Rise of the Ronin

Pro

• Innovative combat system that blends demanding action with accessibility
• Engaging storyline that captures the essence of the Bakumatsu period
• Expansive open-world design with considerable depth and detail

Con

• Visual fidelity doesn't always meet the expectations for a PS5 title
• Some technical issues and visual glitches present
• Combat can become repetitive over extended playthroughs

Review

Rise of the Ronin serves as a compelling testament to Team Ninja's foray into the open-world genre. It confidently presents a story teeming with historical intrigue and introduces a combat system that stands out for its intensity and strategic depth, all while remaining approachable to newcomers. While the game's open-world is meticulously crafted, offering a bevy of activities and a believable recreation of Japan poised on the cusp of a new era, it is not without its shortcomings. The graphics, while sufficient, occasionally betray the power of the PlayStation 5, disrupting immersion with instances of textures popping in and other graphical inconsistencies that one would hope to avoid in a console of this caliber. Further, despite the allure of its combat, the game sometimes lapses into patterns of repetition that may diminish the enthusiasm of players over time. Nonetheless, the game's strengths lie in its robust narrative and its captivating combat, promising enough to satisfy the hunger of both action aficionados and history buffs alike.

Background information

Rise of the Ronin has received a mix of opinions, with scores ranging widely across the spectrum. Praise has been given to its ambitious open-world design and the unique combat experience by sources like PlayStation Universe and Gamersky, lauding Team Ninja's departure from their usual fare. However, the less polished visual elements and the challenges of an open-world structure have drawn criticism from reviewers like Everyeye.it, indicating that Team Ninja's reach for innovation may have exceeded their grasp in some areas. With a divisive reception, it's clear that Rise of the Ronin is a title with exceptional highs but also notable lows, making it a game of dualities as much as it is a journey through Japan's complex history.

Screenshots