Rise of the Ronin

Rise of the Ronin delivers a deep and engaging combat system reminiscent of Team Ninja's previous titles like Nioh and Wo Long, set against the historically rich backdrop of Japan's Bakumatsu period (1853-1868). Players appreciate the variety of weapons, combat styles, and the open-world exploration filled with lively NPCs and meaningful collectibles, creating a rewarding gameplay loop. The character customization and bond system add layers of personalization and progression, while the story, though not player-driven, offers a solid narrative experience with well-realized characters.

However, the game is significantly hampered by poor PC optimization, causing performance drops, low frame rates, and bugs that frustrate many players. The graphics, though stylistically authentic, are often considered outdated and washed out compared to contemporary standards. Some players find the open world repetitive and quest design basic, with uneven combat style distribution and shallow romance mechanics. Despite these issues, many find the core combat and setting compelling enough to recommend, especially if performance improves.

Highlights

Players praise the fast, precise, and satisfying combat mechanics with multiple weapons and stances, offering depth and variety. The game's historical setting during the Bakumatsu period is well-presented and immersive, sparking interest in Japanese history. The open world feels alive with NPCs reacting to the player and dynamic enemy camps. Character customization and the bond system provide rewarding progression. Additionally, the game features a rich collection system and enjoyable exploration. Overall, the combat and setting are the most celebrated aspects, with many comparing it favorably to titles like Nioh and Ghost of Tsushima.

Criticisms

The most common criticism is the poor PC port optimization, causing severe performance issues even on high-end rigs, including frame drops, stuttering, and bugs such as enemies not spawning properly. Graphics are often described as bland, outdated, or washed out, lacking polish compared to other modern titles. The open world and quest design are seen as repetitive and basic, with some players feeling the faction system and romance mechanics are shallow or poorly integrated. Combat, while praised, can become repetitive and unevenly distributed across weapons. Lastly, the story is considered passable but not impactful, with limited player agency in narrative outcomes.