Crysis 3 wasn’t the only noteworthy release to come out on Tuesday. Sure, the Metal Gear franchise may not be as big as it once was but Kojima is still a big deal to gamers. The creatively titled Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance may only star Raiden but the sword play shown off ahead of release sure looked impressive. So what did the critics think?

NZGamer (9.7/10) – It’s a bit on the short side, sure, and the visuals have a tiny hiccup here and there. Everything else about the game is perfect. Seriously, it’s exactly right. If you like your action to be intense, dramatic, and totally ridiculous, this could very well be your game of the year.

GameTrailers (9.2/10) – It’s good to see that Konami hasn’t abandoned the series’ outlandish style–all the oddball fan service you associate with Metal Gear is present and accounted for in Revengeance. The writing definitely has its moments, complete with flamboyant performances, dry one-liners, and of course, the hallmark insane set-pieces. Revengeance’s plot is self-indulgent to the extreme, but like its predecessors, it’s not above making fun of itself.

Giant Bomb (4/5) – I found Metal Gear Rising to be a thrilling and engaging experience. The swordplay is fun, and it’s really fascinating to see the different spots where either Kojima’s or Platinum’s signature styles shine through… If you’re a value-minded individual that doesn’t tend to replay games, Metal Gear Rising will only make you angry. But if seeing the state of the post-MGS4 world while slicing your way through everything that gets in your way sounds like a good time, well, that’s because it is.

Game Informer (7.75/10) – Whether you are hoping for a meaningful expansion of the Metal Gear universe or a gratifying action experience, Revengeance falls short. Brutalizing cyborgs and hacking giant mechs to pieces is fun, but the restrictive design and lack of precision keep Raiden from capturing the best of both worlds.

Games Revolution (2/5) – Revengeance fights the player every step of the way. What’s more, reducing the difficulty ultimately boils down the combat to a button masher, leaving the experience hollow and draining all the same. Fans and masochists alike might find a lot to love, but even I can’t stand the crunchy outside of a bug for the sweet gooey insides.