Rise of the Ronin - Must-Read Review

Read our comprehensive review of the highly anticipated RPG, Rise of the Ronin.

Gamer Pulse Marc G

6/19/20257 min read

In the Boshin War, you play as a warrior facing political turmoil and personal loyalty. The Blade Twins system lets you create alliances that change the game's story. Team Ninja's expertise in sword fights promises intense battles that are both fierce and graceful.

But, there are concerns about repetitive missions and cluttered maps. Can a game set in history offer both excitement and deep choices? Early looks show big Edo-period cities and changing weather. But will exploring them be rewarding or frustrating?

We've looked at every detail of the game to find out: Does it live up to its promise or get lost in the chaos? Get ready for the truth.

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The Hype Behind Rise of the Ronin

Team Ninja's latest game has sparked a lot of excitement online. Fans of Nioh and Ninja Gaiden can't wait to see the studio's dynamic combat in an open-world samurai setting. Early looks show a blend of precise sword fights and big exploration areas, promising a new take on the genre.

The hype also comes from Team Ninja's history of making tough yet rewarding games. Some were worried about the game's long tutorials. But demos showed the combat's depth, with moves like parrying and stance-switching.

Being a PlayStation 5 exclusive, the game uses the latest tech for an immersive experience. The game's world is set in feudal Japan, with real places and fictional ones mixed together. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback makes sword clashes feel real, adding to the game's impact.

With Team Ninja's reputation and Sony's marketing, Rise of the Ronin is more than just a samurai game. It's seen as a showcase for the PS5's capabilities in storytelling and gameplay.

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Rise of the Ronin Review: A Samurai Epic Worth the Hype?

Does Rise of the Ronin live up to its promise of epic battles? Or does it fall short? After facing many enemies and enjoying the game's Edo-period setting, the verdict is mostly positive. Yet, it comes with a few minor flaws.

The core of this samurai action game is its combat. The Counterspark system, loved by critics, lets you block attacks with great precision. It rewards skill over just pressing buttons. Every fight, whether against one enemy or five, feels intense and meaningful.

The game's visuals are stunning, setting a new standard in console gaming. Walking through Kyoto's rainy streets or cherry blossom forests feels like stepping into a painting. The historical details are as rich as those in Ghost of Tsushima, with armor and buildings that tell stories.

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The Bad: Occasional Camera Woes

Despite its many strengths, the game has a major flaw. In tight spaces, the camera can be a problem. It swings wildly, making fights in narrow areas tough. A three-on-one battle in a small alley was a challenge to navigate.

These issues are rare, though. Most fights are smooth, showing off the game's best. It's a sign that even top samurai action games can get better with more work.

Overall, Rise of the Ronin excels where it matters most. Its sharp combat and stunning visuals make for a compelling warrior journey. It's a game that feels both new and familiar, with a few areas needing improvement.

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Gameplay Mechanics That Set It Apart

Dive into a combat experience where every strike and parry feels impactful and strategic. Rise of the Ronin blends 19th-century warfare with samurai tradition. It creates a dynamic combat system that rewards both creativity and mastery. Let’s break down what makes its mechanics so memorable.

The game’s weapon styles go far beyond swinging a katana. You’ll master eight distinct combat forms for Japanese blades alone. Each has unique combos and Ki-management strategies. But the real twist? Historic European firearms like revolvers and rifles add explosive ranged options to your arsenal.

This isn’t just about guns vs. swords. A rock-paper-scissors-style match system forces you to adapt: certain weapon types counter others. Want to break through heavy armor? Switch to dual swords. Facing quick enemies? The spear’s reach becomes your best friend. Weapon proficiency grows through a skill tree that unlocks devastating special moves, making every choice matter.

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Parry System: Precision Meets Reward

The Counterspark mechanic redefines swordplay. Unlike posture-based systems in similar games, successful parries here directly stagger enemies while refilling your Ki gauge. Time it perfectly, and you’ll trigger flashy counterattacks that turn defense into overwhelming offense.

But there’s risk involved. Miss a parry, and you’ll lose stamina rapidly. This creates tense duels where reading enemy tells becomes critical. Combined with dodge-rolls and stance changes, the precision parrying system turns every fight into a dance of timing and adaptation.

Whether you’re swapping between katana stances mid-combo or landing a clutch revolver shot to interrupt a boss attack, these mechanics create an action-adventure experience. It feels fresh yet deeply rooted in samurai tradition.

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A Story Rooted in Japanese History and Folklore

Step into a world where history meets myth in Rise of the Ronin. The game mixes real events like Commodore Perry’s 1853 "Black Ships" arrival with supernatural elements from Japanese folklore. This creates a story that's both educational and fantastical. Players don't just watch history—they shape it by working with historical figures like Sakamoto Ryoma, who fought for modernization.

Choices are key thanks to the bond system. It lets you build relationships with important characters. Strengthen ties with samurai or rebel factions, and see how these choices change dialogue and mission outcomes. While some parts follow history, your choices add personal stakes to every battle.

The game shows the depth of political factions in its world. Will you support traditionalists or reformers? These choices reflect Japan's real struggles during the Bakumatsu period. Even set events, like Perry's treaty negotiations, gain new meaning through your character's perspective.

Quests often include folk tales in side stories. You might face yokai spirits or find artifacts tied to shrine legends. These moments mix the real historical figures with magical twists. It's a tribute to Japan's past, appealing to both history buffs and fantasy fans.

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PS5 Exclusive Features: Taking Advantage of Next-Gen Tech

Rise of the Ronin shows off the PlayStation 5's power. It loads environments instantly and makes combat feel real in your hands. This game turns historical Japan into a living world.

Play as a samurai in two ways: Performance Mode for smooth combat or Quality Mode for stunning views. Climbing through cherry blossom forests is a unique experience in each mode.

The DualSense controller makes every fight feel like a dance. Drawing your bow builds tension in the triggers. Successful counters send vibrations through the controller. Team Ninja's use of haptic feedback makes wooden katanas feel different from steel.

Traveling fast isn't just quick; it's instant. The PS5's SSD makes moving between places as fast as a ninja's star. You'll glide between temples or rush through markets, staying in the game's world.

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How Rise of the Ronin Stacks Up Against Other Samurai Games

Samurai game fans have many choices, but Rise of the Ronin stands out. It balances tough challenges with a story you can follow. Let's compare it to big names like Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh, and Sekiro.

Combat in Ronin is just right, not too hard like Nioh or too easy like Ghost of Tsushima. It keeps the game fun without getting too complicated. Parrying is rewarding, unlike Sekiro's strict system.

But, if you love finding new gear, Ronin might not be as exciting as Nioh.

Exploring is where Ronin really shines, like Ghost of Tsushima. You'll love the scenery and the chance to connect with characters. This adds a new layer to the game, unlike Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Boss battles are intense, needing quick thinking and strategy. But, the game is kind with checkpoints. The campaign is long, but it might feel a bit too long with some quests.

Managing your inventory can be a bit of a challenge early on. But overall, the game is well-made.

What makes Ronin special? It mixes different styles well. You get the best of Nioh, Ghost of Tsushima, and Sekiro in a PS5 game that values your time. It's not the top game, but it's definitely worth playing.

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Why Rise of the Ronin Demands Your Attention

Team Ninja's latest game is a big deal in the samurai world. It mixes sharp combat with deep history. While it has open-world parts that feel a bit long, its focus on sword skills makes it a must-have for PS5 fans.

At first, critics like IGN said it was too hard. But later, they loved its complexity. It's like a journey from struggle to victory for players.

The combat is the game's strongest point. It rewards patience with smooth parries and stance changes. The DualSense makes every fight feel real, from bowstrings to katana hits.

For those who stick with it, Rise of the Ronin becomes a true masterpiece. It changes how we see melee combat.

Compared to games like Ghost of Tsushima, it stands out. It's slow but true to history. The verdict? It's a must-play for action fans who want more than just looks.

It's not perfect, but its big dreams make it a standout PS5 game. It respects samurai history while making it exciting for today's players.

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Rise of the Ronin: Must-Read Review

What if your sword could change history? That's the question Rise of the Ronin poses. It drops players into Japan's Bakumatsu era. This PS5 game mixes Team Ninja's combat skills with a new "Blade Twins" story system. But does it stand out from other open-world games?

Get your copy at Amazon today: click the following links:

USA: https://amzn.to/4n8dEQt

Canada: https://amzn.to/3HNNi5Y

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