Rise of the Ronin Review: 7 Powerful Reasons This Samurai Adventure Hits Hard
Key Takeaways
- Rise of the Ronin blends intense katana combat with guns, gliders, and open-world freedom
- The story feels personal, emotional, and grounded in real Japanese history
- Combat is deep, challenging, and super satisfying once mastered
- Exploration is fun but can feel a little repetitive after long sessions
- Choices actually matter and change missions, allies, and outcomes
- It’s not perfect, but it’s a must-play for action RPG fans
Rise of the Ronin is an open-world samurai action RPG that throws you into war-torn Japan, where your choices shape your destiny. With brutal combat, emotional storytelling, and freedom to carve your own path, this game is part Ghost of Tsushima, part Sekiro, and fully its own beast. It’s messy in spots, but when it hits, it hits hard.
What Is Rise of the Ronin?
Rise of the Ronin is developed by Team Ninja, the people who gave us Nioh and Ninja Gaiden. They took their hardcore combat style and dropped it into a massive open world set in 19th-century Japan, right when Western influence and civil war started tearing the country apart.
You play as a ronin, a masterless samurai. No lord. No rules. Just a sword, a glider, a gun, and a whole lot of bad decisions waiting to be made.
The game is all about survival, loyalty, and choosing what kind of warrior you want to be.
My First Hour in the Game (And Why I Almost Died)
Let me be honest. My first 60 minutes were rough — like “why am I getting bullied by basic enemies” rough. I ran into a small group of thugs thinking I was hot stuff.
I was not hot stuff.
I got my virtual face rearranged and had to rethink my whole strategy. That’s when I realized: this is not a button-masher. This game wants patience, timing, and respect.
Once that clicked? Oh man… it became beautiful.
Combat System – Sharp, Smart, and Brutal
The combat in Rise of the Ronin feels like a deadly dance. Every swing, parry, and dodge matters. You can use:
- Katanas
- Spears
- Dual blades
- Rifles
- Pistols
- Bows
- Even martial arts
Every weapon has its own fighting style and skill tree. You also have a counter-spark system (basically a perfect parry) that feels incredibly satisfying when you nail it.
Why it’s addicting:
- Timing beats button-mashing
- Different stances for different enemies
- You feel your skill improve
- Finishing moves are brutal in the best way
It’s hard, but it’s fair. And when you finally beat that one boss who’s been bullying you for 30 minutes? You feel like a legend.
The Open World – Beautiful but Not Perfect
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Japan in Rise of the Ronin is stunning. From snowy mountains to busy towns, the world feels alive.
You can move around using:
- A glider
- A horse
- A grappling hook
- Fast travel points
Things I loved:
- Random events everywhere
- Hidden treasures
- Side quests that tell small stories
- Beautiful sunsets (yes, I stopped to stare)
Where it stumbles:
- Some missions feel similar
- A few areas feel empty
- NPCs can look a little robotic
It’s not the most polished open world ever, but it’s still really fun to explore.
Story and Choices – Your Path, Your Consequences
This is where the game shines.
You’re not just following one straight story. You make choices that affect:
- Who lives
- Who dies
- Which faction you join
- Who becomes your enemy
At one point, I had to choose between helping a powerful leader or protecting an old friend. I sat there staring at the screen like it was a real-life decision. No pressure, right?
That emotional weight makes the story feel personal instead of just “another game plot.”
Customization and Progression
You can make your ronin look however you want. Serious warrior? Done. Anime legend? Done. That thing you tried in Skyrim? Yep, possible again.
You can upgrade:
- Skills
- Weapons
- Armor
- Relationships
- Fighting styles
Here’s a quick look at what you can customize:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Character Appearance | Make your ronin unique |
| Weapon Skills | Change your playstyle |
| Armor Sets | Boost stats and style |
| Relationships | Unlock special missions |
| Moral Choices | Affect the storyline |
This level of control makes every playthrough feel different.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ronin
What I Loved
- Deep, rewarding combat
- Real choices that matter
- Emotional, grounded story
- Beautiful locations
- Tons of freedom
What Needs Work
- Camera sometimes fights you
- A few repetitive missions
- Facial animations feel stiff
Still, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives.
Who Should Play This Game?
Also Read This Article On Ghost of Tsushima: A Samurai’s Adventure and Strategy
If you enjoy games like:
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Sekiro
- Nioh
- Assassin’s Creed (old-school vibes)
…then Rise of the Ronin is absolutely for you.
If you hate hard games and just want to chill, it might test your patience. But hey, that’s how legends are made.
Final Summary
Rise of the Ronin isn’t just a game. It’s a journey through a broken Japan, a test of your skill, and a story shaped by your own decisions.
It’s brutal but fair. Beautiful but flawed. Emotional and exciting. I laughed. I raged. I felt proud. And yes, I died… a lot.
FAQs
Yes. You can explore cities, villages, and wild areas freely.
It’s challenging, but more forgiving and flexible.
Yes! You can use pistols, rifles, and bows along with swords.
Absolutely. They change missions, alliances, and outcomes.
If you enjoy action RPGs and samurai games, yes — 100%.
