Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is an installment in the Metal Gear series and set four years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots . The gameplay is very different from most of the other games in the series, with fast-paced action gameplay similar to Platinum Games' own MadWorld or the Devil May Cry series. The protagonist is the cyborg ninja Raiden, who was previously the main character in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty . After the shadow organization The Patriots was destroyed, the various private military companies have turned into developing cyborg superhumans. Raiden is one of them, working mostly in security for PMC Maverick Securities with his colleagues Boris, Courtney, Doktor, Kevin and Sunny.
The gameplay is based on hack-and-slash. Raiden's primary weapon is a high-frequency blade used to string together combos based on light and heavy attacks. Later on other weapons can be acquired after defeating bosses for new attacks. Secondary weapons can be picked up for other attacks, such as rocket launchers, missiles and grenades. He can also enter a bullet time blade mode where very precise slices can be executed. This is used to target and cut off specific limbs, as well as perform a zandatsu.
Compared to the earlier games stealth is of minor importance. Levels consist of different linear sections with some minor exploration. At certain moments it is possible to approach an enemy from behind to do a ninja kill, attack with a one-hit kill from above, or to sneak past security cameras. Later on drum cans and cardboard boxes can be used to hide as well.
While playing a separate menu is used to communicate with the other team members. The in-game currency consists of battle points that can be spent on new body armor, better health and fuel abilities, enhancements for weapons, and new skills that provide additional moves in general or for specific weapons.