Rise of the Ronin delivers a thrilling samurai epic, a tale set against the tumultuous backdrop of 19th-century Japan. It’s a game where thrilling swordplay meets historical intrigue, and flashes of brilliance are sadly weighed down by the burden of excess.
Rise of the Ronin: A Story of Vengeance
Step into the shoes of a ronin, not one bound by a feudal lord, but one driven by a thirst for vengeance. The Boshin War, a time of clashing ideologies and shifting power, provides the stage for your tale. Witness grand political moments as you interact with historical figures of Japan. You’ll make choices with consequences, shaping the nation’s future even as you seek your own path.
While the broad strokes of the story might fade, the heart of Rise of the Ronin lies in its smaller, character-driven missions. These missions are where you’ll forge bonds, witness intimate struggles, and find the moments that stick with you long after the credits roll.
dawg i feel like im goin crazy but why this create a character preset in rise of the ronin look like samuel L jackson???? pic.twitter.com/sNR5SQJphH
— ShutenDragoon (@ShutenDragoon) March 22, 2024
The Art of the Blade: Combat as a Choreographed Dance
The true spirit of Rise of the Ronin awakens in the clash of steel. Combat is precise, demanding, and ultimately rewarding. Master an array of weapons – from the classic katana to the hefty odachi or the swift paired swords. Each weapon carries a unique set of fighting styles, allowing you to tailor your approach like a true samurai.
Enemies are unforgiving. They will test your every move. Learn the intricate balance between attack and defense. Master your weapon’s strengths against your opponent’s weaknesses. The key to victory is the ‘Counterspark’ – a risky parry that, if timed perfectly, staggers your foes and leaves them open for a devastating counterattack.
True mastery demands commitment. This isn’t about simple button-mashing. Rise of the Ronin’s boss battles are intricate dances of death. You’ll need to study patterns, exploit weaknesses, and push your skills to the limit. Each victory is hard-won and immensely satisfying.
Cooperative Samurai: Forging Bonds on the Battlefield
The best moments in Rise of the Ronin often come when shared. Certain missions allow you to bring friends along, transforming the experience into a cooperative assassination adventure. Imagine coordinating strikes, pulling off synchronized takedowns, and ultimately celebrating victory together – it’s the kind of thrilling camaraderie that elevates the game’s best aspects.
The Weight of Ambition: Where Excess Dulls the Blade
Sadly, Rise of the Ronin is a game at war with itself. Its ambition for an expansive open world and a multitude of systems ends up clashing with what it truly excels at.
The map is overflowing with icons and tasks. While some, like petting dogs or seeking out scenic shrines offer genuine joy, most feel like chores that reward you with mountains of useless loot. The constant barrage of new weapons and armor becomes overwhelming. The focus shifts from exciting new abilities to endless inventory management.
It’s not that these side activities are inherently bad, but their sheer volume and unrewarding nature distract from the thrilling heart of the game. Rise of the Ronin would feel far sharper with fewer distractions.
rise of the ronin never beating the ghost of tsushima knockoff allegations. pic.twitter.com/LKdGNSxNbT
— nick ☘️ (@s1nick) March 22, 2024
FAQs
Q: Is Rise of the Ronin a difficult game?
A: Yes, Rise of the Ronin inherits the challenging spirit of the Soulslike genre. Expect unforgiving enemies, demanding boss fights, and the need to master the game’s combat systems for true success.
Q: Can I play Rise of the Ronin with friends?
A: Yes! Certain missions allow for cooperative multiplayer, letting you and your friends team up as deadly assassins.
Q: Is there a lot to do in the game’s open world?
A: The world of Rise of the Ronin is vast and packed with activities. However, many of these side tasks feel repetitive and offer mostly unrewarding loot.
Q: Does the story have a big impact on how the game plays out?
A: Your choices in Rise of the Ronin do affect the narrative and can even open up new missions or alter existing ones. However, the core gameplay systems and combat stay largely consistent throughout.
Q: Is Rise of the Ronin worth buying?
A: Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you crave challenging samurai combat, enjoy historical settings, and don’t mind sifting through some repetitive content, then Rise of the Ronin offers a unique and rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a tightly focused, streamlined adventure, you may want to wait and see if a potential streamlined version or sequel emerges.
The Verdict
Rise of the Ronin is a samurai epic that longs to be legendary. Its combat system is thrilling, the historical setting is fascinating, and it boasts great cooperative play. Yet, it falters under its own ambition, smothering its best qualities with repetitive tasks and meaningless loot. If you’re up for a challenging samurai journey and willing to wade through the excess, you’ll find much to enjoy in Rise of the Ronin. However, it’s impossible not to wish for a leaner, more focused experience that would let its undeniable brilliance truly shine through.
