As the saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ And so begins my epic journey with ‘Rise of the Ronin,’ a brand new open-world action RPG crafted by the talented folks at Team Ninja and brought to us by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Set during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period in Japan, this game isn’t just about swinging katanas and dodging bullets; it’s a deep dive into the twilight years of the Edo era, a time brimming with political shifts and the stirrings of modernization amidst the clash of swords and wills.
What sets ‘Rise of the Ronin’ apart is its commitment to realism—gone are the fantastical spirits and mythical beasts of Team Ninja’s previous titles like ‘Nioh.’ Instead, we’re treated to a grounded, historically rich narrative where our choices matter. Playing as a ronin, a samurai without a master, I’m thrust into a world on the brink of transformation, navigating both the internal strife of Japan and the encroaching influences of the West.
The game’s combat system is a thrilling mix of old and new. Imagine switching from a traditional katana to a flamethrower in the middle of battle—yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds. The strategic depth here, influenced by our decisions, enriches the narrative and relationships, making each encounter and alliance significantly impactful. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about shaping a story in a beautifully chaotic period of history.
Rise of The Ronin Review: Story
As mentioned, Rise of the Ronin is set in the Bakumatsu period of Japan. The game introduces players to a rich narrative set in a period of profound political and social upheaval, where Japan is on the cusp of modernization and faces internal strife and encroaching Western influences.
In this open-world action RPG, players control a ronin, a masterless samurai, who navigates this volatile era. The game emphasizes player choice, affecting the storyline and relationships with other characters through decisions and actions within the game. Key historical figures, such as Sakamoto Ryoma, play important roles in the story.
The game is notable for its detailed portrayal of the period, eschewing the supernatural elements of Team Ninja’s previous titles like “Nioh” for a more grounded and historically driven storyline. Players can expect a dynamic combat system that integrates traditional samurai weaponry with the newer and exciting introduction.
Rise of The Ronin Review: Presentation
“Rise of the Ronin” really mixes things up with its gameplay loop, throwing you into a super interactive open world. The combat is a big highlight, letting you switch between old-school samurai techniques and some modern firepower. Imagine roasting a bunch of enemies with something like a flamethrower, then switching to a sword for up-close action. Plus, you get to use cool gadgets like a grappling rope to zip up buildings and a glider to soar across the skies, making getting around both fun and fast.
The game keeps you hooked by letting your choices impact how things pan out. You’re not just fighting; you’re also making friends (or enemies) and shaping the story as you go. It’s all about mixing intense fights with smart strategy and exploring a beautifully detailed world that’s a blend of old and new Japan.
Rise of The Ronin Review: Combat
“Rise of the Ronin” is getting a lot of love for its combat, which is definitely a highlight of the game. The mix of old-school and modern weaponry keeps fights exciting by letting you switch between styles and gear like katanas, spears, and guns depending on what the situation calls for. The combat feels really layered and rich, especially with cool features like Countersparks and the ability to block and parry, adding a strategic twist to your typical slash-and-dash.
The controls, though, might throw you off at first—they’re packed with functions and can feel a bit overwhelming. But once you get the hang of it, they make every fight smooth and impactful, truly letting you get into the samurai spirit.
You’re not fighting alone, either. The game throws AI buddies into the mix, which opens up even more strategic fighting options. All these features come together to make the combat in “Rise of the Ronin” not just challenging but also super rewarding and fun to dive into.
Rise of The Ronin Review: Conclusion
“Rise of the Ronin” definitely throws a lot at players, and while it might seem overwhelming, there’s a good reason behind its complex control scheme. It’s all about depth and giving you all the tools needed to feel like a true samurai, which means once you get the hang of it, you’re in for some seriously smooth and engaging combat. It’s like learning to play an instrument—challenging at first, but super rewarding when you’ve got it down.
As for the storyline, it’s rich with historical intrigue which might be complex, but it’s also what sets this game apart from your average hack-and-slash. It invites you to dive deeper into the characters and the era, making each discovery more meaningful. And about the graphics, yes, choosing the right mode to play in can be a bit tricky, but having these options means you can optimize the game to match your playstyle—whether you prioritize buttery smooth action or stunning visuals.
The game’s massive open world might have its quiet moments, but these spaces are all about soaking in the stunning views and getting that real feel of exploring ancient Japan. Sure, some tasks might feel repetitive, but they are great for honing your skills and getting to know the lay of the land, making you ready for the bigger challenges.
SKOAR!: 8 Out Of 10
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Team Ninja
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Platform Tested on: PlayStation 5
Price: ₹4,999
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Yetnesh Dubey
Yetnesh works as a reviewer with Digit and likes to write about stuff related to hardware. He is also an auto nut and in an alternate reality works as a trucker delivering large boiling equipment across Europe. View Full Profile
