‘Rise of the Ronin’ Squanders a Promising Concept With Clunky Combat and an Uninspired Story: Video Game Review
variety.comKatcy Stephan SPOILER ALERT: This review discusses minor plot details and gameplay elements from “Rise of the Ronin.” “Rise of the Ronin,” the latest release from “Nioh” developer Team Ninja, is one of the most highly-anticipated game releases of the year, promising a high-octane role-playing story combining eastern and western combat styles.
From its announcement, “Rise of the Ronin” drew inevitable comparisons to Sucker Punch’s critically-acclaimed 2020 release “Ghost of Tsushima.” It’s understandable: although “Ronin” takes place about 600 years after “Ghost,” both follow samurai warriors in Japan as they swing their swords in an action-adventure open world.
Unfortunately, “Ronin” never rises to the same level of excellence, plagued by clunky combat and an uninspired story. When the game begins, players assume control of two characters: fated “Blade Twins,” a dual warrior unit for the Veiled Edge, specially trained by the Kurosu clan to oppose their shogunate overlords.
They were brought together when their native village was destroyed by shogunate spies, and torn apart again in the tutorial level during an assassination mission gone awry.
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