Editor: Darryl Linington
Metal Gear Solid: Rising was showcased at E3 2012 this year; however, the gameplay footage seemed to offend some viewers. This lead to various websites marking the title as one title that has truly over stepped the mark, especially when it comes to graphical violence.
Truth be told, most video games are violent in some way, shape or form; however, it is really up to the consumer to decide what video game titles they choose to play. I will admit that the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid: Rising does seem a little over-the-top, but if you look back at previous titles you would actually realise at how violent some of them were.
A good example of an over-the-top blood fest title is Manhunt, which gave gamers various items to dispose of enemies in a non-surprising violent manner.
Another example of over-the-top violence is the Condemned series. Condemned allowed players to analyse crime scenes, while bashing in the skulls of various enemies.
I could quite honestly go on forever listing titles that feature over-the-top violence like Mortal Kombat, Madworld, Dead Space and the Grand Theft Auto series. However, I am not trying to promote violent video games, nor am I shunning them to the darkest corners of the room. I am trying to point out they are apart of the industry and always will be. Additionally, it is really up to the gamer/consumer to decide whether or not to purchase blood soaked, psychologically tormenting, bone crunching titles.
I will admit that I am overly keen on the Metal Gear Solid franchise taking a different route, especially after so many years of stealth and strategic gameplay; however, we will have to see if the title is any good once it is launched.
To end this off I would like to ask the following:
1. Do you think that the gameplay featured in Metal Gear Solid: Rising is too extreme for the gaming industry? (The video can be viewed below).
2. What other titles did you find more disturbing than the ones I have mentioned?
The Overlord, the master, the one who tries to get things done… I think they call it the “Editor-in-Chief”… I may even be cooler than Master Chief, but that remains to be questioned.
