“Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance”

4.5 out of 5 stars

For Playstation 3,

Xbox 360

•Style: Action/adventure

•Rating: M for Mature

• Controversial protagonist Raiden comes back into the spotlight with his own story.

• Interesting, welcome departure from the normal stealth-focused game play

• Lack of tutorial, difficult first boss fight may turn some players away.

“Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance” defies expectations.

It’s the rebellious teenager in the Metal Gear Solid series. Just when you expect a certain plotline or gameplay, “MGR: R” switches things up and leaves you utterly confused. It’s a good thing in the end, but it takes some time to get used to.

Gamers who’ve followed updates on this title will know it’s supposed to be more action-oriented by design. Focusing on Raiden, the controversial protagonist of “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,” the game is supposed to explain more of Raiden’s story between MGS 2 and “Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.”

Silly long game titles aside, this is a marked departure for the “Metal Gear Solid” series. Whereas previous games rewarded stealth, “Revengeance” rewards brutal whoopings delivered to your opponent. Whereas the player was rewarded for taking as few lives as possible in previous “Metal Gear Solid” games, Raiden powers up based on how many people or machines he kills with his katana.

And oh, the game engine. This is an undeniably beautiful yet frustrating game, one that throws you into the universe with little to no explanation. Almost every player will find the first few boss battles difficult, as the game gives you little tutorial to work with. You’ll have to figure out how the game’s counterattack system works on your own, and the dodge button will be your best friend.

Yet the game is a great “Metal Gear Solid” side story and an engaging action title. It’s more of a hack-and-slash game, yet it manages to transcend some of the stereotypical aspects of that genre. It’s a good buy, and “Metal Gear Solid” fans old and new will enjoy it.