Parents' Guide to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Game PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360 2013
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Marc Saltzman By Marc Saltzman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 18+

Fast pace, intense violence/gore take series on new course.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 18+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 9 parent reviews

age 13+

Based on 34 kid reviews

Kids say the game is a thrilling hack-and-slash experience filled with intense, albeit gory, combat against robotic enemies, allowing players to engage in high-speed sword fighting while delivering poignant socio-political messages. Many reviewers appreciate the engaging gameplay, impressive soundtrack, and moral complexity, while also cautioning against its violent themes and strong language, suggesting it's suitable for older teens who can handle such content.

  • violent themes
  • engaging gameplay
  • moral complexity
  • impressive soundtrack
  • suitable for older teens
Summarized with AI

What's It About?

METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes place in 2018, four years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. The single-player game stars Raiden, a cyborg ninja who works for PMC Maverick Enterprises, who is hired to take down enemy operatives employed by a rival outfit, Desperado Enterprises. Raiden, who has superhuman abilities, learns Desperado is leading a military coup in the fictional country of Abkhazia, and so he vows to stop them in their tracks with the help of fellow operatives (some of whom have appeared in other games, such as Sunny). Using his sharp katana (sword) and other weapons and acrobatic skills, Raiden takes on multiple cyborgs and robots in this over-the-top, high-speed action adventure.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 9 ):
Kids say ( 34 ):

Don't expect this game to be like all the previous Metal Gear Solid games. Instead of a slower, stealth-focused game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is all about fast-paced combat, destructible environments, and over-the-top sequences, such as hopping in the air from missile to missile. While the plot of the story is somewhat weak and predictable, this game peels back more of Raiden's past, personal life, and struggles, which helps add some depth and purpose to your adventure. The game also feels good thanks to tight and responsive controls -- so taking down enemies is exciting -- but be aware some camera angles can obscure the action somewhat. Whether you're a fan of Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid franchise or in search of a new action game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a blast for players old enough to enjoy this M-rated entertainment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Parents and kids can discuss this game's departure from past Metal Gear Solid titles. Is it a good idea to break away from what's expected and offer a different experience? Or should the developer stick with what made the franchise popular? Do you risk alienating fans, or perhaps Konami will gain new ones?

  • Families can also discuss the impact of violence in the media.

Game Details

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Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Poster Image

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