This was an enjoyable read. It's nice to see that video games aren't any of the candidates' big concerns at the moment. At least not until Grand Theft Auto V is released and causes a big stir, as the series is wont to do.

On a total sidenote, related to games and not politics so much, it must be kind of disheartening to be the Saints Row devs. I mean, GTA thrives on creating controversy. It helps them sell more games, really. But then Saints Row The Third comes along and is so obviously trying to be controversial with dildos in its trailers and what not, but they don't get a lick of attention outside of the video game media. They're probably dreaming of a misinformed Fox News broadcast, but I don't remember any such thing occurring (not that frequently watch Fox News, I like to fill my mind with more intelligent banter). But I guarantee the smallest 'controversial' bit of GTA 5 will get plenty of media coverage. Guess that's what happens when you're a cultural phenomenon.

Regardless, I'm glad video games are recently being skipped in favor of discussing more important issues, so to speak.

Brief thoughts (I swear):

1. Revengeance is a dumbass name. Just to say it plain.
2. Calling the game Metal Gear Rising really doesn't make sense from a canonical standpoint. It's not a precursor to any of the "Metal Gear" games. The only game it's a precursor to (I imagine) is Metal Gear 'Solid' 4. That's a key difference (even if MGS3 and MGS:PW are precursors for both MG and MGS).
3. The switch to Platinum makes sense from a gameplay standpoint, which is what this game was basically meant to act as; a departure from stealth into hack-n-slash action... for better or worse.
4. The switch to Platinum worries from a plot and thematic standpoint. I enjoy the convoluted, conspiracy-driven plot of the MG and MGS games. I worry that Platinum will lose that edge, and therefore some of the games artistic relevance. Because, Metal Gear is easy to defend as art due to its political themes. Even the game can't deliver on that front, I feel it will lose much of its edge. On this note, I worry about Platinum losing the ability to weave a strong plot. Raiden is a fascinating character, despite how much he is hated. This game could really drive home the horrors of child soldiers and their lifelong psychological traumas, but I worry that Platinum won't be able to deliver on that front either. Sure, Platinum can create interesting characters, but they're all mostly tongue-in-cheek. Granted, MGS has a fair amount of cheesiness to it, but its characters are often deadly serious at poignant moments. I hope Platinum can have serious aspects to the characters as well as cheesy ones.

Anyway, as concerned as I am for this game, I will still keep my eyes and ears, and mind, open. In the meantime, I'll probably be picking up and replaying through MGS:HD anyway. I've been craving it, but I don't have the money. Stupid student loans!

This looks awesome!

PS3 would be sweet!

I loved the hell out of Rayman 2.

PS3 would be way cool.

The Dahmer joke was incredible, by the way. Very nice timing and delivery, I must say.

I don't like PETA, at all (and I'm a vegetarian. Not that that matters, I just want to show that some of us are sane and don't agree with PETA.). Anyway, PETA is often hypocritical and demeaning to women. And believe me, I was also offended by how misguided this "joke" was. But really, as far as over-the-top environmental groups go, you can do far worse. Check out some of the stuff ELF (Earth Liberation Front) has done. PETA may be the more annoying organization in the spotlight, but as far as I recall, they have yet to blow up a greenhouse.

I have to admit, the free play mode sounds interesting, even without a record feature. I'm too cheap to invest in different guitars, pedals, and amps. As such, I've had the same Strat and 15-watt Vox for years. So, I think once this hits the bargain bin for less than $20 (and you know it will), I might pick it up so I can play around with other sounds for cheap.

This looks kickass!!

This would be sweet! I would totally have this on top of my bookcase, right next to Edgar Allen Poe. Yeah, they belong together.