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I'm seeing some metal gear rising discourse, so as the resident revengeance enjoyer, it's time to throw my hat into the ring. Let us commence forth
Thoughts so far:
1. We would've been MUCH better off with a game that took place between 2 and 4.
2. The game, in my opinion, does have value beyond the fun.
3. It is a metaphor for Raiden's journey.
1. We would've been MUCH better off with a game that took place between 2 and 4.
2. The game, in my opinion, does have value beyond the fun.
3. It is a metaphor for Raiden's journey.
1. Raiden did a LOT of cool (and not-so-cool) shit between 2 and 4, but I'm mainly going to focus on how he rescued Sunny and was eventually captured and turned into a cyborg. His love for Sunny drove him to essentially sacrifice himself and his humanity for her.
For a child he hadn't even met yet! The child of a woman who double-crossed him, no less. He didn't need to help Olga, but he chose to.
Him being turned into a cyborg not only calls back to Gray Fox's struggles, but also as a way of showing us what the in-universe tech can do.
Him being turned into a cyborg not only calls back to Gray Fox's struggles, but also as a way of showing us what the in-universe tech can do.
We just deserved to see all of this (and even play it ourselves) instead of it just being told to us. MGS4 does a lot of telling, not showing when it comes to Raiden's adventures. The sword mechanic of MGRR would've worked too, since Raiden got the sword at the end of 2.
Onto my second point, there is more value to the game than just "big man swing sword". Granted the bits of plot we get feel like scraps or puzzle pieces at times, the worldbuilding is the most interesting part to me. Almost like a "bad ending" to MGS4, war is economized & common
Raiden's arc is interesting in this game. While it does come off as a bit over the top and comical, his breakdown and descent into Jack the Ripper really shows us his mental struggles, his desire to be good, how much he wants to save but how much he's holding back.
This is something he's been fighting with since 2! Accidentally killing soldiers will trigger unique dialogue where he begins panicking and wondering why it was something he enjoyed. And for someone who has forgotten his own bloodthirsty past, that's even more terrifying.
He's being told that all he's good for is killing, but instead of remaining miserable about it, he utilizes that ability for his goal. He essentially realizes he's merciless towards those who have used their power and status against lower-class people.
He fights to ensure a future better than his own, where children will not be turned into soldiers or cyborgs)against their will. He fights for their protection and the future. It's something he's seen with his own eyes, so he harbors a lot of resentment for those adults in power.
Raiden is the very definition of chaotic good, a character who will stop at nothing to ensure that others are protected for the greater good. If people who deserve it get killed in the process, it doesn't matter one bit to him.
Plotwise, I feel like the worldbuilding and how his personality changes are the most valuable parts of the game besides gameplay. Would I have liked to see more? Without a doubt. But do I think what's here is excellent? Without a doubt.
And finally, I believe this exists as a metaphor. It's the ouroboros - a constant cycle of violence, in Raiden's case. While he is no longer living a "proxy life", in his words, he continues to fight and leave a trial of blood to obtain his goals. He will never be free of war.
And yes it's sad, it's bittersweet even, because he will stop at nothing to pursue his goals even if it means continuing wars or fighting his own. War has been his life since he was very young, but this time it's voluntary. He has trapped himself in a cycle of violence.
Ok I think that's it! I just needed to share my two cents. If you read this far I am so sorry
