Metal Gear Rising has now become one of the most exciting titles to release on console in the first quarter of 2013. After a slow start where many gamers were unsure of the new hack and slash setting for a Metal Gear title, Rising Revengeance is now looking like an excellent addition and spin-off to the series before the likes of Ground Zeroes arrive. We’re pleased to report that the demo is now up for download on Xbox Live and to coincide with that, we already have an Xbox 360 Vs PS3 graphics comparison for you to take a look at.

For those of that aren’t aware, Metal Gear Rising is due out on February 19 in the US and February 22 for those in Europe. We told you earlier this week that Hideo Kojima would have put Gray Fox as the main character if he was in charge of the game, but having said that feedback has been very positive for those who have already played the demo on PS3.

A detailed graphics comparison has been compiled by the Digital Foundry gurus over at Eurogamer, as they tested both versions of the game side by side to see which version performs better. Don’t forget that Metal Gear Rising is a 60FPS game thanks to Platinum Games, so if this is an area of interest for you – take a close look to see which version drops the most in FPS, as the demo footage progresses.

For the average gamer looking at the video, you’ll probably conclude that there are no notable differences between the two versions. However, Digital Foundry has said that there are noticeable screen tears on the Xbox 360 demo and occur frequently whenever framerate drops from 60FPS.

It’s hardly a game breaker though in our opinion, as both versions still look fantastic. Take a look at the comparison video below and let us know what version of Metal Gear Rising you’ll be buying.

When speaking in a recent interview, Shigenobu Matsuyama had this to say, according to PSExtreme:

”But hardware constraints we are sometimes annoying. But the problem we have in the PS3 console and power top the console allows us to make our best game. So it is natural that the PS3 version is better than the other two versions.”

Obviously, the translation isn’t perfect there but you can clearly pick out the quote at the end where he says ‘the PS3 version is better than the other two versions’. He explained that this conclusion was due to the hardware restrictions on the Xbox 360 console, but we’re pretty sure there may be other factors which decide what platform has the best version.

For instance, don’t forget that this game will be handled by Kojima Productions, headed by lead man Hideo Kojima himself. It’s no secret that he’s a big fan of the PS3 console, as he and his team have been creating Metal Gear games for years with the only intention of delivering it using Sony’s PS3 hardware.

While it’s obviously good news that Xbox 360 owners are getting a Metal Gear Solid game, how would you feel if you end up getting a below par version of the game? One thing we’ve noticed though, is that the translated site has quoted CVG for their information, but they failed to provide a source. We’ve taken a look at CVG’s site and there isn’t any Metal Gear Solid Rising article in sight. Just something to bear in mind, while you digest this information.

Let us know your thoughts on this PS3 and Xbox 360 owners.

As reported from VG247, the information has surfaced from GameStop, as an early listing for the game has showed up online, perhaps revealing the possible release date a little earlier than Konami had hoped.

According to their page, Metal Gear Solid: Rising will be releasing on July 3rd in the US, which falls on a Sunday – not the usual release day of Tuesday. Interestingly, the information is still online on their website – view it here if you want to see it.

Of course, it’s not the first time that leaked release dates have appeared online at GameStop before a publisher announces it officially. Another thing to point out for Metal Gear fans, is that GameStop are also usually spot on when it comes to posting online launch dates.

As an Xbox 360 or PS3 owner planning to get the game next year, what are your thoughts on the date? Is July 3rd earlier than you had expected? Hopefully we hear from Konami soon regarding this. Don’t be too surprised if the date is pulled later on today.

As reported from TheSixthAxis, the box art for the Xbox 360 version of the game shows main character Raiden in a flashy new suit and holding up what looks to be a mechanical spinal chord.

The box art also appeared at the official Xbox 360 website here, but it was taken down soon after. Luckily, it was saved before then, so check it out below and let us know your thoughts on it.

The game is expected to be detailed properly at E3 2010. You can also look forward to a new trailer to come during the event.