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Team Ninja, renowned for their works such as Ninja Gaiden, Nioh, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, has added another title to their impressive lineup with Rise of the Ronin.
While it shares similar DNA, this new action RPG offers something significantly different.
Set in the mid-19th century during Japan’s Edo period, Rise of the Ronin thrusts players into an era defined by conflict, political upheaval, and the encroaching influence of the Western world.
It was a time of great change, marked by the arrival of foreign vessels known as the “Black Ships” and the subsequent chaos that followed.
Against this backdrop, players assume the role of a custom character, orphaned in childhood alongside their twin, and raised to become formidable samurai warriors.
The game’s narrative weaves historical events and figures seamlessly into its fictional tale. Players encounter notable personalities such as Commodore Matthew Perry, whose arrival in Edo Harbor symbolised the beginning of trade deals between Japan and the world.
Other encounters include Ryoma Sakamoto, a pivotal figure in dismantling the era of samurai dominance and shogunate rule.
These historical figures lend authenticity and depth to the game’s world, enriching the player’s journey with meaningful interactions and events.
Visually, while slightly outdated, Rise of the Ronin presents a picturesque representation of feudal Japan, with war-torn villages, pristine Japanese gardens, and sprawling cities ripe for exploration.
The game’s open-world design draws parallels with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, offering vast landscapes across three distinct regions: Yokohama, Edo, and Kyoto. Each locale is teeming with secrets, surprises, and opportunities for discovery, ensuring that players are constantly engaged in their exploration.
In terms of gameplay, Rise of the Ronin introduces a combat system that emphasises precision, timing, and strategic decision-making. While it draws inspiration from the Soulslike genre, it offers adjustable difficulty settings to accommodate players of all skill levels.
From katanas and odachis to firearms and spears, the game’s arsenal provides ample opportunities for experimentation and customisation.
Traversal mechanics further enhance the gameplay experience, with options including a grappling hook for scaling heights and a glider for soaring through the skies. These traversal tools not only facilitate exploration but also add depth to combat encounters, allowing players to approach encounters from different angles and perspectives.
One of the standout features of Rise of the Ronin is its emphasis on building relationships with characters and towns. The game’s bonding system allows players to form connections with NPCs, shaping the narrative trajectory and influencing the game’s ending.
By completing missions, offering gifts, and engaging in meaningful interactions, players can deepen their bonds with various characters, unlocking new quests, dialogue options, and gameplay opportunities.
There’s a smorgasbord of replayability features and online cooperative multiplayer with up to three players.
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In conclusion, Rise of the Ronin stands as a testament to Team Ninja’s prowess in crafting immersive, engaging experiences within the action RPG genre. Its blend of historical authenticity, compelling storytelling, and deep gameplay mechanics make it a standout title worthy of exploration.
Whether you’re drawn to its rich narrative, challenging combat encounters, or expansive open-world, Rise of the Ronin offers something for every player to enjoy.
It’s out now on PlayStation 5 and retails for around $125.
9news.com.au was granted early access to Rise of the Ronin thanks to PlayStation.
