Ryse: Son of Rome
" Cinematic action game with stunning graphics and tactical combat but repetitive moves and linear levels "
Ryse: Son of Rome Review
Ryse: Son of Rome, developed by Crytek, is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure game set in ancient Rome. Released as an Xbox One flagship title, it impresses with its cinematic storytelling focused on Roman soldier Marius Titus and his quest for vengeance. The game excels in graphics, utilizing advanced lighting, motion capture, and detailed character models that still hold up remarkably well over a decade later. Combat combines elements from popular titles like Batman: Arkham and Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, featuring executions, parrying, and rhythm-based mechanics that are easy to learn but can become repetitive. The game offers unique scenarios such as formations and choice-driven fights, adding some tactical depth. However, it is a relatively short, linear experience lasting around 5-6 hours, with some performance issues on PC that require tweaking. Despite its simplicity and occasional stuttering, Ryse is praised for its immersive atmosphere, compelling story, and satisfying combat, making it a worthwhile experience especially at a discounted price.
Highlights
The game's graphics are exceptional, often described as ahead of its time with realistic visuals and impressive motion capture. The storyline is engaging, telling a tale of vengeance within a richly detailed Roman setting. Combat mechanics are straightforward yet satisfying, blending quick-time executions with tactical formations and enemy variety. Players appreciate the cinematic feel and the game's ability to immerse them in the brutal world of ancient Rome. The soundtrack and voice acting further enhance the epic atmosphere, making the experience memorable despite its brevity.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the repetitive gameplay loop centered on similar combat moves and executions, which may reduce long-term engagement. The linear and short level design limits exploration and variety, leading to a feeling that the game ends abruptly. Some players report performance issues and stuttering on PC, often requiring manual fixes like frame rate capping or disabling Temporal Anti-Aliasing. Others note the game's combat as overly simplistic and hand-holding, with minimal challenge even on higher difficulties. Additionally, the historical accuracy is loose, with some players uncomfortable with the portrayal of Roman conquests and the lack of nuance in the narrative.
Pros
- • Stunning, realistic graphics that still impress years after release.
- • Engaging story with a strong narrative of vengeance and loyalty.
- • Satisfying and cinematic combat with executions and parrying.
- • Unique tactical elements like formations and choice-driven fights.
- • Smooth gameplay performance on most systems after tweaks.
- • Atmospheric soundtrack and excellent voice acting.
- • Short length makes it a concise, focused experience.
Cons
- • Combat becomes repetitive due to limited move variety.
- • Linear and short level design limits exploration and depth.
- • Performance issues and stuttering reported on some PCs.
- • Simplistic combat mechanics with little challenge on hard mode.
- • Historical inaccuracies and glorification of Roman conquest.
- • Tutorial and controls can be unintuitive or frustrating.
- • Some players experience motion sickness due to camera movement.
Rating Criteria
“Ryse: Son of Rome” tells the story of Marius Titus, a young Roman soldier who witnesses the murder of his family at the hands of barbarian bandits, then travels with the Roman army to Britannia to seek revenge.
