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 been a topic of debate among fans since its release. The game was developed by PlatinumGames and released in 2013, but it was originally intended to be part of the Metal Gear Solid franchise before its title was changed. This has led to confusion regarding its place in the overarching narrative created by Hideo Kojima, the series' original creator.

What We Know

Kojima's Stance: Hideo Kojima has stated that he only considers games he directed as part of the "Metal Gear Saga." This includes titles like Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Metal Gear Solid 3, but notably excludes both Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance [1].
Game Development: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was developed by PlatinumGames, which took over the project from Kojima Productions. The change in development teams and the game's eventual title drop of "Solid" has led some fans to argue that it is not part of the mainline series [2][4].
Narrative Context: While Metal Gear Rising takes place after Metal Gear Solid 4, it is often described as a spin-off that does not significantly impact the main storyline of the series. Some sources assert that it is a canonical entry but operates in a more isolated narrative space, with minimal connections to previous games [3][5].
Community Opinions: Discussions among fans on platforms like GameFAQs reveal a range of opinions. Some argue that the game should be considered canon due to its chronological placement and the involvement of Kojima as a supervising director, while others maintain that its spin-off status excludes it from the main canon [2][6].
Fandom Consensus: Various fan sites and forums suggest that while Metal Gear Rising is not part of the main Metal Gear Solid narrative, it is still considered canon within the broader Metal Gear universe. This perspective is often supported by the game's themes and character development, which align with the series' overarching motifs [3][7].

Analysis

The reliability of sources discussing the canon status of Metal Gear Rising varies significantly.

Authoritative Sources: The first source, which directly cites Kojima's statements, is credible as it comes from a dedicated fan site that specializes in debunking myths related to the series [1]. This source is particularly valuable because it references direct quotes from Kojima, providing a solid foundation for understanding his perspective.
Community Discussions: Sources like GameFAQs and Steam Community discussions provide anecdotal evidence and personal opinions, which can be useful for gauging fan sentiment but lack the authoritative backing of official statements. These discussions often reflect a mix of speculation and personal interpretation, which can lead to biased conclusions [2][4][6].
Fandom and Informal Analysis: Websites like Downtime Bros and Fandom offer interpretations that may not be rigorously fact-checked but can provide insight into how the community perceives the game's narrative role [3][5]. However, these sources should be approached with caution, as they may reflect the biases of their authors or the communities they represent.
Conflicting Views: The existence of conflicting opinions, particularly regarding the game's status as a spin-off versus a canonical entry, highlights the ambiguity surrounding its classification. This ambiguity is compounded by the fact that the game's development was somewhat detached from Kojima's direct oversight, leading to differing interpretations of its narrative significance [2][4].

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim 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 original creator of the series, explicitly stated that he only considers games he directed as part of the "Metal Gear Saga," which notably excludes Metal Gear Rising [1]. Additionally, the game's development by PlatinumGames, rather than Kojima Productions, further supports its classification as a spin-off rather than a canonical entry [2][4].

While some fans argue for its inclusion in the broader Metal Gear universe due to its thematic connections, the lack of direct involvement from Kojima and the game's isolated narrative context suggest it does not hold the same canonical weight as the mainline titles [3][5].

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, as fan interpretations and community discussions can vary widely and may not always reflect authoritative perspectives. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions about the canon status of Metal Gear Rising.