March 12th 2024.
In the world of gaming, there are certain titles that immediately come to mind when discussing open world games. However, there are always new contenders trying to make their mark in the genre. This time, it's the creators of Nioh and Final Fantasy Origins taking on the challenge of a large-scale open world game. The result? A game that is both familiar and different, and one that begs comparison with the highly praised Ghost Of Tsushima.
It's no secret that the Nioh games have not received the recognition they deserve. Despite being excellent games and arguably the best "Soulslikes" of the last generation, they have often been overshadowed by FromSoftware's titles. However, what sets them apart is their more involved combat system, which not only stands on its own but also sets them apart from their inspiration.
Team Ninja, best known for the Dead Or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series, have had a spotty track record. Their recent releases, Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, have been disappointing follow-ups to Nioh 2. While they still fall under the "Soulslike" category, their latest title, Rise Of The Rōnin, may not necessarily fit into that genre. However, it does share many similarities, such as bonfires that replenish health and respawn enemies, and the risk of losing experience points upon death.
But what sets Rise Of The Rōnin apart is its less fantastical approach, drawing clear influences from the Tenchu series. This means players have the option to either take on enemies head-on or utilize stealth tactics and take them down from the rooftops.
Although the developers have only allowed a preview of the first two or three hours of gameplay, the story has already left us a little confused. We play as part of an anti-shogunate faction called the Veiled Edge, who are elite assassins that owe their expertise to being twins that work as a pair. The game is set in the Bakumatsu period, a decade before the events depicted in the film The Last Samurai. This period was marked by conflict between the shogunate forces and traditionalist groups who were unhappy with the increasing Western influence.
What makes this time period interesting is the usage of guns, which were widely used alongside traditional samurai and ninja weapons. The combat in Rise Of The Rōnin is similar to Nioh, with a stamina meter that determines the player's ability to attack. But this time, it runs out and recharges much quicker, preventing players from button-bashing. The combat also includes options such as blocking, countering, and dodging, as well as using secondary weapons like guns and shuriken. The ultimate goal is to decrease the enemy's Ki, which allows for instant killing blows or special martial skills.
One of the unique aspects of the game is the ability to switch between different stances for more effective combat. Players can also have an AI ally with them, who can be switched to at any time to attack from a different angle or utilize their unique weapon and stance.
While details on the co-op mode are still under wraps, it seems to follow a similar structure to Nioh. Players team up for specific missions and are given the freedom to complete them in their own way.
When starting the game, players can choose from different preset class types, but the two most distinct ways to play are either as a "guns blazing" samurai or a stealthier ninja. What makes Rise Of The Rōnin stand out is that both playstyles are equally nuanced, with the ability to use a grappling hook and creep around on rooftops as a ninja, or strategically use gadgets to distract and take down guards. On the other hand, the combat as a samurai is incredibly satisfying, although taking on multiple enemies at once may not be the best idea.
Aside from the team-up missions, the game also features a typical Ubisoft-style open world, filled with side quests and activities. However, what sets it apart is the "goodwill" system, where completing missions and helping the locals will result in discounts and perks at stores, as well as highlight points of interest on the map. This system also applies to specific allies, as players can build stronger bonds with them, unlocking more combat options.
It's hard not to compare Rise Of The Rōnin to Ghost Of Tsushima, which is clearly the superior game in terms of graphics. However, Rise Of The Rōnin still has its own charm, with impressive lighting and cinematic moments during dusk and dawn.
Both games share similar structures, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Will players prefer the old-school Assassin's Creed style or the Far Cry flavor? While Rise Of The Rōnin may not have supernatural elements, it still offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Our only question is whether it will achieve the same mainstream success as Ghost Of Tsushima. From what we've seen so far, it definitely deserves the same level of recognition and may even be the better game.
Rise Of The Rōnin will be released exclusively for PlayStation 5 on March 22nd, 2024. Previews have only been allowed for the first two to three hours of gameplay, but it's safe to say that we're excited to see more.
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