Rise of the Ronin Review: In an era where the gaming industry sees the release of countless titles every year, stand-out games that carve their niche are hard to come by. Enter Rise of the Ronin, a game that aspires to determine itself from the crowd. Developed by Team Ninja, known for their work on Ninja Gaiden, and published by Koei Tecmo, this title has caused significant buzz for its ambitious approach to the action-RPG genre. Set in the rough Edo period, Rise of the Ronin promises a blend of history, action, and storytelling that has captivated fans on platforms like Rise of the Ronin Reddit threads and forums even before its release.
This article aims to write into the details of the game, analyzing its gameplay and mechanics, story and setting, visuals and sound, and laying out the pros and cons to provide a comprehensive Rise of the Ronin review. Whether you’re a fan of historical epics like Ghost of Tsushima, a diehard follower of Team Ninja’s past work, or simply curious about whether Rise of the Ronin PC edition is worth your time and investment, this review will navigate through these arenas to help you make an informed decision.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| IGN | 7/10 |
| GameSpot | 7/10 |
| Mashable | 2.8/5 |
Gameplay and Mechanics
Combat System ( Rise of the Ronin Review )
Rise of the Ronin’s combat system offers a rich tapestry of styles and strategies, heavily influenced by the player’s choice of weapons and combat styles. Each weapon type, ranging from katanas to spears, is associated with several fighting styles, each with unique techniques and special moves like the Izuna Drop 1. The system emphasizes a rock-paper-scissors balance, encouraging players to choose the right style to counter their opponent’s moves effectively. Countersparks, a critical mechanic, allow players to deflect attacks and open up opponents for counterattacks 2. Managing Ki, the energy used for attacks and blocks is crucial as depleting it leaves players vulnerable 1.
Character Classes
At the start of Rise of the Ronin, players select from six classes, each influencing their initial skills and combat tendencies. Classes like the Breaker focus on skill and speed, while the Seducer emphasizes charm and manipulation 3. Each class has a unique special skill that enhances gameplay; for instance, the Breaker can perform rapid assassinations, and the Seducer can unlock special dialogue options 3. This choice impacts the early game but can be adjusted as players can acquire skills from other classes through progression 3.
Leveling and Upgrades
The leveling system in Rise of the Ronin is intricately tied to character development, with primary stats like Strength, Dexterity, Charm, and Intellect each having its own skill tree 1. Investing in these trees not only enhances specific abilities but also improves related stats, affecting combat performance 1. Upgrading gear is a strategic element, as the game features a costly upgrading system where players must decide the best use of resources. The blacksmith plays a crucial role, though players are advised to be judicious with upgrades due to the abundance of gear available through gameplay 4. Additionally, the game introduces a ‘Breakthrough’ skill tree, offering buffs that significantly enhance character abilities 4.
Story and Setting
Historical Context
“Rise of the Ronin” is set during the turbulent Bakumatsu period, the final years of the Edo era, marking a significant phase in Japanese history. This era was characterized by internal conflict and the struggle between pro and anti-Shogunate factions, influenced heavily by the forced reopening of Japan to the West 5. The game intricately portrays the socio-political upheaval during the 1850s to the 1860s, a time when Japan was on the brink of monumental change, grappling with modernization and foreign influence 6.
Plot Overview
The narrative of “Rise of the Ronin” revolves around the Blade Twins, players can choose their genders, who join the Veiled Edge resistance group after their family is tragically killed by the Shogunate’s secret police 5. The twins’ journey through historical events is marked by pivotal moments, such as the attempted assassination of Commodore Matthew Perry and the involvement with key historical figures like Ryoma Sakamoto, which deeply embeds them in the political intrigue of the time 5 7. The storyline encapsulates the essence of personal revenge and political rebellion, as the twins navigate through alliances and betrayals, influencing the course of the Boshin War and ultimately the future of Japan 1.
Character Development
The game excels in character depth, particularly through the Blade Twins and their interactions with a diverse cast of historical and fictional characters. The twins’ development is closely tied to the major historical events and their personal quest for vengeance and justice. Their relationships with figures like Ryoma Sakamoto and their encounters with the Shogunate and anti-shogunate factions enrich their characters, offering players a complex view of loyalty, honor, and the harsh realities of their time 2 7. The dynamic between the twins and their allies adds a profound layer to the narrative, making each decision and battle feel impactful and morally significant 2.
Visuals and Sound
Graphics Quality
In “Rise of the Ronin,” the visual experience is crafted with attention to detail, though it faces some challenges in delivering a consistently clear image. During daytime scenarios, the visibility and contrast are satisfactory, but nighttime scenes often struggle with visibility, making it difficult to spot enemies and items unless very close 8. This issue extends to the use of the grappling hook, where the visual marker is notably small and lacks sufficient contrast, complicating its use 8. The game’s artistic style is clean and bright, reflecting the historical period with a variety of locations from swaying grasslands to shadowy caves. However, the contrast is darker and colors more muted compared to similar games, which can sometimes result in characters blending into backgrounds 9. The game utilizes advanced visual effects such as snow deformation and detailed particle systems, enhancing the interactive nature of the environment 9.
Soundtrack and Audio Effects
The audio landscape of “Rise of the Ronin” complements its visual elements effectively, though it does not stand out as groundbreaking. The soundtrack features a range of compositions from tranquil strings to tense battle tunes, reminiscent of a Hans Zimmer score, which significantly enhances the atmosphere during various game phases 9. Sound effects in combat, like the distinct cues for heavy attacks and successful parries, add a tactical layer to battles, helping players anticipate and react during fights 8. Ambient sounds, such as the change in music when nearing hostile zones or the distinct noises made by different items when collected, provide useful auditory cues that enhance gameplay immersion 8. Despite these strengths, the overall audio quality and surround sound capabilities are not considered showcase elements but are deemed competent and fitting within the game’s setting 9.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
Rise of the Ronin excels in its combat mechanics, offering a system that is a cut above many of its peers. Players can enjoy a rich variety of weapons and styles, each providing unique tactical advantages and a dynamic combat experience. The game’s historical setting is not only engaging but also introduces players to significant figures and events, adding depth to the gameplay. The flexibility in combat and the inclusion of innovative features like the Counterspark enhance player engagement and provide a satisfying challenge 1.
Additionally, the game’s narrative is compelling, weaving small, character-driven stories into a larger, impactful historical tapestry. This storytelling approach, combined with the game’s detailed world and entertaining co-op missions, creates a deeply immersive experience that rewards players’ investment over time 2.
Weaknesses
However, Rise of the Ronin faces criticism for its visual and technical execution. Some players have noted that the animations and graphics occasionally appear dated, comparing unfavorably to other contemporary titles. This aspect has led to divided opinions, with some defending the game’s aesthetic, while others find it underwhelming for the capabilities of modern gaming consoles 10.
The game’s control scheme also presents challenges, being described as convoluted and unintuitive, which can detract from the enjoyment of the combat system, especially in group fights or during intense battle sequences. Additionally, the pacing of combat can be frustratingly brutal in the early stages of the game, potentially discouraging players before they fully engage with the mechanics 11. The open-world activities, while abundant, are sometimes criticized for being repetitive and not particularly engaging, which could affect the overall pacing and enjoyment of the game 2.
Conclusion
Throughout this comprehensive review, we delved into the multifaceted world of “Rise of the Ronin,” exploring its intricate combat system, deep narrative entrenched in historical intricacies, and the visually stunning yet occasionally flawed execution. Evidently, Team Ninja has crafted a title that stands out for its ambitious amalgamation of history, action, and RPG elements, offering players a rich tapestry of gameplay mechanics and an immersive story that resonates on both personal and historical levels. The game’s ability to marry the complexity of its combat system with the depth of its character development and narrative is a testament to the developers’ dedication to delivering a nuanced experience.
However, despite its considerable strengths, “Rise of the Ronin” is not without its shortcomings, particularly concerning its visual presentation and the steep learning curve associated with its combat. These elements, coupled with the challenge of navigating its convoluted control scheme, might deter some players. Yet, for those willing to immerse themselves in its engaging storyline and master the dynamic combat system, “Rise of the Ronin” offers an enriching journey through a pivotal moment in Japanese history. As such, it represents a significant contribution to the genre, one that warrants the attention of gamers eager to explore the tumultuous era it so vividly portrays.
FAQs
1. Should I consider playing Rise of Ronin?
Even though some missions may lack excitement, Rise of Ronin shines brightest during its sword-fighting sequences. Team Ninja, known for crafting deeply satisfying combat experiences in action games, ensures that Rise of Ronin continues this tradition with excellence.
2. How long does it take to complete Rise of Ronin?
The main storyline of Rise of Ronin can be completed in approximately 22.5 hours. However, for players aiming to achieve 100% completion by exploring all the game’s elements, it might take about 71 hours.
3. Is Rise of Ronin a challenging game?
Rise of Ronin is designed to cater to a range of player skills, offering varying levels of difficulty. As the next major PlayStation 5 exclusive, it promises to compete with renowned titles like Sekiro and Ghost of Tsushima in delivering top-tier samurai-ninja action gameplay.
