Rise of the Ronin pairs stellar combat with loot overkill

One of my rules when reviewing a game is to never describe its elements in comparison with another game. With Rise of the Ronin, the influences Team Ninja took inspiration from are worn on its sleeve with pride. If you follow the modern AAA gaming space, you will easily be able to pick out the elements that build up this game. We have a samurai setting in the late 1800s, an open world littered with tasks, collectibles, and objectives, and challenging combat that rewards patience and perfect execution. Oh, and tons and tons of loot.

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Rise of the Ronin is focused singularly on being a game, for better and for worse. In its attempt to sand away any rough edges in design, it also erodes its own potential to stand out as something unique among its contemporaries. That all said, when you're simply in the world and engaging with the missions, combat, and boss battles, you will find a deeply rewarding action game. If you're in the mood for a game that has nothing new to say but a solid and addictive gameplay loop to sink a dozen or two hours into, Rise of the Ronin won't disappoint.

Rise of the Ronin

Adventure through 1800s Japan in a massive open world adventure wielding swords and guns alike.

Platform(s) PlayStation 5 Released March 22, 2024 Developer(s) Team Ninja $69 at Amazon$70 at PlayStation

Times are changing

A history lesson

As an outsider to Japanese history, Rise of the Ronin's setting felt overwhelming at first. The period the game takes place in is the Edo period, in which Japan is being forced out of an era of isolation from the outside world and introducing trade with foreign nations. Things only get more complex when you meet the various characters in each of the factions that have different political and ethical relationships with the others. The pace at which the game introduces the setting almost feels like it expects you to have some background knowledge on the subject, but is thankfully saved by a wonderful mechanic in the Encyclopedia.

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