Such claims may have seemed absurd in 2013 but in 2021, considering the impact social media has had on political movements and extremism worldwide, Rising feels shockingly prophetic. The game posits that whoever creates the strongest meme can control their culture. This refers to both the internet's combinations of words and images and the transference of culture. However, the game also explores a more subtle kind of control: memes, ideas or concepts passed from person-to-person. Like Rand, Rising is also concerned with free will. Most of its cast struggles with control, battling against their programming or fighting to move on from bloody pasts. As an extension, this means that self-interest and capitalism are both inherently moral. Developed by Ayn Rand, objectivism is an individualistic idea that claims reality is absolute, reason is the best tool for understanding it and that people should use free will to advance their own happiness. Rising is arguably Metal Gear's most politically-charged game yet, exploring a philosophy that has been influential in the U.S.: objectivism. This frequently leads to them striking out to pursue their personal ideals, for better and worse.

It's common for the series' protagonists, from the legendary Big Boss to Rising's own Raiden, to become disillusioned with the nation's treatment of soldiers and celebration of war. Despite most of its heroes being American, the games are often critical of the country.

The Metal Gear franchise has always had a complex relationship with the United States. Related: The 6 Best Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Mods Yet, despite its ultra-violent gameplay, Rising turned out to be one of the most provocative chapters in Metal Gear's story. In many ways, its narrative can be understood as a critique of objectivism and a rejection of selfishness. Through this discussion, the game issues a stark warning about the dangers of this ideology and how its devotees can manipulate even the most well-intentioned cultural concepts. As such, it can be easy to assume the game is a brainless button-masher compared to the rest of its more thoughtful family. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was a strange entry in the legendary stealth saga, being more focused on fast-paced action and brutal cyborg battles than the series' traditional sneaking.

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