Fact Check: Is Metal Gear Rising canon?

Is Metal Gear Rising Canon?

The question of whether Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is considered canon within the Metal Gear series has sparked considerable debate among fans. The game, released in 2013, is a spin-off from the main series, which has led to differing interpretations of its status in relation to the overarching narrative created by Hideo Kojima. This article will explore the various claims surrounding the canonicity of Metal Gear Rising and the evidence supporting or contradicting these claims.

What We Know

Kojima's Stance: Hideo Kojima, the creator of the Metal Gear series, has stated that he only considers the games he directed as part of the "Metal Gear Saga." This includes Metal Gear Solid (1998) through Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) but excludes Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops [1][2].
Game's Position: Metal Gear Rising is set chronologically after Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008) and features Raiden, a character from the main series. However, it is described as a spin-off that operates independently from the main narrative threads of the series [3][5].
Community Opinions: Various forums and fan discussions reflect a range of opinions. Some argue that while Metal Gear Rising is a spin-off, it still holds a place in the broader Metal Gear universe due to its timeline and character connections [4][7]. Others emphasize that its lack of direct involvement with the main series' plotlines diminishes its canonical status [6].
Official Timelines: The official timelines presented by Konami do not include Metal Gear Rising as part of the main series, further complicating its classification as canon [6][8].

Analysis

The debate over the canonicity of Metal Gear Rising hinges on several factors, including the interpretation of Kojima's statements, the game's narrative structure, and the community's reception.

Kojima's Authority: The primary source of authority on this matter is Hideo Kojima himself. His assertion that only games he directed are canonical raises questions about the status of works produced under his supervision, such as Metal Gear Rising. While he served as a supervising director for the game, the lack of direct involvement in its development suggests a degree of separation from the main narrative [1][5].
Community Perspectives: The opinions expressed in fan forums and articles vary widely. Some sources assert that Metal Gear Rising is canon due to its chronological placement and character continuity, while others argue that its spin-off nature and Kojima's comments negate this claim [3][4][6]. This divergence highlights the subjective nature of canon within fan communities, where personal interpretations can significantly influence consensus.
Source Reliability: The sources cited range from fan-driven wikis and forums to articles from gaming websites. While fan wikis like Fandom provide a platform for community discussion, they may lack rigorous editorial standards, potentially leading to the spread of unverified claims [2][6]. Conversely, articles from established gaming sites, such as Cultured Vultures, may offer more reliable insights but could still reflect the biases of their authors or the communities they serve [8].
Methodological Concerns: The lack of a definitive, authoritative source on the canonicity of Metal Gear Rising suggests that further clarification from Konami or Kojima Productions would be beneficial. A comprehensive statement addressing the game's status in relation to the main series could help resolve ongoing debates.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is canon within the Metal Gear series is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes Hideo Kojima's explicit statements indicating that only the games he directed are considered part of the "Metal Gear Saga," which excludes Metal Gear Rising. Additionally, the official timelines provided by Konami do not recognize Metal Gear Rising as part of the main series, further solidifying its status as a spin-off rather than a canonical entry.

However, it is important to acknowledge the subjective nature of canonicity within fan communities, where differing opinions can lead to varied interpretations. While some fans may argue for the game's inclusion based on its character connections and chronological placement, these arguments do not align with the authoritative statements from Kojima and the official materials from Konami.

The limitations of available evidence should also be noted; the lack of a definitive statement from Konami or Kojima Productions regarding the game's status leaves room for ongoing debate. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of claims regarding canonicity, as personal interpretations can significantly influence consensus in fan discussions.