Exploring the Historical Japanese Action-RPG, Rise of the Ronin

Rise of the Ronin, the latest creation from Team Ninja, is a blend of open-ended exploration, sneaking, and agile traversal that brings to mind Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series. However, unlike most Assassin’s Creeds, Rise of the Ronin boasts an intricate and rigorous melee combat system, complete with challenging boss battles that are sure to test even the most seasoned gamers.

The game is set in 19th century Japan’s Bakumatsu era, a time of political upheaval and social change. The trailer begins with a leisurely stroll through the port city of Yokohama, which is described as a unique blend of native and overseas architectural influences. The main character, who can be customized, is quite adept at urban free-running, with a variety of traversal gadgets at their disposal.

These gadgets include a grapple, which can also be used to pull enemies towards you, and an avicula, or hang-glider, which allows you to soar above the streets indefinitely, much like Batman in the Arkham series. The trailer also showcases some stealth mechanics, which appear to be relatively standard – crouch to sneak, and keep an eye on the red dots on your radar. There are chest-high shrubs for hiding, a staple in many games.

Combat is the true heart of the experience, with fights ranging from alleyway scuffles and waterside duels to full-scale cavalry battles through snowy countryside. The trailer introduces a few bosses, including a large man with claws who bears a striking resemblance to Soulcalibur’s Voldo. These encounters hinge on expert parrying and elaborate combos, which are sure to challenge even the most skilled players.

Rise of the Ronin is set to release on March 22nd, 2024. Team Ninja’s previous works have captured my imagination, despite the damage they’ve done to my self-esteem. While the relatively “pure” historical setting feels a bit washed-out next to the studio’s fantasy creations, I am optimistic about the prospect of a PC port. Sony is currently focusing on the PS5, but the game was announced for PCs as well in 2022.

Multiplayer first-person shooters (FPS) have been a popular choice among gamers in 2023. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which game is the best. Here are the top four multiplayer FPS games of 2023, based on user votes:

1. Counter-Strike 2
2. BattleBit Remastered
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)
4. Payday 3

Each of these games offers unique features and gameplay mechanics that make them stand out from the competition. Counter-Strike 2, for example, is a classic that has stood the test of time, with its strategic team-based gameplay and iconic maps. BattleBit Remastered, on the other hand, offers a more arcade-style experience, with fast-paced action and a variety of weapons to choose from.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) is a modern military shooter that focuses on large-scale battles and cinematic storytelling. Payday 3, meanwhile, is a cooperative heist game that allows players to work together to plan and execute elaborate crime scenarios.

Rock Paper Shotgun is a website dedicated to PC gaming, with a focus on news, reviews, and features. The site offers a wealth of information on the latest games, hardware, and industry trends. It also features a community section where users can discuss games, share tips, and connect with other gamers.

The site’s editorial policy emphasizes a commitment to providing honest, unbiased reviews and news coverage. The review policy is similarly straightforward, with a focus on providing detailed, in-depth analyses of games and hardware. The site also offers RSS feeds for users who want to stay up-to-date on the latest news and reviews.

Rise of the Ronin is an exciting new addition to the world of action-RPGs, with its unique blend of exploration, stealth, and combat. The game’s historical setting and intricate melee combat system are sure to appeal to fans of Team Ninja’s previous works, as well as newcomers to the genre. With its release date just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing for this epic adventure.