Konami finally announces Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

After it was teased more than a year ago, Konami finally shown updates regarding Metal Gear Solid: Rising from the recent Spike Video Game Awards. But this time, the title is change to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. It totally drops “Solid” replacing “Rising” instead, and added a new subtitle, which is a combination of “Revenge” and “Vengeance”. It sounds ridiculous but heck, who knows what they're thinking about the name. XD

Not only that, it is also revealed that Platinum Games (studio who developed Vanquish and Bayonetta) was actually involved in the development of the game. We didn't seem to notice it but it was revealed that the game had its difficulties and it almost quietly canceled according to Hideo Kojima himself. But it was able to regain grounds when the development is now pass to Platinum Games. A video has been posted on Konami's official YouTube channel where they talks about “The Truth Behind RISING”. It's basically an interview of people from Kojima productions also with guys from Platinum games and tells their piece of story behind the development of their Rising project.

As usual, some fans make some fuss about it. Ever since it was tease back on 2010, some fans already rumbling like, “this isn't MGS”, “it's not MGS at all”, rant this, rant that. And now, adding to the negative reaction is “why Platinum Games?”.

Personally, I think MGR: Revengeance will turn out just fine. I believe Kojima productions had already pointed this out that Rising is a totally different game that focuses more in action rather than the traditional stealth/espionage action of the old MGS. That is why in my opinion, changing the title to “Metal Gear Rising” is a good thing, although I'm not sure about that “Revengeance” subtitle-thing but heck, just get along with it XD. And I think Platinum games can do this just fine. Like what some of my buddies said - “Platinum games' elements fits to cyborg ninja Raiden afterall, so why not?”

So in the nutshell... It's NOT Metal Gear Solid. It's Metal Gear RISING! Get it?

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailer

INTERVIEW: The Truth Behind RISING

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SH Figuarts x Square Enix PlayArts x S.I.C., or the Action Figure Primer Part 2

OK, so by now you’ve got about a couple or more anime action figures in your hands and you might be thinking of getting more. Let’s get into more action figure business, shall we?

We’ll be looking at SH Figuarts, Square Enix PlayArts, and S.I.C. in this installment.

Let’s start with SH Figuarts, which stands for “Simple Heroic Figuarts”, an off-shoot brand from Bandai. It is well-known for its extensive Kamen Rider lineup, though the line also includes popular anime characters from Dragon Ball, One Piece and Pretty Cure.

A typical SH Figuart figure stands at around 14 millimeters, but don’t underestimate its build based on that. SH Figuart figures are known to be sturdy and accurately articulated, rivaling Revoltech and Figma figures. Bandai kept it simple and clean with this line, with crisp detailing and paintjobs not readily seen in similar-sized figures.

Now, S.I.C., or Super Imaginative Chogokin, is the direct opposite of SH Figuarts. Though both lines are from Bandai, S.I.C. specializes in re-imagined versions of mostly Kamen Rider and other tokusatsu characters such as Kikkaider and Hakkaider. The overall theme of S.I.C. presents darker, grittier versions of the characters, which appeals to fans that prefer an alternative feel to their favorite characters.

Square Enix on the other hand has expanded their merchandise base to include action figures of their characters. Square Enix PlayArts features characters from wildly popular Square Enix games such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. Lately, the line has expanded to include figures from non-Square Enix games such as Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Halo and Devil May Cry which became known better as Square Enix PlayArts Kai.

Square Enix PlayArts are valued by collectors because of the accuracy and value-for-money as each Square Enix PlayArts figure is made from heavy stock ABS plastic and includes completes accessories for each character.

So there you have it. More action figure discussions on the next installment of The Action Figure Primer!

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