Rise of the Ronin is the most recent Playstation 5 exclusive game that has impressed us with its gameplay focused on the soul genre and narrative inspired by the feudal Japan era. It is for this reason that we will share our impressions with you.
What is Rise of the Ronin about?
Rise of the Ronin, developed by the talented Team Ninja team, together with Koei Tecmo, emerges as a frenetic experience of adventure and action. This title envelops us in the atmosphere of 1863 Japan, a critical time in the country’s history, now under the shadow of the expansion of the American army. In the midst of an era defined by tension and forced cultural exchange, the last vestiges of a Japan governed by the code of bushido, the era of the samurai, are threatened by the waves of change and the advance of modernity.
The plot stars a ronin, a lordless samurai, who finds himself at the heart of this tumultuous period. Stripped of the ties that traditionally bound a samurai to his clan and daimio, this ronin takes up a personal crusade against the forces of colonization. His mission is not only a struggle for the survival of his own identity and way of life, but also a desperate effort to preserve the essence of his nation in the face of the threat of being absorbed by foreign powers.
A frenetic gameplay
Rise of the Ronin is distinguished by an exciting and fast-paced gameplay, an emblematic feature of Team Ninja’s developments. The game significantly rewards those players who spend time mastering the intricacies of its mechanics, offering the ability to block any attack by accurately executing a parry.
As players get deeper into the game, they will find themselves with the opportunity to learn and adopt new combat stances. These stances experience gameplay by allowing access to new combos and also introduce an additional strategic layer that adapts to different types of gameplay. Depending on the situation, players will be able to opt for attacks that, while slower, inflict considerably more damage, or for faster ones that sacrifice power for speed.
In addition, Rise of the Ronin incorporates a crafting dynamic deeply integrated into the game’s exploration. Players are encouraged to meticulously examine every nook and cranny of the environments they traverse in search of priceless items. From ammunition to life-regenerating items, each find contributes to preparation for the challenges ahead.
Exploration is another central pillar of the game, allowing players to immerse themselves in the vast world around them at any time. This world is not only full of beauty and secrets to discover, but also offers the possibility of accumulating honor. This resource, fundamental to the character’s progress, can be collected and used at bonfires scattered throughout the game world. In doing so, players can redeem it for crucial skill points to improve a variety of stats and abilities, thus refining their play style and preparing for future challenges.
A mind-blowing artwork that stands out from the graphics section
Rise of the Ronin, the most recent work of Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, presents us with a scenario in which, despite having three graphic configurations aimed at optimizing the resolution, the fluidity at 60 fps, or the activation of raytracing, the differentiation between these options seems to be nonexistent. Therefore, we recommend selecting the 60 fps option.
The impression left by the graphics engine, apparently outdated for the current standards of the new generation of consoles, could be considered a point against in terms of visual innovation. However, this aspect is overshadowed by the studio’s masterful artistic execution. Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have managed to compensate for any possible technical shortcomings with outstanding artwork, creating environments that breathe life.
Immersing themselves in the game, players encounter a pulsating Japan, filled with spectacular grasslands and landscapes that not only capture the country’s natural beauty, but also highlight the importance of top-notch art design. It is here that Rise of the Ronin truly distinguishes itself, demonstrating that the visual impact of a game does not depend exclusively on its graphics technology, but also on the ability of its creators to evoke emotions and build worlds with rich artistic depth.
Should you play Rise of the Ronin?
Rise of the Ronin presents itself as a deeply immersive work, spanning some 40 to 50 hours of gameplay. Despite the technical limitations inherent in a graphics engine that could be considered outdated for the expectations of the current generation of consoles, the game excels thanks to its exceptional art design.
The studio’s ability to create a vibrant and lively Japan, with landscapes and atmospheres that transport the player to an evocative and emotionally resonant world, is where Rise of the Ronin truly shines.