Metal Gear Solid: Rising is a third-person action game that follows the story of Raiden, who originally appeared as a playable character in 2001's Metal Gear Solid 2. Rising has players controlling the quick and agile Raiden in gameplay reminiscent of later entries in Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden series. What sets Raiden apart from ordinary characters, however, is his cybernetically enhanced body. Players will be able to hack and slash at cyborgs and other mechanical minions, tear parts away from their bodies, and then harvest them for use as energy, ammunition, equipment, and more.
The swordplay also distinguishes this game from similar melee-oriented titles, with a "free slicing" mechanic that lets players cut precisely where they want using a special targeting reticule. Raiden will be able to cut into nearly anything in front of him, allowing for strategic uses of the sword to disable electrical systems, sever robotic limbs, and more. While previous Metal Gear Solid games emphasized stealth, Rising is designed to be faster paced. Raiden will use his speed and acrobatic agility to avoid detection instead of hiding inside boxes or carefully peering around corners. Metal Gear Solid: Rising is the first entry in the series designed as a multi-platform title.