Rise of the Rōnin - Before You Buy

TL;DR

Rise of the Ronin offers exciting combat in a flawed but engaging open world.

Transcript

(electronic chime) - [Jake] And we're back with another episode of Before You Buy, that show where we give ya some straight-up gameplay and our first impressions of the latest games releasing. As usual, it's me, Jake Baldino, and today we're talking about Rise of the Ronin. This is the newest game from Team Ninja, the folks behind so many games, mo... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 Rise of the Ronin presents a blend of Souls-like combat within an open world, marked by significant freedom and choice.
• 👻 Character customization options are extensive, allowing players to tailor their experience through weapon selection and skill trees.
• 🎮 The game effectively incorporates stealth elements, although simplistic, that add variety to gameplay.
• 👊 Enemy variety and satisfying combat mechanics keep the gameplay engaging, despite a few frustrations with character attack patterns.
• 🤑 The narrative is set in a historically rich period, providing a unique backdrop compared to typical gaming settings.
• 🤗 The game promotes exploration through side quests and collectibles, making the open-world experience feel rewarding.
• 🤗 Although it features common open-world filler content, the fun combat mechanics often overshadow these shortcomings.

Questions & Answers

Q: What genre does Rise of the Ronin belong to?

Rise of the Ronin is primarily an action RPG that draws inspiration from Souls-like games, featuring challenging combat mechanics and an expansive open world. Players engage in dynamic battles using a variety of weapons, while exploring a rich narrative set against the backdrop of 1850s Japan, known as the Bakumatsu period.

Q: How does the combat system work in the game?

The combat in Rise of the Ronin is intricate and rewarding, offering multiple weapon types and stances. Players can execute special parries, dodge attacks, and utilize skills from an extensive skill tree. Mastering the timing of these actions is crucial for success against the variety of challenging enemies, making the gameplay both engaging and demanding.

Q: What are some of the narrative elements included in Rise of the Ronin?

The game features an engaging narrative where players take on the role of a ronin seeking revenge for a raided village. Along the way, they navigate political intrigue and form relationships with various characters, with choices affecting the storyline and player standing within the game. The setting includes a mix of Eastern and Western influences, enriching the storytelling experience.

Q: What criticisms does the game face regarding its graphics?

Rise of the Ronin has been criticized for its outdated graphics, which often detract from the overall immersion. Players have noted issues such as simplistic visuals, texture pop-in, and inconsistent lighting. While some aspects like color and art direction are praised, the overall presentation is seen as a weakness in an otherwise engaging experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Rise of the Ronin combines elements from Team Ninja's previous titles, creating a unique open world set in 1850s Japan, featuring dynamic combat and exploration.

• The game has various systems and mechanics, allowing for customization of combat styles, weapons, and character interactions within a historic narrative framework.

• While the graphics are somewhat outdated, the game delivers satisfying combat and an engaging, albeit flawed, storytelling experience enhanced by character bonds and open-world quests.