Kojima on Rising: "If something goes against" Metal Gear mainstays, "I’ll say something"

Metal Gear Solid: Rising may be a hands-off project for Hideo Kojima, but be warned, developers: mess up the series's core principles and he'll step back in.

Another team inside Kojima Productions is handling Rising's development, the first time a proper Metal Gear title is being made without major input from series creator Kojima.

"This time I’ve been really hands-off, letting it go on its own with the new team," he told OPM UK as part of the magazine's new cover feature.

But he's been there to give little pushes.

"It’s not like I’m giving up complete control. It’s that point in the beginning – the core concept, finding that seed. So the concept came from the staff – they got the idea to use Raiden as the main character and to make it into an action game. Even the story: I try not to read it, because if I do then I’ll want to say something and get sucked back in again."

Kojima's got his beady, fail-safe eye on it, though.

"Very early on I set boundaries and I gave some feedback. If there’s something I feel crosses a line and goes against everything Metal Gear is, then I’ll say something. But as much as possible I try to preserve the boundary."

Metal Gear Solid: Rising is due for release in 2012 for PS3, 360 and PC. A re-reveal is on the cards at the VGAs in two weeks.