Ronins Assemble! The makers of the Nioh franchise just dropped another phenomenal open world action adventure – Rise of the Ronin. An epic adventure set in embattled 19th century feudal Japan, ROTR throws players on the cusp of war with a fleet of black ships arriving from the west. The ships do not bring glad tidings, but death sentences for the warring factions within imperial Japan.
This PlayStation 5-exclusive promises an immersive journey, blending elements from Team Ninja’s previous works while introducing some exciting new features. It incorporates elements of storytelling and atmosphere reminiscent of the Souls series, with varying levels of difficulty in the game, allowing both seasoned and newcomers a rewarding gameplay loop.
A Storm Brews In Yokohama, Japan
‘Rise of the Ronin’ transports players to mid-19th century Japan during the turbulent Boshin War. Set in the politically volatile ‘Bakamatsu’ years (1853-1868), the game introduces authentic historical fiction with a multi-choice system of gameplay. Even as Western forces knock at the doors of Nippon, its fate lies in the hands of you – an unnamed Ronin, who traverses Yokohama in the Kanagawa prefecture. From the bustling streets of Yokohoma’s Chinatown to the more tranquil countryside and the tantalizing Miyozaki pleasure district, every location is meticulously crafted to immerse players in the rich tapestry of feudal Japan. Explore the rich map on horseback, grappling ropes, and even gliders! What is not to love?
Dynamic Gameplay with Character Customization & Choosing Your Faction
The character customization in ‘Rise of Ronin’ offers players a staggering amount of choice, including the ability to choose a voice that resonates with you. Having a hard time picking the appropriate color and style for your avatar? Just endlessly randomize until you arrive at your perfect warrior persona. Your Ronin avatar is then thrust into the midst of the Boshin War with a choice to align with either the pro-shogunate faction Sabaku or the rebel anti-shogunate faction Tobaku. The other powers in play are the Western forces called Obei, led by commodore Matthew Perry of the US Navy, French army officer Jules Brunet, and the shrewd British diplomat Rutherford Alcock. The game also introduces players to a diverse cast of allies, each with their own backstories, adding more depth and complexity to the narrative.
3 Players Co Op and AI Allies
‘Rise of the Ronin’ ships with multiplayer features that allow players to form an assassin’s ally and take on the enemies at whim. You can tag along with two pals for more fun. The 3 player co-op starts at your base – called the Longhouse. There, you have to select the “Cooperate” option from the menu, wherein you can recruit or join your friends for future missions. The Longhouse also serves as a chill lounge to relax and chat your heart out before heading off for a critical mission, including the first one called “Curtain Falls, Curtain Rises.” Keep in mind though that while the co-op mode is a blast, it’s sadly, it’s limited to missions only.
If your gaming BFFs aren’t in town, you can enlist the help of AI mercenaries who will come to your aid when it matters most. You can even swap your character with the AI companion during combat, and can learn a great deal from the AI’s combat style.
Difficulty Levels, Diverse Arsenals, & Counterspark
One of the highlights of ‘Rise of the Ronin’ is its diverse arsenal of weapons, ranging from traditional samurai swords to powerful firearms and even a flame pipe. With ten primary weapon types and six sub-weapons to choose from, players can tailor their combat style to suit their preferences, ensuring a truly personalized gaming experience. The protagonist can choose from a variety of these weapons, each customizable to suit different combat styles. From katanas to firearms like rifles and flame-pipes there’s something for every kind of warrior in the Rise of the Ronin. Stealth mode in the game is a god-send for novices who find hordes of enemies a bit daunting to face. With stealth, you can sneak up on your adversary, distract them and relieve them of their earthly misery.
Graphics Galore: Visual Extravaganza and Engaging Narrative
‘Rise of the Ronin’ is a feast for the eyes, with beautiful topography, stunning VFX, meticulously crafted outfits, diverse armor styles, and lots more. Every little detail and texture is rendered with care, immersing players in the golden age of samurai gaming. Coupled with its engaging narrative and its dynamic combat system, ‘Rise of the Ronin’ makes for a visual extravaganza.
Before you commence: The Veiled Edge Village
The game opens with a prologue of sorts in the Veiled Edge village, where two children were rescued by the bladesmiths from the marauding spies of the shogunate. These proteges are trained by the bladesmiths to become the indomitable pair known as the Veiled Edge. This opening chapter in the game introduces you to the core objective and the game mechanics, helping you choose the appropriate weapon and shadow practice on hay stacks. While you can absolutely choose the weapon of your choice, for newcomers, the game provides cool recommendations that work best for their style. After you are geared up in the secure confines of the Veiled Edge, your bald twin opens the gate to the open-world of Yokohama.
Verdict: Highly Recommended
‘Rise of the Ronin’ is a great starting point for anyone who’s been intimidated by the Souls sub-genre of games. Its skill tree is easy to figure out – and combat is a more forgiving experience at lower difficulty levels. Plus, you have a vast, expansive world packed with a ton of content you can spend hours engaging with. Seasoned veterans can ramp up the difficulty and indulge in yet another open-world Souls-like experience that does provide the thrill and challenge they crave with these games.
Rise of the Ronin is available right now exclusively on PS5. You can purchase the game at a retailer near you or head on over to Amazon, Flipkart, and ShopatSC.
Click here to buy now.
