Rise of the Ronin is a samurai action game built around two swords, two styles, and a story that wants to be a legend. It is a solid, occasionally brilliant game marred by a narrative that can’t quite keep up with its own ambition. On PC and PS5, it offers a tight combat loop and a world worth exploring, but the plot sags in the middle, leaving the best parts of the experience feeling like a tease rather than a payoff.
Trailer, via PlayStation.
The Combat Loop
The core of Rise of the Ronin is its swordplay. Players switch between a katana and a naginata mid-combat, each weapon with its own moveset and range. The system rewards timing and space management, and it feels natural once the controls settle in. Enemies react to your attacks, and the game’s difficulty curve is generous early before tightening up later.
Boss fights stand out. Each one demands a specific approach, and the game is smart about letting you know what you’re in for before you step into the arena. The presentation is clean, with animations that sell the weight of steel. These encounters are among the highlights of the game, demanding precise use of the weapons at hand and rewarding players who study their weaknesses.
The Setting
The game’s feudal Japan is dense and atmospheric. Towns bustle with life, and the countryside is full of hidden paths and shrines. Exploration rewards curiosity, though some side quests feel like filler rather than content. The art direction leans heavily on light and shadow, giving the world a moody, cinematic quality.
The Story
Here’s where Rise of the Ronin stumbles. The main plot follows a ronin who becomes entangled in a war between clans, and it sets up a tragic arc that never fully delivers. Character arcs are introduced but left unfinished, and the ending feels rushed rather than earned. The game tries to build a mythic scope but settles for a muddled middle act. That ambition shows through the setting and the combat, but it never quite translates into a satisfying arc for the characters themselves.
Technical Performance
On PC, performance is smooth, with frame rates staying steady during combat. Load times are quick, and the game handles large battles without much fuss. The PS5 version mirrors the PC experience well, though there are occasional hitches during heavy set pieces.
What Works Best
- The sword switching mechanic
- Boss design
- World exploration
- Art direction
- Sound design
What doesn’t work as well:
- Mid-game pacing
- Underdeveloped character arcs
- Some side content feeling thin
A Look at the Running Order
| Session | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sword tutorial and first village |
| 2 | Forest exploration and first boss |
| 3 | Clan war introduction |
| 4 | Shrine runs and side quests |
| 5 | Final stretch and ending |
The Verdict
Rise of the Ronin is a game that knows how to fight but struggles to tell a story worth fighting for. Its combat is sharp, its world is beautiful, and its technical execution is strong. The narrative, however, drags in the middle and leaves the final act feeling hollow.
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