Anyway, if you had any access to the internet over the last couple of years, chances are you would've witnessed the tech demo that was revealed by Kojima productions back in 2010. The demo in question showed everyone's favourite Bishōnen cyborg performing 'Zandatsu', which is essentially using a vibro-blade to slice the world as if it were made of dairy products.
Personally, I would've bought this demo as a standalone for about a tenner.
Anyway, fastforward a few months and we're now looking at a flashy hack n slash, rather than a tech demo. I, like a few others, wasn't fond of the change, but understood the reasoning behind it. Namely the shitton of processing power it would require and enemies providing absolutely no challenge if they're all made of butter.
But enough backstory.
The game opens roughly three years after the end of Metal Gear Solid 4, and we're treated to some Platinum-tier average-at-best voice acting and somewhat stilted conversation.
Fuck it, this is Platinum, we don't play their games for the plot, so I'll let that slide.
Raiden is still in his old and busted attire, something which becomes painfully clear when the convoy he's escorting runs into another sword-wielding cyborg. In addition to being stronger, faster, and pretty much everything else Kanye West claimed he was in that song, 'Sam' is also the proud owner of the largest shit-eating grin ever rendered.
Just look at this smug fuck. This is the face of a man
who penetrates your mother whilst you're home and doesn't even have
the audacity to close the door.
the audacity to close the door.
LOOK AT HIM.
After displaying his own 'Zandatsu' prowess by sprinting like Sonic and bisecting a nameless Cyborg soldier and the 50.cal turret he's firing, Sam flashes his pearly whites and fucks right off. This causes a somewhat disgruntled Raiden to ruin his fine cut Italian suit and reveal his MGS4 model.
And thus begins the game.
And thus begins the game.
Gameplay
Since Platinum Games are behind this, most would be disappointed if MGR didn't feature batshit insane and borderline-absurd combat. Vanquish was and remains to this day, one of my favourite games for this very reason and I'm pleased to say that Platinum haven't lost their touch.
The combo list rivals old school Devil May Cry's (pre-Ninja Theory), and the vast majority of said combos are both immensely satisfying to perform and rather fun to watch. Hell, it even made the heels look good. (Woops.)
The combat itself is excellent; fast-paced, intense and like all Platinum games: flashy as fuck. Every battle is relentless, without breathing room, and yes the lack of a block button may seem scary to some of the more casual players, but it also means you actually have to watch your opponent's moves and counter accordingly. Mashing results in your own shit getting sliced. It can be difficult first, but parrying will come naturally within an hour or so of playing.
Haven't had this much fun with a hack and slash in years. An excellent 9/10
Story
Without spoiling too much, you can probably tell this game doesn't take itself seriously. Ninja Cyborgs that can throw giant sword-wielding Nuclear Mechs, multi-armed women with robotically augmented breasts, and a dog AI with a chainsaw for a tail. It's got Platinum written all over it, and they just do not give a fuck. Evidence for this is present throughout the game, with increasingly absurd events, culminating in a cybernetically enhanced politician screaming a popular self-depreciating meme before playing Handegg with Raiden's face.
Its stupid, but it knows it's stupid, and I love it for that. 7/10
Visuals
Pretty damn good looking. Not the greatest in the world, but its smooth, consistent framerate, flashy effects and decent textures makes the game brilliant fun to watch.
Flashing, flashing everywhere. 8/10
Soundtrack
Guitar Riffs and heavily accented vocals set to wanton destruction? Whats not to love? Apart from the lack of variety.
Excellent music for combat, everything else? Not so much. Luckily, this game is all about combat. 8/10
Overall
A solid game which is immensely fun to play, exactly what a game should be.
8.5/10
Haven't had this much fun with a hack and slash in years. An excellent 9/10
Story
Without spoiling too much, you can probably tell this game doesn't take itself seriously. Ninja Cyborgs that can throw giant sword-wielding Nuclear Mechs, multi-armed women with robotically augmented breasts, and a dog AI with a chainsaw for a tail. It's got Platinum written all over it, and they just do not give a fuck. Evidence for this is present throughout the game, with increasingly absurd events, culminating in a cybernetically enhanced politician screaming a popular self-depreciating meme before playing Handegg with Raiden's face.
Its stupid, but it knows it's stupid, and I love it for that. 7/10
Visuals
Pretty damn good looking. Not the greatest in the world, but its smooth, consistent framerate, flashy effects and decent textures makes the game brilliant fun to watch.
Flashing, flashing everywhere. 8/10
Soundtrack
Guitar Riffs and heavily accented vocals set to wanton destruction? Whats not to love? Apart from the lack of variety.
Excellent music for combat, everything else? Not so much. Luckily, this game is all about combat. 8/10
Overall
A solid game which is immensely fun to play, exactly what a game should be.
8.5/10
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