“Rise of the Ronin” emerges as a compelling, if occasionally unpolished, open-world action RPG that successfully transports players to the tumultuous Bakumatsu period of Japan.

While it doesn’t redefine the genre, Team Ninja’s latest offering delivers on its promise of visceral combat, intricate historical detail, and meaningful player choice, making it a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the PlayStation 5’s exclusive lineup.

It truly feels like a bold experiment in blending Nioh’s combat depth with Ghost of Tsushima’s sprawling exploration, resulting in a game that, despite some technical hiccups, offers a uniquely engaging experience for those drawn to samurai lore and challenging gameplay.

Product Name	Category	Key Feature	Compatibility	Price Range
PlayStation 5 Console	Gaming Console	Next-gen performance, fast loading	PS5 Games	$$$
DualSense Wireless Controller	Gaming Accessory	Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers	PS5 Console	$$
Gaming Headset	Audio Equipment	Immersive 3D audio, clear comms	PS5, PC, Mobile	$-$$$
SSD External Hard Drive	Storage Device	Fast game loading, expanded storage	PS5, PC	$$-$$$
Gaming Monitor	Display Device	High refresh rates, low input lag	PS5, PC	$$-$$$$
Controller Charging Station	Gaming Accessory	Convenient charging, organized setup	DualSense Controllers	$
PlayStation Store Gift Card	Digital Currency	Purchase games, DLC, cosmetics	PlayStation Store	$-$$$

Table of Contents

The Bakumatsu Blade: Setting and Historical Context

“Rise of the Ronin” masterfully leverages its historical backdrop, the Bakumatsu period mid-19th century in Japan, which serves as a pivotal moment of radical societal change. This isn’t just a pretty setting.

It’s an active character in the game, influencing everything from the narrative to the available weaponry. You’re not just playing a game.

You’re stepping into a historical crucible where traditional samurai values clashed with Western advancements.

A Deep Dive into a Shifting World

The Bakumatsu era was a time of immense political and social upheaval.

Japan, after centuries of isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate, was forced to open its doors to foreign powers, primarily the United States, after Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival in 1853. This event triggered widespread internal conflict, pitting pro-shogunate forces against anti-shogunate loyalists who sought to restore imperial rule and expel foreigners. Asus Zenbook Duo Ux8406 Review

Key Factions:
- Shogunate Loyalists: Supporters of the Tokugawa government, often samurai who benefited from the existing feudal system.
- Anti-Shogunate Imperialists Ishinsishi: Nationalists who advocated for the restoration of the Emperor’s power and expulsion of foreigners.
- Western Powers: The United States, Britain, France, and other nations vying for influence and trade rights in Japan.
Technological Shift: The introduction of firearms, steamships, and Western military tactics fundamentally changed warfare, making traditional samurai swordsmanship less dominant. The game reflects this by giving players access to both traditional katanas and nascent firearms.
Social Upheaval: The samurai class, once at the apex of society, found its relevance questioned as Japan modernized. Many ronin, masterless samurai, emerged from this chaos, embodying the struggle for identity and purpose in a rapidly changing world. “Rise of the Ronin” places you squarely in this dynamic, allowing your choices to align with or defy these historical currents.

Crafting Authenticity

Team Ninja has gone to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy, from the architecture of Edo Tokyo and Kyoto to the period-appropriate attire and the inclusion of real historical figures. You’ll encounter famous personalities like Sakamoto Ryoma, Yoshida Shoin, and Katsu Kaishu, whose actions and philosophies profoundly shaped Japan’s future. The game uses these interactions to present different viewpoints on Japan’s future, forcing you to consider the complexities of the era rather than a simple good-vs-evil narrative. This dedication to authenticity enhances immersion significantly, making the stakes feel more real and your decisions more impactful.

Combat System: Mastery of the Blade and Beyond

At the heart of “Rise of the Ronin” is its combat system, a direct descendant of Team Ninja’s acclaimed Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, but adapted for an open-world setting.

It’s demanding, rewarding, and offers a remarkable degree of tactical depth, forcing players to truly learn their opponents and master various combat styles.

The Art of the Counterspark

The cornerstone of “Rise of the Ronin’s” combat is the Counterspark Parry. Similar to Sekiro’s deflection system, successfully parrying an enemy’s attack depletes their “Ki” stamina/posture gauge, eventually leading to a vulnerable state where you can unleash a powerful critical hit. This system demands precise timing and keen observation of enemy attack patterns.

Learning Curve: Expect to die a lot in the early hours. The game doesn’t hold your hand. it expects you to learn through trial and error. Mastering the Counterspark is non-negotiable for success, especially against bosses and stronger enemies.
Visual Cues: Enemies often telegraph their unblockable attacks with a red glow, signaling a crucial moment to deploy a Counterspark. Miss it, and you’re likely taking significant damage.
Risk and Reward: While highly effective, Countersparking is risky. A mistimed parry can leave you open to devastating blows. This creates a compelling dance between aggression and defense.

Styles and Weapon Variety

“Rise of the Ronin” eschews traditional character classes in favor of a fluid “Style” system.

Each weapon type katana, Odachi, spear, dual swords, etc. has multiple associated combat styles, each with its own stance, attack patterns, and unique benefits against specific enemy types.

For example, a “Ten” style might be strong against human enemies, while a “Chi” style excels against heavily armored foes.

Dynamic Switching: Players can seamlessly switch between two equipped weapons and their associated styles on the fly, allowing for dynamic adaptation to combat situations. This encourages experimentation and tactical foresight.
Synergies: Certain styles are more effective against specific enemy weapon types or stances. For instance, a particular Katana style might easily break the guard of an enemy wielding a spear, while another might be better for dodging fast attacks.
Weapon Specializations: Beyond melee, players have access to a variety of ranged weapons, including revolvers, rifles, bows, and shurikens. These aren’t just secondary tools. they can be integrated into combos, used for stealth takedowns, or to create openings. The revolver, in particular, feels satisfyingly impactful, especially when used for headshots.

Ki Management: The Unsung Hero

Just as important as parrying is managing your own Ki. Every attack, dodge, and sprint consumes Ki. Running out leaves you vulnerable and unable to attack or defend effectively. This adds another layer of strategic depth, forcing players to balance aggression with recovery.

Post-Combat Recovery: After successful parries or dodges, you can often perform a “Ki Pulse” similar to Nioh, which recovers a portion of your expended Ki. This incentivizes active, engaged combat.
Environmental Factors: The environment can also play a role in combat. Using environmental hazards or elevated positions can give you an edge, though enemies are equally adept at exploiting them.
Boss Encounters: Boss battles are the ultimate test of your combat mastery. They are typically multi-phased, requiring you to learn complex attack patterns, manage your Ki impeccably, and effectively utilize your various styles and ranged options. These encounters are often challenging, but incredibly satisfying when overcome.

Open World Design: Japan Unveiled

“Rise of the Ronin” presents a sprawling open world across various historical Japanese regions, including Edo, Kyoto, and Yokohama.

While not as graphically groundbreaking as some contemporaries, the world is meticulously crafted with a focus on historical detail and verticality, making exploration a rewarding experience. Samsung 65 Inch Qn90D 4K Qled Tv Review

Exploring a Dynamic Landscape

The world is divided into distinct regions, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges.

Traversal Options: Players can traverse the world on foot, by horseback, or, most notably, using a glider. The glider, a unique addition, allows for rapid descent from high vantage points, opening up new tactical approaches to objectives and making exploration more dynamic. This isn’t just a gimmick. it genuinely changes how you approach the environment.
Points of Interest: The map is dotted with numerous points of interest:
- Veiled Arts Missions: Side quests that often involve mini-boss encounters or unique challenges.
- Public Order Missions: Areas overrun by bandits or hostile forces that you can liberate.
- Cat Collecting: A charming collectible quest involving finding hidden cats.
- Shrines: Fast travel points that also serve as opportunities to upgrade your character.
- Fugitives: Unique, challenging mini-bosses found in the open world, often guarding valuable loot.
Environmental Detail: While not pushing graphical boundaries, the environmental design is rich with period-appropriate details. From bustling marketplaces to serene temples and war-torn villages, each area feels distinct and lived-in. The attention to detail in replicating historical architecture and urban layouts is commendable.

Balancing Exploration and Repetition

While the open world is expansive and visually appealing, some elements of its design can feel repetitive over extended play sessions.

Many side activities, such as liberating public order zones, follow a similar structure.

Quest Variety: While the main story quests offer significant variety in objectives and encounters, some of the side content adheres to familiar open-world tropes. However, the unique combat system and the allure of historical exploration often make these activities enjoyable despite their formulaic nature.
The “Ubisoft-esque” Tendency: There are moments where the game leans into familiar open-world checklists. However, “Rise of the Ronin” distinguishes itself through its strong narrative integration with these activities. Liberating a public order zone might reveal new information about a historical figure or unlock a unique bond mission.
No Seamless World: It’s worth noting that the open world isn’t entirely seamless. There are loading screens when transitioning between major regions e.g., from Yokohama to Edo. While quick, it breaks the immersion slightly compared to games with truly seamless maps. However, given the detail in each region, this is a minor quibble.

Narrative and Characters: Forging Your Destiny

The narrative of “Rise of the Ronin” is a compelling tapestry woven with historical events and fictional elements, allowing players to shape their own path through Japan’s turbulent Bakumatsu period.

As a “Blade Twin,” you are set on a path of revenge and discovery, intertwining your personal journey with the grand narrative of a nation in flux.

The Blade Twins and Personal Stakes

The game begins with a tragic event that introduces your character and their “Blade Twin,” a fellow warrior trained alongside you.

This immediate personal connection drives your initial motivations and creates a strong emotional hook.

The fate of your twin becomes a recurring theme, often influencing your choices and interactions throughout the game.

Fictional Protagonist, Real History: Your created ronin interacts with a plethora of real historical figures like Sakamoto Ryoma, Ryoma, and Katsu Kaishu. These interactions are not superficial. they are deep, meaningful relationships that can unlock “bond missions” and further character development. The game does an excellent job of making you feel like a significant, if unsung, player in historical events.

Bonds and Relationships

A core mechanic is the “Bond” system.

By completing missions for, giving gifts to, and generally aiding various characters, you strengthen your relationship with them. Stronger bonds unlock: Dxo Pureraw Review

New Skills: Characters might teach you unique combat styles or passive abilities.
Unique Missions: Some characters offer special “bond missions” that delve deeper into their personal stories and often provide valuable rewards.
Dialogue Options: Stronger bonds can open up new dialogue choices, revealing more about the character and the world.
Combat Support: Allied characters can join you in combat, offering assistance and even unique tag-team attacks. This adds a strategic layer to mission preparation, as choosing the right companion can significantly impact combat outcomes.

Ethical Dilemmas and Shades of Gray

The narrative avoids simplistic black-and-white morality. The Bakumatsu period was messy, with valid arguments on all sides. The game presents these complexities through its characters, forcing you to confront difficult ethical dilemmas. Is modernization worth sacrificing tradition? Can violence truly bring about peace? The game encourages thoughtful engagement with its themes rather than passive consumption. This nuanced approach makes the story far more engaging than a typical heroic quest.

Technical Performance and Visuals: A Mixed Bag

“Rise of the Ronin” is a PlayStation 5 exclusive, and while it leverages some of the console’s capabilities, its technical performance and visual fidelity present a mixed bag.

It doesn’t push the graphical boundaries of current-gen titles, but it delivers a generally stable experience.

Visual Fidelity

The game offers multiple graphics modes, typical for PS5 titles:

Performance Mode: Prioritizes a higher frame rate targeting 60fps at the expense of resolution and graphical detail. This is generally the preferred mode for an action game where responsiveness is key. While it mostly holds 60fps, there are noticeable dips in busy open-world areas or during intense combat sequences.
Graphics Mode: Prioritizes resolution and visual quality targeting 30fps. While the environments look sharper, the lower frame rate can make combat feel sluggish and less responsive, especially for a game that demands precise timing.
Ray Tracing Mode: Offers enhanced lighting and reflections targeting 30fps. Similar to graphics mode, the visual enhancements are subtle and often not worth the trade-off in frame rate for an action-oriented title.
Character Models: Character models, particularly for key historical figures, are detailed and well-rendered. However, some NPC models can look a bit generic, and facial animations, while present, aren’t always top-tier.
Environmental Design: As mentioned previously, the environmental design is rich and detailed, showcasing Team Ninja’s dedication to historical authenticity. However, texture quality can sometimes be inconsistent, and certain assets may appear dated compared to games like “Ghost of Tsushima.”
Draw Distances: Pop-in of environmental details and shadows can be noticeable at times, particularly when traversing the open world at high speeds e.g., on horseback or gliding. Canon Color Imageclass Mf753Cdw Review

Technical Performance

Overall, “Rise of the Ronin” runs acceptably, but it’s not without its hitches.

Frame Rate Stability: In Performance Mode, the frame rate is generally stable, but dips can occur in densely populated areas like city centers or during large-scale battles with many enemies and effects. These dips, while not constant, can be distracting in a game that relies so heavily on precise timing.
Loading Times: Leveraging the PS5’s SSD, loading times are generally very fast, especially when fast-traveling between shrines or restarting after death. This minimizes downtime and keeps the action flowing.
Bugs and Glitches: While not rampant, players might encounter minor graphical glitches, occasional physics oddities, or rare animation bugs. These are typically not game-breaking but can detract from the overall polish.
Comparison to Peers: When compared to other PS5 exclusives like “Spider-Man 2” or “God of War Ragnarök,” “Rise of the Ronin” doesn’t quite reach the same level of graphical fidelity or seamless performance. It feels more akin to a cross-gen title in its visual presentation, though it is a PS5 exclusive. It’s functional and mostly stable, but not a technical showpiece.

RPG Elements and Progression: Tailoring Your Ronin

Beyond the action, “Rise of the Ronin” incorporates robust RPG elements that allow players to customize their character, develop unique playstyles, and deepen their connection to the world.

This goes beyond simple stat increases, offering meaningful choices that shape your journey.

Character Customization

The game begins with an extensive character creator, allowing you to craft a unique “Blade Twin” with various facial features, hairstyles, and body types.

What’s particularly neat is the ability to customize both your male and female twin, and even swap between them in the main menu.

This gives you a choice of protagonist without needing to restart the game.

Appearance: Throughout the game, you’ll acquire a vast array of armor pieces and clothing. These aren’t just cosmetic. they often come with different stats and passive bonuses, allowing for both fashion and function. The ability to layer armor and change individual pieces means you can truly craft a unique look for your ronin.
Equipment: Weapons, armor, and accessories all come with various stats, rarities, and special effects. Looting, crafting, and purchasing new gear is a constant loop, encouraging players to experiment with different builds. The loot system, while generous, can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of drops.

Skill Trees and Abilities

Progression is primarily handled through four main skill trees:

Strength: Focuses on melee damage, weapon mastery, and health.
Dexterity: Enhances ranged weapon proficiency, stealth, and agility.
Charm: Improves dialogue options, item drop rates, and social abilities. Samsung 55 Inch S95D 4K Oled Tv Review
Intellect: Boosts Ki recovery, crafting efficiency, and elemental damage.
Skill Points: You earn skill points through various activities: leveling up, completing missions, finding collectibles, and increasing your “Karma” by defeating enemies.
Veiled Arts: These are special, powerful attacks or passive abilities unlocked by increasing your “Bond” with specific characters or by mastering certain weapon styles. They are often unique to a character or fighting school, making them highly desirable.
Redistribution: The game allows you to reallocate your skill points at any time, encouraging experimentation with different builds without penalty. This is a welcome feature, especially for players who like to fine-tune their character as they discover new playstyles.

Crafting and Upgrading

The game features a comprehensive crafting and upgrading system.

Materials: You’ll collect various materials from defeated enemies, chests, and the environment. These materials are used for crafting and upgrading.
Weapon and Armor Upgrades: Weapons and armor can be upgraded at the blacksmith to increase their base stats. You can also re-roll their special effects or transfer desired effects from one piece of equipment to another.
Consumables: Crafting consumables like healing elixirs, bombs, and status effect remedies is crucial for success, especially in challenging encounters. Managing your inventory and crafting essential items becomes a tactical consideration before heading into major missions.

Multiplayer and Co-op: Teaming Up for the Revolution

“Rise of the Ronin” offers a unique approach to multiplayer, focusing on cooperative play for specific missions rather than a fully integrated open-world co-op experience.

This allows players to tackle challenging encounters with friends, adding a new dimension to the gameplay.

Cooperative Mission Play

The primary multiplayer component is 3-player co-op for most main story missions and certain side quests.

How it Works: Players can initiate co-op sessions from the Longhouse the game’s hub area or directly from the mission select screen. You can invite friends or be matched with random players.
Mission Structure: When playing co-op, missions retain their core objectives, but the difficulty scales slightly to account for additional players. This doesn’t make missions trivial but does offer a welcome advantage against tougher enemies or bosses.
Benefits of Co-op:
- Strategic Advantage: More players mean more targets for enemies, allowing for flanking maneuvers and easier critical hits.
- Revives: If a player falls in combat, their teammates can revive them, reducing the chances of a mission failure.
- Shared Loot: Loot drops are instanced, meaning each player gets their own set of rewards, avoiding arguments over desirable items.
- Community: Playing with friends adds a social element to the experience, making challenging encounters more enjoyable.

Seamless Integration vs. Dedicated Co-op

Unlike some open-world games with persistent co-op e.g., “Ghostwire Tokyo”, “Rise of the Ronin” chooses a more structured approach.

You don’t have friends freely roaming your open world. instead, you invite them for specific missions. Samsung 43 Inch Qn90D 4K Qled Tv Review

Pros of this approach:
- Focus on Story: This keeps the narrative and single-player experience as the primary focus, preventing distractions from co-op partners during story progression.
- Reduced Griefing: No open-world PvP elements or accidental interference from other players.
- Performance Stability: Less strain on the game’s engine by not needing to constantly render multiple player characters and their actions across a vast open world.
Cons of this approach:
- Limited Scope: Players looking for a fully shared open-world experience might be disappointed.
- Loading Screens: Each co-op mission involves a brief loading screen to initiate the session.

Future of Multiplayer

While the current co-op system is solid, there’s potential for future expansions. Team Ninja could introduce:

Dedicated Multiplayer Challenges: Arena-style challenges or boss rushes specifically designed for co-op play, offering unique rewards.
Competitive Modes: While the game doesn’t currently feature PvP, a limited, lore-appropriate PvP mode e.g., historical duels or faction-based skirmishes could be interesting, though it would need careful balancing.

For now, the cooperative mission play is a welcome addition that enhances the core gameplay loop and provides a satisfying way to tackle some of the game’s more formidable challenges with allies.

Replayability and Post-Game Content: The Ronin’s Enduring Journey

“Rise of the Ronin” offers a substantial amount of content beyond the main story, ensuring that players have ample reasons to continue their journey through Bakumatsu Japan long after the credits roll.

From multiple endings to a wealth of side activities and post-game challenges, the game encourages repeated playthroughs and further exploration.

Multiple Endings and Player Choices

One of the most significant contributors to replayability is the game’s multiple endings. Your choices throughout the main narrative, particularly those regarding your alignment with various factions and historical figures, directly influence the final outcome.

Consequence-Driven Narrative: Siding with the shogunate, supporting the anti-shogunate forces, or choosing a more neutral path can lead to wildly different conclusions, character fates, and insights into Japan’s future.
New Game+ Veiled Arts Refined: After completing the game, New Game+ becomes available. This mode allows you to restart the story with all your earned levels, gear, and skills, but with increased difficulty. This is perfect for experiencing alternate story paths, exploring different faction alignments, and challenging yourself against tougher enemies. The increased difficulty often forces players to re-evaluate their combat strategies and optimize their builds.

Post-Game Activities and Challenges

Even without starting a New Game+, there’s plenty to do in the post-game:

Unfinished Business: Any side quests, public order missions, or collectible hunts you left undone during your initial playthrough can be completed.
Fugitives: The game features a large number of “Fugitives” – challenging mini-bosses scattered across the map. These often drop rare crafting materials and high-tier equipment, making them excellent targets for post-game grinding.
Bond Missions: Strengthening your bonds with remaining characters can unlock new “Bond Missions,” offering further character development and unique rewards.
Training Challenges: Specific dojos and training grounds often unlock new challenges or combat scenarios that test your mastery of different weapon styles and techniques. These can be great for honing your skills or practicing against specific enemy types.
Refinement and Optimization: For players who enjoy min-maxing, the post-game offers ample opportunity to refine your gear, craft ultimate weapons, and optimize your character build. The blacksmith allows for deep customization of equipment, including transferring special effects between items.

Collectibles and World Completion

“Rise of the Ronin” is replete with collectibles that encourage thorough exploration:

Cats: Finding hidden cats throughout the world not only earns you a charming sense of accomplishment but also contributes to a specific vendor’s inventory, unlocking unique items.
Pilgrimages: Discovering historical landmarks and scenic viewpoints offers insights into Japanese culture and rewards.
Photographs: A unique collectible involves taking photographs of specific locations or events, offering a visual diary of your journey through the Bakumatsu period.

The sheer volume of content, combined with the impact of player choices and the engaging combat system, ensures that “Rise of the Ronin” offers a high degree of replayability. Whether you’re aiming for all endings, mastering every weapon style, or simply immersing yourself deeper in the historical setting, there’s always something more to accomplish.

Comparison to Contemporaries: Finding Its Niche

“Rise of the Ronin” enters a crowded arena of open-world action RPGs, especially those set in feudal Japan.

It inevitably draws comparisons to titles like “Ghost of Tsushima” and Team Ninja’s own “Nioh” series. Aqara Smart Lock U100 Review

Understanding where it stands relative to these contemporaries helps in appreciating its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Rise of the Ronin vs. Ghost of Tsushima

This is perhaps the most direct comparison due to the shared historical setting and open-world nature.

Combat:
- Ghost of Tsushima: More cinematic, accessible, and narrative-driven. Emphasizes stance switching for tactical advantage and has a strong focus on duels. Combat is fluid but less demanding than Ronin’s.
- Rise of the Ronin: More complex, punishing, and skill-based. Heavily reliant on parrying Counterspark and Ki management, demanding precision and mastery akin to a Soulslike. Offers a wider array of weapon styles and a greater emphasis on ranged weapons. Ronin’s combat has a higher skill ceiling and feels more strategically deep.
Open World:
- Ghost of Tsushima: Visually stunning, with a strong artistic vision and a more “less is more” approach to markers. Exploration feels organic and visually rewarding.
- Rise of the Ronin: More historically detailed and dense, with a greater emphasis on verticality glider. The map is packed with more traditional open-world markers and activities. Graphically, it’s less polished than Tsushima.
Story/Narrative:
- Ghost of Tsushima: A more traditional heroic samurai narrative with a clear protagonist, focusing on the internal conflict of Jin Sakai.
- Rise of the Ronin: More historically rooted with a customizable protagonist and significant player choice that impacts the narrative and factions. The story feels more like a historical simulation where you play a key, customizable role.
RPG Elements:
- Ghost of Tsushima: Lighter RPG elements, mostly tied to gear upgrades and a linear skill tree.
- Rise of the Ronin: Deeper RPG systems, with comprehensive skill trees, robust crafting, and a more complex loot system.

Rise of the Ronin vs. Nioh/Wo Long

Team Ninja’s own lineage is clearly visible in “Rise of the Ronin,” particularly in its combat.

Combat Core:
- Nioh/Wo Long: Highly technical, boss-rush oriented action RPGs with extreme difficulty, complex stance systems Nioh, and parry mechanics Wo Long. Level design is mission-based rather than open-world.
- Rise of the Ronin: Takes the core combat philosophy Ki management, parrying, stances/styles and adapts it for an open-world context. While still challenging, it’s generally slightly less punishing than Nioh, offering more avenues for success.
Structure:
- Nioh/Wo Long: Linear missions, level-based progression, with hub areas.
- Rise of the Ronin: Open-world exploration, with missions serving as focal points within the larger map.
Loot:
- Nioh/Wo Long: Very heavy on loot, often resembling a looter-slasher with frequent gear drops and intricate stat combinations.
- Rise of the Ronin: Still features a robust loot system, but it feels slightly less overwhelming than Nioh’s, perhaps toned down for the open-world audience. Customization options for gear remain deep.

Finding its Niche

“Rise of the Ronin” carves out its own niche by attempting to marry the demanding, deep combat of a Team Ninja game with the expansive, exploratory nature of an open world. It’s for players who found “Ghost of Tsushima” a bit too easy and craved more combat depth, or for “Nioh” fans who desired a grander, more open historical setting. It doesn’t achieve the singular artistic vision or graphical polish of Tsushima, nor the relentless, almost surgical combat focus of Nioh, but it successfully blends elements from both, creating a unique and compelling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Rise of the Ronin” about?

“Rise of the Ronin” is an open-world action RPG set in 19th-century Japan during the Bakumatsu period, a time of significant political and social upheaval.

You play as a customizable ronin masterless samurai whose personal journey of revenge and discovery intertwines with the larger historical conflict between pro-shogunate and anti-shogunate forces.

What platforms is “Rise of the Ronin” available on?

“Rise of the Ronin” is exclusively available on the PlayStation 5 console.

Who developed “Rise of the Ronin”?

“Rise of the Ronin” was developed by Team Ninja, known for their challenging action RPGs like “Nioh” and “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.”

Is “Rise of the Ronin” an open-world game?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” features a sprawling open world across various historical Japanese regions, including Yokohama, Edo Tokyo, and Kyoto.

How does combat work in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Combat is skill-based and challenging, emphasizing precise parrying Counterspark to break enemy Ki stamina/posture, managing your own Ki, and utilizing various weapon styles that are effective against different enemy types. Fresh N Lean Meal Delivery Service Review

Is “Rise of the Ronin” a Souls-like game?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” shares many characteristics with Souls-like games, including challenging combat, a focus on stamina management, impactful boss battles, and a high learning curve, though it is more accessible due to its open-world structure and multiple difficulty options.

Are there multiple endings in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” features multiple endings that are influenced by your choices and alignments with different factions and historical figures throughout the narrative.

Can I customize my character in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” offers extensive character customization at the start, and you can change your appearance and equip various armor and clothing throughout the game.

Does “Rise of the Ronin” have co-op multiplayer?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” features 3-player co-op for most main story missions and certain side quests, allowing you to tackle challenges with friends.

How long is “Rise of the Ronin”?

The main story of “Rise of the Ronin” can take approximately 25-35 hours to complete, but with all the side content, collectibles, and post-game activities, total playtime can easily exceed 80-100 hours.

Is “Rise of the Ronin” historically accurate?

“Rise of the Ronin” is deeply rooted in the historical Bakumatsu period of Japan, featuring real historical figures and events.

While it takes creative liberties for gameplay and narrative purposes, it strives for a high degree of historical authenticity in its setting and atmosphere.

What are “Veiled Arts” in “Rise of the Ronin”?

“Veiled Arts” are special, powerful combat abilities or passive skills that you can unlock by mastering weapon styles, increasing bonds with certain characters, or progressing through the story.

How do “Bonds” work in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Bonds are relationships you develop with various characters by completing missions for them, giving gifts, and making favorable dialogue choices.

Stronger bonds unlock new skills, unique missions, and combat support. Msi B760M Edge Ti Wi Fi Review

Can I fast travel in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, you can fast travel to various shrines and other discovered points of interest across the map.

What kind of weapons are in “Rise of the Ronin”?

“Rise of the Ronin” features a diverse arsenal, including traditional Japanese melee weapons like katanas, odachi, spears, and dual swords, as well as period-appropriate ranged weapons such as revolvers, rifles, bows, and shurikens.

Is there a skill tree in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” has four main skill trees Strength, Dexterity, Charm, and Intellect that allow you to customize your character’s abilities and playstyle.

Can I respec my skill points in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, the game allows you to reallocate your skill points at any time, encouraging experimentation with different builds.

How do I heal in “Rise of the Ronin”?

You heal using medicinal pills, which can be found as loot, crafted, or purchased.

You can also rest at banners checkpoints to replenish your health and consumables.

Is there crafting in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, “Rise of the Ronin” features a comprehensive crafting system for consumables, and you can upgrade and customize your weapons and armor at the blacksmith.

Does the game have a New Game+ mode?

Yes, after completing the game, a New Game+ mode becomes available, allowing you to replay the story with your existing character progression but increased difficulty.

What are the main cities I can explore?

You can explore historically inspired versions of Yokohama, Edo modern-day Tokyo, and Kyoto.

How does the glider work in “Rise of the Ronin”?

The glider is a unique traversal tool that allows you to swiftly descend from high vantage points, opening up new ways to explore the open world and approach objectives. Atari The400 Mini Review

Are there side quests in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, the open world is filled with numerous side quests, public order missions, fugitive hunts, and other activities that expand on the lore and provide rewards.

Is “Rise of the Ronin” suitable for beginners to action RPGs?

While challenging, “Rise of the Ronin” offers difficulty options and numerous ways to approach combat, making it more approachable than some of Team Ninja’s previous games.

However, a willingness to learn its mechanics is essential.

Does “Rise of the Ronin” have good replayability?

Yes, with multiple endings, a New Game+ mode, extensive skill trees, and a wealth of post-game content and collectibles, “Rise of the Ronin” offers significant replayability.

Are there horses for traversal in “Rise of the Ronin”?

Yes, you can ride horses to traverse the open world quickly and efficiently.

What are the main factions in “Rise of the Ronin”?

The main factions are the pro-shogunate forces, the anti-shogunate imperialists Ishinsishi, and the Western powers, all vying for control and influence during the Bakumatsu period.

Can I recruit historical figures to join my party?

Yes, as you build bonds with historical figures, some may join you on missions, offering combat support and unique abilities.

Are there any performance issues on PS5?

While generally stable, “Rise of the Ronin” can experience occasional frame rate dips in dense areas or during intense combat, particularly in its performance mode.

Is “Rise of the Ronin” similar to “Ghost of Tsushima”?

While both are open-world games set in feudal Japan, “Rise of the Ronin” features a more complex and demanding combat system closer to Nioh, deeper RPG mechanics, and a greater emphasis on player choice impacting the historical narrative, compared to “Ghost of Tsushima’s” more cinematic and accessible approach.

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Rise Of The Ronin Review