Rise of the Ronin, developed by Team Ninja for the PS5, is a beautiful game steeped in the history of feudal Japan, with gorgeous graphics, great characters and an impressive combat system. Its allure, however, is slightly tainted by a cluttered inventory and an overwhelming array of tasks, meters and other aspects that grow tiresome after a while. This ambitious RPG offers a visually and emotionally captivating experience, but I struggled to maintain my focus amidst the chaos of the huge number of menus and items.
Where Rise of the Ronin undeniably shines is in its visual presentation. The meticulously crafted landscapes, from tranquil bamboo forests to bustling marketplaces, evoke the splendor of feudal Japan in exquisite detail. Character models are equally impressive, with tons of customization options to choose, from traditional samurai attire to western suits and ties. The attention to aesthetic authenticity is commendable, drawing players deeper into the immersive world of the game. It has a transmogrification option as well, so you can equip the best weapons and armour, while having them look like anything you’ve acquired up until that point, which is a feature I love.
The heart of Rise of the Ronin lies in its combat system, which is both intricate and exhilarating. Players can seamlessly switch between various stances and fighting styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Jin stance, for instance, is effective against sabres and lightweight weapons, but doesn’t work so well against odachis and heavy weapons. Mastering the nuances of each stance adds depth to the gameplay, rewarding skillful execution and strategic thinking during what are often frantic encounters. Stealth also plays a huge role in this game, and much like Assassins Creed, you can take out enemies from a variety of vantage points without them noticing, giving you multiple ways to complete missions.
One of the game’s prominent flaws, however, lies in its cluttered inventory system. There is a dizzying array of items to pick up, ranging from weapons and armor to various collectibles and crafting materials. I’m not kidding when I say that even after a few missions, I had dozens of new gloves, swords and robes, all of which were worse than the ones I was currently wearing. This leads to a frustratingly cluttered inventory, sometimes hundreds of items deep, making it arduous to manage and prioritize essential items. Add in the fact that each item has a variety of bonus effects, and it makes sorting through them a game on its own. I would often find myself standing at a vendor for minutes at a time trying to work out which items I should keep, and which to sell. It’s a constant juggling act, especially for players like me who like to keep an organized inventory.
The game’s map reminds me of Assassins Creed as well, where – with so many icons on it – you never really know where to go or what to do next. I often felt overwhelmed by the deluge of markers and objectives pointing me in every direction. While the sheer volume of content is impressive, I often found myself lost amidst the clutter, struggling to discern between essential tasks and meaningless distractions. You do have a home base though, where you can rest and recuperate between adventures, customize your equipment, and interact with companions to build bonds, which brings a sense of calm to an otherwise hectic pace.
The boss fights in Rise of the Ronin are great. These epic showdowns often showed me that I needed to practice stance-dancing and blocking more. I’d breeze through certain fights only to find myself struggling with the bosses, but through learning their patterns and timing attacks correctly, I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I finally dealt the killing blow. Each boss presents a unique challenge that requires careful strategy and adaptability to overcome, and really adds combat depth to the game.
As you progress through the story, you’ll encounter various characters who can be added to your Bond screen, offering rewards as you enhance your relationships. Completing missions and giving gifts can improve your Bonds with them, earning you rewards and even new fighting styles. Additionally, your Bond with different areas is crucial, as higher levels unlock more activities and enable 100% completion for rewards. Exploration and relationship management are both an integral part of the game, and Rise of the Ronin rewards you well for doing it.
Cluttered maps and inventory aside, Rise of the Ronin is a visually stunning experience that is fun to play, but difficult to learn and master. The payoff is huge though, once you find yourself slaying bosses and really feeling like an expert swordsman. The game’s intricate combat system, beautiful landscapes and captivating boss fights truly offer moments of exhilaration and excitement. It is definitely a must-play for fans of the genre, and with refinement to its inventory management and map design, Rise of the Ronin could truly be one of gaming’s great samurai sagas.
Have you played it? Let us know what you think in the comments below!