Is Metal Gear Rising Canon?
The question of whether "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" is considered canon within the broader "Metal Gear" series has sparked considerable debate among fans and critics alike. The game, developed by PlatinumGames and released in 2013, is often viewed as a spin-off rather than a direct continuation of the main series created by Hideo Kojima. This article explores the various claims surrounding its canonical status, examining the perspectives of different sources and the implications of their assertions.
What We Know
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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 titles like "Metal Gear Solid" and "Metal Gear Solid 2," but notably excludes "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" and "Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops" [1].
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Game Timeline: "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" is set chronologically after "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots." It features Raiden, a character from the main series, but presents a narrative that diverges from the central storyline [4].
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Community Perspectives: Various fan discussions and articles present differing opinions on the game's canon status. Some argue that it is indeed part of the larger "Metal Gear" universe due to its connections to established characters and events, while others maintain that its spin-off nature and Kojima's lack of direct involvement render it non-canonical [2][4][6].
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Official Recognition: While some sources assert that "Metal Gear Rising" is recognized as canon, they often clarify that it operates within its own narrative framework, separate from the mainline games. This distinction is crucial for understanding its role within the franchise [5][7].
Analysis
The debate over the canonicity of "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" hinges on several factors, including the authority of Hideo Kojima's statements, the interpretations of fans, and the game's narrative structure.
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Kojima's Authority: Given that Kojima is the original creator of the series, his viewpoint carries significant weight. The assertion that only his directed titles are canonical suggests a deliberate boundary set around the narrative he crafted. However, this perspective may also reflect a desire to maintain creative control over the franchise's direction [1].
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Fan Interpretations: The community's interpretations vary widely. Some fans argue that the game's inclusion of established characters and events from the main series legitimizes its status as part of the canon. Others counter that its different gameplay style and narrative focus create a separation from the mainline entries [2][4][6].
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Source Reliability: The sources consulted present a mix of opinions, with some being more authoritative than others. For instance, the article from "The Snake Soup" provides a well-researched perspective based on Kojima's statements, while fan discussions on platforms like GameFAQs may reflect personal opinions rather than established facts [1][6]. The reliability of these sources varies, with fan-driven content often lacking the rigorous editorial standards found in more formal publications.
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Methodological Concerns: The lack of a definitive statement from Kojima regarding "Metal Gear Rising" leaves room for interpretation. Additionally, the absence of official timelines or documentation from Konami, the publisher, complicates the matter further. A more comprehensive analysis of official communications from the developers and publishers would be beneficial in clarifying this issue.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The assertion that "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" is canon within the "Metal Gear" series is deemed false based on several key pieces of evidence. Hideo Kojima, the series creator, explicitly states that only the games he directed are considered part of the canonical "Metal Gear Saga," which excludes "Metal Gear Rising" [1]. Furthermore, while the game features characters and elements from the main series, its narrative diverges significantly, reinforcing its status as a spin-off rather than a canonical entry [4].
It is important to note that the debate surrounding this issue is influenced by varying interpretations from the fan community, some of whom argue for its inclusion in the canon due to its connections to established characters [2][4][6]. However, these interpretations do not alter the authoritative stance provided by Kojima himself.
The limitations of available evidence include the lack of definitive statements from Konami regarding the game's status and the reliance on subjective fan opinions, which can vary widely in reliability. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context of the ongoing discussions within the fan community.
Sources
- Myth: Hideo Kojima said that Portable Ops and Rising are canonical. The Snake Soup. Retrieved from The Snake Soup
- Is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance canon? - Fandom. Retrieved from Fandom
- Is Metal Gear Rising Canon? - Downtime Bros. Retrieved from Downtime Bros
- METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE - Steam Community. Retrieved from Steam Community
- Which Metal Gear Games Are Canon? - Cultured Vultures. Retrieved from Cultured Vultures
- Canon or not? - Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Retrieved from PlayStation Trophies
