Kojima called it the next major release of Metal Gear Solid - but it isn't Metal Gear Solid 5. Metal Gear Solid: Rising takes on a new subtitle, ditches the numbering, and swaps "Tactical Espionage Action" for "Lightning Bolt Action".
And say goodbye to the series stalwart.
"Hold on," said Kojima, with a sly smile, introducing the game to the 360 audience, "I didn't say anything about Solid Snake!"
But then, why is this still called Metal Gear Solid? For all that this title seems to be diverging from the series, including returning Raiden as the main character proper, the "Solid" doesn't seem to want to go away.