Rise of the Ronin (2024–2025): A Gritty Samurai RPG in Tumultuous Times
Rise of the Ronin is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Team NINJA and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Released in March 2024 on PlayStation 5, and later on PC in March 2025, the game is set in Japan during the late Edo period, specifically the Bakumatsu era (around 1863), a time marked by internal unrest, Western encroachment, and political transformation.
In this turbulent historical setting, players assume the role of a customizable ronin—known as the “Veiled Edge”—who must navigate a divided nation. The game allows deep customization: players can choose the protagonist’s appearance, gender, voice, and even their origin or “Blade Sharpening Path,” which impacts initial stats and playstyle. Options include backgrounds like Killer, Seducer, or Beginner, each providing a unique flavor to the experience.
Combat in Rise of the Ronin is deliberate and technical, influenced by Team NINJA’s previous work on Nioh and Ninja Gaiden. It incorporates parry-focused mechanics known as “Countersparks,” stamina (Ki) management, and multiple weapon types—ranging from traditional katana and odachi to rifles, pistols, and bayonets. Weapon stances and skill trees allow further personalization, making combat rewarding but challenging.
The open world spans about 27 square kilometers and features historical cities like Yokohama, as well as rural and coastal regions. Players can traverse the landscape by horseback, glider, or on foot, encountering diverse characters, side quests, and dynamic storylines. Player choices affect the narrative significantly—aligning with or opposing different factions such as the pro-imperial Ishin Shishi or the pro-shogunate Shinsengumi. These decisions alter relationships and unlock different endings, giving the game high replayability.
While the PS5 version received generally favorable reviews, with praise for its combat depth and historical immersion, the PC release was met with heavy criticism due to performance issues. Players reported stuttering, optimization problems, and frequent crashes even on high-end machines. Despite post-launch patches and developer apologies, the game struggled to win over the PC community.
Reactions to the game’s story and design were mixed. Some praised the nuanced portrayal of the Bakumatsu period, while others found the plot disjointed or underwhelming. The open world, though large and full of activities, was also criticized by some players as feeling dated in design and lacking the polish of other genre leaders.
The game draws frequent comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima, but while that title leaned into cinematic storytelling and visual elegance, Rise of the Ronin focuses more on mechanical depth and freedom of choice. It also has been likened to Way of the Samurai, particularly for its emphasis on branching narratives and faction alignment.
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for DLC or major expansions. While Rise of the Ronin may not reach the polish or emotional highs of its competitors, it offers a unique, ambitious, and content-rich samurai RPG experience—especially for players who enjoy challenging combat and meaningful player-driven stories.
