let me first get into Zan-Datsu which is pretty much a norm thread in a lot of anime-related video games with the whole kanji-slice-em-dice-em technique. For this game it's about pressing a button and then Raiden will see everything in a much slower state and the enemies are prone while he astutely cuts them into pieces. This mode will perpetuate for as long as the player has the proper amount of 'health' for this second bar(separate from his life bar). This will lead to a QTE moment which Raiden indulges in replenishing his health and his Zan-Datsu bar by ripping out some sort of energy-cell apparatus from his opponents. So it's usually a must if one is trying to make sure one's life is properly set for a few more bouts!

As for the 'Jack-The-Ripper' mode, it's basically something one must accumulate enough combo points(or taking energy cells from shredded opponents) and then voila! It's basically a very common thread with this genre of games. In this mode, Raiden's attacks will inflict more damage, so forth and so forth. Honestly, the addition is a little farther in the game(short game, mind you) so it's FULL usefulness for me came in for the last boss, and believe me, that final boss was all about tactics rather than mindless button mashing.

And of course! Quick time events are present in this game
as well, though they weren't completely too intricate since they are mostly adhering to making sure the player is competent enough to distinguish between his/her buttons. Major bosses called on decent amount of such QTEs and again, nothing too grand with the way it was done but as always, QTEs have an inextricable flavor that can't be denied since it gives players a different beat to drum to and deters the insipid rhythm.

All in all, I had a terrific time with this portion of the game. Nothing too original extreme in terms of 'something done differently or new' type of deal, but again, unique to its own right. Perhaps my prowess and opinion would've been a lot more in tuned if I had any sort of care or respect for the character/s that are within this world. It had a really fun concept and the boss battles are especially something to be enamored by! Raiden is fluent and far from your normal Shinobi, which in turns could be his downfall for certain perception. Overall, if solely for the gameplay, this game is a must.

8/10

Graphics:

This game is indeed gorgeous to say the least. One of the things I really enjoyed are the character designs, to an extent. While Raiden himself could look like a drag queen(a badass one) who can wield a hi-tech katana with his hands and his feet(yes, his feet), the uniqueness of his armor designs could be something I can indulge. The intricate fusion of human anatomy and technology does him and the rest of the cyborgs justice. It's especially noteworthy during the cut scenes. Now the art style may be a bit too intrusive for some and to be honest, it could be a bit overwhelming, but take it for what it is, they are impressive.

Some enemies are only conjured up through the means of creativity or perhaps insanity. Who can really fathom? Fact of the matter is, the game had no qualms about taking cybernetics to a different level of aesthetics.

In game, the special affects are something to be enamored by as well. When explosions are called for they came in fancy colors. Things are kept vibrant enough that there wasn't really a dull side when looking demolishing machines with legs or dealing with a pesky politician. Character designs and the graphical appeal did not clash and again, this is probably one Metal Gear Rising's strong stance. There wasn't a time when I was playing this game that I felt like the designs or what not lacked in flavor. It is what to be expected. It was for sure enjoyable to look at.

9/10



Voice Acting/Audio: I wouldn't necessarily say that the voice acting was bad. In fact, I'd like to say that it wasn't but it's just that the bland way the characters are to me makes the voice acting more or less a pestilence. Raiden especially since he just seems like such a tool. Corny lines and the voice fluctuation just doesn't do the job and not to mention he was a bit on the over dramatic side for a badass ninja. The other characters didn't serve as detrimental factors for me to not favor the voice overs, it's just that their rapport with Raiden also caused deterred any sort of 'like', more or less.

While there might be some homage to the older games that I might've appreciated between conversations and such, I must elaborate once again that I was lost in translation within all of those abbreviations. But I must give them some praise for the humor that they offered. Though it might've been sparse in content, the laughable things that came about was appreciated. The area with the audio was for sure something to marvel about. The high energy music that was a mix between rock and J-rock(I think) concurred quite well with the explosions and enemy taunting. If the music was a norm or non-existent, then perhaps the rating of this would be on the low side. But would it be fair for me to judge voice acting because I abhor the characters (or don't care for them)? Possibly not. But it is what it is.

7.5/10


Difficulty: I think there is something to say with a game that makes sure you are well aware of the main character's forte which is his parrying. Of course the players must be in tuned with the combos, how to use the weapons (and which), and be very responsive when the QTEs emerge, however the main deal is Raiden's parrying. I'll be the first to admit that my prudence in getting the hang of this said skill wasn't until the second to the last boss; honestly, the difficulty in the game(normal mode) didn't really take a peak until 'Sam'. After a few deaths, it was then that I realized that it was time for me to learn such skill! Once I got the hang of that, going through the stages wasn't as bad and it had a bit more of different gauge of fun factor.

Enemies that were once impervious to my presence became a bit more of a pushover and bosses are a different breed altogether once that said skill is somewhat mastered. But don't misconstrue, that isn't the main course to winning the fight! When something like a gargantuan Metal Gear comes along, one must really be able to discern through patterns, time parrying just right, be able to jump through hurdles, and of course a whole hell of a lot of health bars; unless of course it is possible to get through a boss battle WITHOUT taking damage, but I'm not that kind of a gamer. For me, fighting the final boss was a pain in the arse and getting the pattern down was just enough!

Upgrading weapons and health bars would be prudent as well and again, going back to that asshole at the last stage, it proved valuable to last! QTE's don't have an encumbering presence to them so going through it won't be that much of a hassle. All in all, there is a good challenge with this game and if one is looking for something that is beyond the mindless button mashing, there is something to be said about this. Having Raiden's Jack-The-Ripper mode and being knowledgable about the Zan-Datsu is also most valuable to one's prowess, so all in all, fun and challenge have a good mix to this game. Though the most difficult part for non Metal Gear fanatics is the story and having to endure Raiden's obnoxious and less than cool ambiance.

9/10

Overall:

I had a bad feeling about this game the moment I started it. Again, I wasn't at all impressed with the first few fights, the characters were dull to me, and not to mention the graphics took some time to get used to(the art style I should say). But once I got into the first hour and more I had a really good time with this game. The last boss offered some frustration, but that was me being impatient and once I got the scheme of it, I had a pretty well enjoyable experience. Again I think in order for one to REALLY get the full bliss of this game, one must REALLY be in tuned with the past games. But don't misconstrue, one can enjoy it without the past games, but I can't vindicate myself from my ignorance. I feel like there was something I was missing every single conversation!

To capsulize my experience, I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this and I was able to return it with full refund. The game took me two days to REALLY beat and that's me playing sparingly. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good challenge and a very artistic hack and slash, and perhaps if one is well equipped with knowledge with the past game, this one is for sure a hit! I still think DmC was the better out of the two. With that said...

7.5/10

It's Kadaj taking a DOOMP!

My Words On:

Story/Plot: Dante the Devil Hunter. His first appearance insinuated that demons shed tears because of him. He slays demons because he believes that they are a bane for humanity; that and he thinks it's good pass time and no one else does it with finesse like him. He was loud, obnoxious, pompous, and when his mouth isn't the one that is firing off, Ebony and Ivory would do the task for him; and whatever path he chooses in slaying, whether it be bullets or the sharpness of his blade, akin to a holy crusader, Dante's conviction proves that demon slaying is as much part of him as the blood of his father Sparda. But beyond that, what happened in his past? How did he find out about all of this? Is there really more story behind the insipid and somewhat cliche of an Angel and Demon falling in love?

The 2013 reboot of the Devil May Cry franchise adds a bit more insight to the younger years of Dante and his twin brother Vergil. It also adds an innocent face to the franchise by the name of Kat(at least I think she is solely for the reboot; never heard of her in the first four original ones; then again, I never did play past the first Devil May Cry). Dante joins Vergil and Kat after discovering his true Nephilim blood line for the cause of freedom for the human race against a deadly and vulgar demon who rules mankind with an iron fist. Along with trying to discover the nature of his past and dissecting the evil empire of a really strong demon, Dante also has time to find out about his humanity and of course bickering with his twin brother about who has the bigger manhood and the better face.

A good retake on the DmC story. Not the most original story, but again, I'll indulge. There are a few cliche twists as well but in the end, it enamored me enough.

7.5/10

Gameplay: This is the bread and butter of all games, right? Story and voice acting could be sacrificed as long as THIS certain aspect of the said game still ascends beyond expectation or at least hit a bit past mediocre; right? With great pride, I disagree since gameplay isn't the end or be all, but for some it is for sure what makes this game. Honestly IT IS what makes DmC so damn great because of the way it paid homage to the old Devil May Cry and at same time modify it so it would concur with modern day expectations.

First and foremost, DmC carries on Dante's traditional sword that is his camaraderie weapon in all of the DmC's in the past (hell, even his appearance in Marvel VS. Capcom 3). The sword on its own has a handful of ways to make the game fun because of all the combinations that can spawn just from this said sword(Rebellion). Hack and slashing away opponents are almost always a must in this game and with one being able to know how to maneuver with this blade and use every angle and perk it has will make battle flow as well as conjure up some pretty nasty combos.

Now in regards to adding on another paid homage of the past, Ebony and Ivory is still in tow within Dante's grasp. Remember the 'pop-them-up' and then shoot 'em dry libido? Well still comes crashing in with the reboot and suffice to say that it makes combinations interchangeable from long range and short with crystal clear transitions. Now much like his melee, Dante does get alternate guns like Revenant(Shotgun), however I still stand firm that Ebony and Ivory are probably the must in regards to adding in some sadistic barrages.

Now Dante's other weapons outside of Rebellion and his twin guns are something to be enamored by. Some of his alternates are far more enticing than others, but again, they all have their purpose and they all have a rhyme and reason to the combo endeavors! Basically right and left trigger buttons are allied with two alternate weapons, so just melee alone have five(I guess four if Aquila is categorized as long range). Left trigger is associated with his 'holy' side, so for his more 'light/ice' powers, one must press 'L2' while Right trigger is more or less the 'hellish' side so anything fire and hard hitting, this would be the avenue to take. There is a time and a place some point of the game that certain weapons are a must, however once those 'must' moments pass, really, using the weapons will be by choice and on the whim for the player!

Combinations flow so coherently that the fun factor in mauling away at the enemies are somewhat off the charts! Being graded is also part of the combo madness, so I doubt anyone is in the mood to get a bad grade for their devil slaying endeavors. Transitions from weapon to weapon, strike to strike doesn't deter the fun factor for it is just as I mentioned, smooth sailing. There are a plethora of ways to link one attack to another and even if certain enemies are obstinate with certain 'element' that they needed to be bashed with, Dante's wide arrays of weapons allows for such inconvenience to be just a minor obstruction! Again, truth to be told, it's all about the players' timing, mastery of the game, and of course knowledge on the assailants for the moment! Combo and dealing with enemies comes in a myriad of ways! And push comes to shove, once it's available, one can always use the 'devil mode'(or whatever it was called).

Adding the whole classic 'Red Coat' deal. Another Homage.

What I will talk about in another section but I'll slightly touch base on in this is that DmC was a bit more forgiving than its predecessors. With the weapons Dante could wield and the Devil mode being the way it is(heals life, which I don't recall the old DmCs having that), it sure was a bit more of a breeze walk! But I'm not complaining for the most part! It was a lot of fun! But it wasn't all fighting; not 100%. There were some level jumping and such that one has to be a bit more analytical with his/her surroundings if not the depths of whatever will deplete a bar or two of one's life. Other than that, it's a hack and slash, gun trotting time of game. But if one just thinks it's just that 'HACK AND SLASH', then one is erroneously stepping into a different realm. It has tactics involved. And I will be the first to admit that I didn't play it in harder levels so I'm sure the gameplay changes dramatically when trying to evade and dodge more and attack less.

9.5/10

Graphics: It's a beautiful looking game and it for sure captivates the genre with gore that isn't on the pinnacle of mankind's lust for blood, but it doesn't side too much with the jrpg innuendo of anime'ish and such. The cut scenes are something to admire and the dark but whimsical ambiance does play off completely well. At the same time, the more out of this world and sometimes a bit on the rather repulsive looking characters does have a good hand in making this game stand up on its own two feet and if one never really played the old Devil May Cry would find an easy time adjusting to the new look.

Enemies come in all types of variety and only recycled no more than three times so there are plenty of things to look out and watch out for. Suffice to say, it never really got boring to look at.  Bosses are pretty distinct and some even break the generic expectations of certain 'breed'. Boy, when I heard succubus, I thought it was going to be a seductive and easy on the eyes kind of boss but I was erroneously hoping! What we get is not Morrigan Aensland, but a freaking bug-a-boo who has tandems with obscene ways of mouthing off that rivals Dante. So point is, it did a good job to gross me out in a way so mission accomplished, right?

The character designs on their own are a good way to pave a new road for Devil May Cry. In the beginning the negative rave that was going about was Dante's new look. Honestly, it was fresh and it fit the world. I mean for those who really wanted the old Dante, this game paid homage to him in a way(Ha!). Vergil as well got a reboot look; no qualms about that either. All the other characters put in seems to have a bit more of a 'realistic' look implemented on them, so all in all, I enjoyed the character designs for what they are.

The stages' variety that ranges from the expected 'hell'ish', to the vibrant 'club setting', to the upside down slums, and then the more heavenly aesthetics gives this game a far from stale look. Combine that with the outcome of combat special affects, suffice to say, it's a good looking game! I don't have much to say in regards to complaint with this game; DmC looks good, that's all there is really to say from cut scenes, combat resolution, to character designs and environment. It's a good looking game.

9.5/10

Difficulty: Now I may not have the most definitive of opinion when it comes to the level of difficulty when it comes to this game because for one I am not a die hard Devil May Cry of the past. The one I did play(DmC 1 and 2) are relentless and do not give mercy to those who DO NOT abide by the game's timing and to those who aren't knowledgeable of their enemies. With that said, this game on the basic difficulty had its moments, but not very much. The 'hardest' thing if I must say it to define the default difficulty is that getting to really know the controls(memory wise). Some enemies are Left/Right trigger sensitive so one just has to really remember which weapon to use when a certain enemy pops up, but they aren't the entire line up so no real difficulty there.

Bosses are the ones that came in short; and again, I am putting it on the pedestal of the old DmCs. I remember the first Devil May Cry and the first 'boss'. That one was still harder than the final boss of this game! And while all bosses came in gargantuan size and a rather intimidating visage, they were easily deterred with a few slashes, a change in the where Dante would step, and a few dodges here and there and eventually they all fall in a nasty fit. Perhaps I should try the other difficulty and I'll say something different!

Perhaps if anything else, the challenge in the mode I chose(and I assume for the rest of them) is getting the best grade with the combos! It would be a pain to accumulate a pretty high rank and then get shut down with an enemy breaking the streak! And also, it may not have been like the past DmC, but some enemies and their distinct pattern and weakness make them a bit immune from the simple tactic of mashing button! There is tactic involved here and it can be further explored in the challenges that Dante can uncover if one chooses to do the 'sidequests'. Other than that...

7/10 (Again, basing it off the default and comparison to the other DmCs' version of it)

Voice Acting/Audio: The background music emanating in battle is a perfect blend of rock and roll and for certain stages it adheres to the EDM(electronic dance music) which of course is a sensational outcome for the mood of high energy demon slaying! Combined that with the constant sound of unholy entities being demolished with the some good ole demon slayer blade and then paired off with the reverberating music of bullets bouncing off the durable skin of such enemies and we got ourselves the tandem of demon slayer and the slain ones!

Voice acting had a very good sense of emotion potent with each character. Dante had a good rhyme to his 'don't give a fuck' and arrogant self and of course the antagonist gave off the ambiance of the big bad demon of the land. The supporting characters of Vergil and Kat don't disdain for putting out good voice acting as well. Side characters akin to the bosses who don't play a huge role but have vocal roles don't shy away as well from conveying their said parts. All in all in regards to this section, I have no complaints. I rather enjoyed it!

9/10

Overall: 

I might've risked a spoiler on that picture, but go figure. Well, not to tangent off so I have to say that this is another good reboot that came this year. Given the score I gave the sections I deem necessary in the games I delve into, it's only right that giving it an overall recommendation for anyone who wants to dive into a game that is alluring in aesthetics and fast paced and fun filled when we talk about game play. So maybe the story doesn't entirely concur with a game that is ground breaking in elaborate plot or perhaps a game that is exuberant in twists and turns and such, but again, it's not a terrible story; different and a bit more detailed than the old DmCs, but again, tolerable and easily forgotten if it's that depressing for those that have conflict with the way the story is taken. I may not have this game anymore, but rest assured that sometime I'll pick it up again just to tie loose ends!

And yes, that is an indicative picture as well(sequel, perhaps?)

8.5/10