Chris InglisRise of the Ronin is Team Ninja and KOEI TECMO’s latest action RPG and launched on PlayStation 5 in 2024 and now on Steam as of March 11, 2025. The game has you playing as a nameless warrior – a ronin – your destiny evolves based on the choices you make. You will encounter historical figures and factions with various ideologies allowing you to experience the tumultuous Bakumatsu period. You will face significant decisions, such as whether to assassinate or protect key figures like Naosuke II, and craft your own history through a multi-ending system. The Japanese setting and samurai gameplay hooked me in, but it was the evolving gameplay that had me playing for hours each night.
Playing the PC version, the game’s environments are meticulously crafted, capturing the beauty and complexity of the period. From the bustling streets of Edo to the serene, snow-capped majesty of Mount Fuji looming in the distance, the game’s world is a visual feast once you get out of the linear prologue segment. While occasional framerate dips were encountered in the open world, the overall performance was smooth, allowing for an immersive experience.
The game excels in its gradual, yet impactful, introduction of mechanics. Just when you think you’ve mastered the basics, Rise of the Ronin unveils another layer of depth. The buddy system, for instance, adds a compelling strategic element. Building reputation with key characters opens the opportunity to invite them on missions, creating dynamic team compositions and enhancing the gameplay and story. You can switch characters on the fly and lay down some brutal combos or revive the other if you have the right items. This buddy mission feature is further amplified by the seamless co-op integration, allowing you to team up with mates for challenging missions.
Traversal is a highlight starting with your horse and grappling hook, then the glider providing exhilarating ways to navigate the expansive world. The grappling hook allows for swift vertical movement, offering strategic advantages in combat by enabling height-based attacks and escapes. The glider, on the other hand, facilitates silent, long-distance travel, allowing for stealthy approaches and breathtaking aerial views. These mechanics seamlessly blend exploration and combat, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop.
The auto-travel feature is a welcome addition, providing a convenient way to traverse the large open world, allowing you to take a break from intense combat and appreciate the game’s stunning environments or grab a drink. This feature is particularly useful for those who enjoy the game’s world but occasionally wish to focus on the core narrative and mission objectives. You can also find and pet cats around the world, so cat-lovers are in for an extra treat.
Combat, while rewarding, presented a unique challenge with the default mouse and keyboard controls. It was recommended to use a controller for the best experience but I’m stubborn in that regard. Holding left-CTRL for blocking and right-click for counterattacks required a period of adjustment, particularly against the formidable chevron-marked enemies and bosses. These foes tested reflexes and strategic thinking, demanding a mastery of the game’s parry and counter systems. However, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming these challenges was immense, underscoring the game’s satisfyingly high skill ceiling. Add to that the narrative choices along the way and you feel in control of the story and your character’s destiny.
The RPG elements of Rise of the Ronin are robust and well-integrated. Looting, crafting, and skill point allocation provide ample opportunities for character customisation. The sheer volume of loot is both a blessing and a curse, but the intuitive inventory system, with its helpful upgrade indicators (up arrows), streamlines the process of managing equipment. The ability to quickly identify and equip superior gear without tedious comparisons enhances the flow of gameplay. Engaging with NPC shopkeepers and utilising crafting resources effectively provides a sensible way to manage the plentiful loot, ensuring your inventory remains manageable.
The narrative is a compelling blend of historical fiction and personal drama, drawing players into the complex political landscape of the Bakumatsu era. The story is rich with intrigue, memorable characters, and impactful choices that shape your journey with multiple endings on offer. Side quests are exceptionally well-crafted, offering meaningful gameplay and substantial rewards for your time. They are not mere fetch quests but rather engaging stories that flesh out the world and its inhabitants as you liberate villagers from evil ronin characters. It gives you purpose to go off the beaten track.
Rise of the Ronin effectively balances its open-world exploration, intricate combat, and engaging RPG elements. The game’s attention to detail, from its meticulously recreated environments to its nuanced character interactions, creates a very immersive experience. The gradual introduction of mechanics, engaging story, and the seamless integration of co-op and buddy systems contribute to a rich and dynamic experience.
Overall, Rise of the Ronin wraps a successful blend of action, RPG elements, and open-world exploration into a highly engaging and well performing package. The game’s visual quality, deep combat system, and engaging story rich in Japanese period history make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The occasional framerate drops on PC are a minor detail on an otherwise excellent gameplay experience.
This review utilised a Steam key provided by KOEI TECMO and Rise of the Ronin is out now on Steam and PlayStation.
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