Whenever a new Team Ninja title is announced, we’re instantly interested, and it was no different for Rise of the Ronin – especially because it’s one of very few PS5 exclusives coming out this quarter. And surprisingly, with Rise of the Ronin, the developer ventures into somewhat new territory, diverging somewhat from their familiar path of punishing Soulslike combat. We checked it out to see how that choice panned out.
Set in the tumultuous Bakumatsu period, Rise of the Ronin invites players to embody a masterless samurai, also called a Ronin. You’ll have to navigate the political intrigue and cultural upheaval of the end of Japan’s Edo era, as the game’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of historical events. This introduces players to key figures and offers you choices that shape the course of the story – which is a mix of fantasy and historical accuracy. It’s a familiar kind of blend, in ways not too unlike what you’ll run into when playing games like Ghost of Tsushima.
At its core, Rise of the Ronin presents a compelling open-world experience, beckoning players to explore at their own pace while tackling critical mission decisions that could alter the nation’s political destiny. While the narrative occasionally meanders with side quests that detract from the main storyline, the game’s world-building and character interactions add depth to the overall experience. However, it’s worth noting that the game lacks standout moments that truly captivate players, falling short of the awe-inspiring landscapes seen in games with a tighter narrative direction.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Rise of the Ronin offers a departure from Team Ninja’s signature punishing combat found in iconic titles like Nioh. While the combat remains engaging and accessible, it’s notably more forgiving, catering to a wider range of players. The game’s combat system revolves around timing and stamina management, employing the Ki system that will be familiar to fans of the studio’s previous works. The inclusion of multiple weapon stances and special moves adds depth to combat encounters, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences. Additionally, the game introduces stealth elements, providing players with the option to approach encounters quietly or engage in open combat – leaning into the ‘ninja’ side of the studio’s earlier work.
One of the game’s strengths lies in its companion AI, which offers competent support during missions. Whether recruiting NPCs or summoning other players for online co-op play, the game provides options for tackling challenges solo or with friends, though it’s worth noting that the game doesn’t fully embrace the emergent online co-op gameplay options seen in other open-world titles. For us this was no issue as we’ve always enjoyed Team Ninja’s games as solo games, but if you had high hopes for something that focused more on online then this might not be what you were hoping for.
Visually, Rise of the Ronin delivers a detailed representation of feudal Japan, albeit with some inconsistencies. While certain regions impress with cinematic flair reminiscent of classic samurai films, others may feel lacking in visual spectacle, especially compared to other recent Sony exclusives but even Team Ninja’s own previous works. Additionally, the game’s technical performance, including texture quality and frame rate stability, leaves room for improvement, with occasional issues detracting from the overall immersion – something we were surprised by as most exclusives are extremely polished.
In conclusion, Rise of the Ronin is a solid addition to Team Ninja’s portfolio, offering a compelling open-world experience with engaging combat mechanics and an intriguing narrative backdrop. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors or other genre-defining titles, it provides an accessible entry point for newcomers while still offering depth for seasoned players. With some refinement in technical performance and a greater focus on narrative cohesion, Rise of the Ronin has the potential to stand as a memorable addition to the samurai action-adventure genre.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 