There are three video
game franchises that I enjoy above all; Sonic (old school, + Sonic Generations), Uncharted, and the game to measure all others
against, Metal Gear. Metal Gear Solid changed the way I viewed games. No longer
was it a pastime just for kids, it made me grow up as a gamer. Its story was
intricate, at times convoluted, but it was thoroughly interesting. The last new console
entry in the series was 2008’s MGS4: Guns of the Patriots (first chance at
playing 2010’s Peace Walker wasn’t until it’s HD release). I did not realize
how desperate I was for a new game in the franchise until the reveal of
Revengeance, and I just can’t wait.
This isn’t a new thing
for me; I only got my PS2 to play MGS2: Son’s of Liberty. Okami, God of War, Ratchet
and Jak were all bonuses, but MGS2 was the sole reason. I was so excited I
didn’t even question the absurdly messy plot and poor villains (Fatman anyone?)
that I still forgive to this day. This carried over to my PS3, where I picked
up my console in 2006 for the sole purpose of getting MGS4 which was supposed to come out in 2007
(two delays later and it finally hit June 2008). For both games, and 2004’s
MGS3, I was so excited I couldn’t help but count the days till I could get my
grubby hands on it. But after MGS4, I felt content, the story had come to an
end, I was pleased, and I never questioned the need for a new Metal Gear. Now
Konami has revealed the existence of not just one new Metal Gear, but possibly
three, and it’s lit a fire in me belly.
Metal Gear Rising:
Revengance is a departure from the norm. Firstly, it’s an action game made by
Platinum Games, starring sword wielding Raiden. There is no other studio I
would trust to make an action game like this, after all, the people at Platinum
made Okami, Viewtiful Joe, and Vanquish which are all great but sadly niche
games (note: I do NOT like
Bayonetta). Then there is the more seemingly traditional MGS: Ground Zeroes,
which takes the plot back in time with incredibly pretty visuals. Recently, at
VGA 10, we glimpsed The Phantom Pain, which looks to be the reveal of MGS5. I’m giddy, and I never expected this reaction. Sure I’ve
pre-paid for Revengeance Special Edition, that’s par for the course, but with
added Metal Gear waiting in the wings (probably years from now), has just
helped to tip me over the edge. I thought those days were over, I guess not.
I haven’t had this feeling
of anticipation since, well, 2008’s MGS4. In two months I get to play
Revengeance, and hopefully in the same year I will get Ground Zeroes (one can
hope right?). Solid Snake’s story may be done, but I feel there is still plenty
more to tell from this universe; after all, I’m still waiting for my game where
you play as The Boss. There isn’t much that can trump this feeling of material
anticipation. Well, there is one thing that currently eclipses my anticipation
for the next Metal Gear, and that’s the movie Man of Steel, because 2006’s
Superman Returns broke me, and I’ll never forgive Brian Singer for
that piece of Kryptonian turd. But before that, Metal Gear returns, and I sure
can’t wait. February cannot get here sooner.
