Rise of the Ronin Review – PlayStation 5

With the PlayStation 5 boasting a small, formidable selection of must-have console exclusives, each new entrant is awaited with bated breath. Another is finally here in the form of ‘Rise of the Ronin,’ a game that not only captivates with its narrative but also is a showcase of impressive technical achievements.

Developed by the esteemed Team Ninja, ‘Rise of the Ronin’ is an odyssey that transports players back to the tumultuous times of feudal Japan. In this meticulously crafted open world, players assume the role of a ronin – a samurai without a master – and embark on a quest steeped in both personal honour and historical significance.

 

 

Storyline

Rise of the Ronin’s narrative is a rich one, intricately weaving strands of historical accuracy with imaginative fiction throughout. Set against the backdrop of the Boshin War, a pivotal period that marked the decline of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the game delves into the complex socio-political dynamics of the era.

It’s a tale that intertwines the quest for personal redemption with the broader narrative of national upheaval and change – evoking a similar turn-of-the-century tension persistent in Red Dead Redemption 2’s arc.

Players will encounter a rich array of characters, each with their motivations and roles to play in the unfolding drama. From the anti-Shogunate rebel Ryoma Sakamoto to the influential geisha Taka Murayama, the game offers a multitude of personalities to interact with.

These characters are not mere bystanders; they are integral to the ronin’s journey by offering companionship, additional skills and support in battle, and the potential for forging deep bonds and even full-blown relationships.

Having a comrade to fight alongside also provides a cinematic edge to proceedings, elevating otherwise lonely moments traversing the world and effectively rounding out the experience.

 

 

Gameplay

On the topic of the world – it’s the right place to start when it comes to gameplay, as it’s a sumptuous one to explore, with Team Ninja’s skills on full display in Rise of the Ronin.

The game’s world is vast and immersive, with unparalleled attention to detail. From the gentle sway of cherry blossoms to the elaborate designs adorning a warrior’s armour, the game invites players to pause and appreciate the beauty of its setting, even amidst the omnipresent threats that lurk within.

The gameplay of ‘Rise of the Ronin’ is a ballet of combat, a harmonious blend of strategy and action. The combat system is fluid and intuitive, continuing Team Ninja’s legacy from acclaimed titles like ‘Nioh’ and ‘Ninja Gaiden,.’ leaning heavily into familiar Soulslike tropes of levelling through risk and reward, with punishing enemies.

The ronin’s diverse arsenal caters to various playstyles, whether one prefers the stealthy approach of a shinobi or the overt strength of a samurai – and in all honesty is a shallower difficulty curve than both Nioh and Sekiro, finally making this type of game more approachable to casual gamers.

 

 

The counterspark system is familiar ground for anyone who’s used parries, and lends an exciting air to proceedings, albeit places some players on a defensive footing as openings need to be waited for as opposed to going in blades swinging.

Traversal is another aspect where the game shines, offering players the agility to navigate the environment with a parkour-like grace, and even winged contraptions before very long in the story.

This freedom of movement encourages exploration and rewards players who venture off the beaten path with hidden treasures and serendipitous encounters, and with a very loot-laden structure, benefits to weapons and armour are altogether welcome.

 

 

Visuals and Audio

On the PlayStation 5, ‘Rise of the Ronin’ is a strange spectacle – at times rivalling the best of the console’s technical showcases, and at others looking like the game’s open nature has forced visual compromises to be made on characters and textures alike.

The game harnesses the console’s hardware to deliver visuals that – on the whole – capture a romanticised feudal Japan in all its glory. Lighting effects are particularly striking, creating a dramatic interplay of dappling when travelling through a dense forest.

Whilst a different beast from Sony’s own seminal Ghosts of Tsushima (review here), it certainly evokes similar moments of wonder and splendour when riding a horse through a paddy field or turning a corner to be met with a huge Shinto temple.

 

 

One distinct difference is that this tale sees legacy Japanese culture crash against the constant march of modernity, so we have outcrops of towns and cities built in the image of America, filled with brickwork and sloping roofs – making for an interesting Assassin’s Creed-esque evolution of both gameplay and visuals, as this ronin contends with an impending new era.

The sound design is deserving of acclaim. Every sound, from the clashing of armour to the drawing of a katana, is captured with fidelity and dedication – at least initially – to the authenticity of the period that immerses players in the game’s world.

The musical score is equally impressive, fusing traditional Japanese instrumentation with contemporary orchestration to produce a soundtrack that is both evocative and invigorating.

 

 

Verdict

Rise of the Ronin is a testament to Team Ninja’s expertise in the action genre – honouring historical roots while charting a new course, offering a narrative that is as engaging as its gameplay mechanics, which have many sanded edges in terms of both difficulty and general quality-of-life improvements to ingratiate new players.

However, it also at times feels like a product of an earlier time, where visuals don’t always wow and gameplay veers into rote territory, but remains entertaining throughout.

In conclusion, Rise of the Ronin is an essential experience for any connoisseur of action games and aficionados of Japanese history.

It’s a title that will be celebrated not only for its gameplay and oft-stunning visuals but also for its daring (if a bit telegraphed) storytelling and the genuine emotional journey it offers. So unsheathe your katana, clad yourself in armour, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Rise of the Ronin beckons, and it promises a confrontation that is truly worth rising to the challenge for!