Rumor Mill: Metal Gear Solid Rising Could Arrive on June 3, 2011

A listing on the site of specialist retailer GameStop suggests that Metal Gear Solid Rising, the next video game in the popular series created by Hideo Kojima, could be released as soon as June 3, 2011 in North America, with Japanese players presumably getting access to it somewhat earlier.

Publisher Konami has refused to offer any confirmation or denial linked to the suggested date and neither the developer nor the publisher have previously mentioned and launch window for the new Metal Gear Solid title.

Rising will focus on the character Raiden, telling the story of how he suffered a radical transformation, both in terms of his physical appearance and his mind set, between the events of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and his role in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

The developers have claimed that they are aiming for a less complex story in Metal Gear Solid Rising, with fever and shorter cutscenes.

The new game will also be self contained, allowing gamers to experience a narrative that does not require prior knowledge of any Metal Gear Solid title.

In terms of gameplay, Hideo Kojima and his team are focusing on a new gameplay mechanics called zan datsu, which can be translated as cut and take, which will see main character Raiden use his futuristic ninja sword to disembody enemies, both human and mechanics, then take some of their equipment and use it to enhance his own capabilities.

Kojima Productions has not talked about offering support for motion tracking add ons Move or Kinect, which would seem well suited for the new zan datsu mechanics.

Metal Gear Solid Rising will also aim for a more action-oriented stealth mechanics, allowing Raiden to move quicker through the environment.

Metal Gear Solid Rising will be launched for the PlayStation 3 from Sony, the Xbox 360 from Microsoft and the PC.