I used to play this game a lot, even got the Stormbringer trophy, and you know what? MGR is a helluva game. It's fun to play (though sometimes it may be very frustrating and annoying, particularly for those who want to take the platinum trophy), paced greatly, and the essential for hack'n'slash games elements as gameplay and soundtrack are amazingly done.

I remember my first fight with Moonsoon, and holy shit, it's prolly one of my most favorite boss fights of all time, just because of its top-notched staging and crazy dynamics with such a kick-ass track playing in the background. All elements of the game work together to give the player an unforgettable experience, and this is why I love this game so much.

Yeah, you can say it completely ruins Raiden's story ark, and I agree with you, but there's nothing to stop you from considering this game non-canon, so why complain?

Love this game very much, though I haven't played it for years.