Xbox Gaming in South Africa

In an interview with Game Informer, Metal Gear Solid Rising producer Shigenobu Matsuyama gives us a few tidbits on the much anticipated action game, explaining that MGS: Rising is all about "how Raiden turned from 'flesh and blood' into a cyborg," and that the story would focus on the protagonist's "transformation mentally and physically". Deep.

He also makes an interesting observation about the franchise's trademark lengthy cinematics, acknowledging that "based on consumer feedback, it seemed as though they were a gift and a curse". So he's looking to find the perfect balance between these and the actual gameplay.

"The Dan Zatsu battle system has a couple of different features that not only involves slicing and dicing enemies," he describes, "but enable the player to gain information, and obtain weapons and items from enemies as well. The aiming and slicing is the fun part though, as you can aim and slice every time when attacking." He also adds that the option to disable enemies instead of killing them is available too, so conscientious ninjas get their moment too.

Despite a tech showing at TGS recently, Matsuyama remains non-committal about 3D features, describing the demo as a "referential presentation", as well as motion control. "Both 3D and motion control features are worth considering, though," he adds.

Metal Gear Solid: Rising is set release on the Xbox 360 in 2011.