Rise of the Ronin Review – The Best Samurai RPG Yet?

⭐ Rating: 9.0/10

🎮 Platforms: PS5

🗓 Release Date: March 11, 2025

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Introduction

Rise of the Ronin is a must-play action RPG that blends open-world exploration, historical depth, and thrilling samurai combat. Developed by Team Ninja (Nioh, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty), this game delivers a rich, immersive experience set in feudal Japan. If you love swordplay, choice-driven storytelling, and tactical combat, Rise of the Ronin offers an epic adventure.

Does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out!

🔥 Why Rise of the Ronin Stands Out

✅ Authentic Feudal Japan Setting

The game transports players to Japan during the Bakumatsu period (mid-1800s), a time of political turmoil, samurai warfare, and shifting allegiances.
Explore stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and rural villages, each rich with historical detail.
Expect historically inspired missions and interactions with real-life historical figures.

✅ Fluid & Strategic Combat

Combat is fast-paced, yet deeply strategic, rewarding precision and tactical choices.
Master katanas, spears, bows, and even firearms for varied playstyles.
Parrying and counterattacking are essential—one mistake can be deadly.
Each weapon has its own mastery system, allowing players to specialize over time.

✅ Choice-Based Storytelling

Unlike linear samurai games, Rise of the Ronin offers multiple branching paths based on your allegiances and decisions.
Your choices affect alliances, battle outcomes, and the ending, adding replayability.
Will you side with the imperialists, the shogunate, or forge your own path?

✅ Open-World Exploration & Side Content

Roam freely through expansive cities, scenic countryside, and battle-worn fortresses.
Engage in side quests, duels, and bounty hunting missions.
Discover hidden shrines, ancient secrets, and upgradeable gear.
Dynamic day-night cycles and changing weather add realism.

👀 What Could Be Better?

❌ Learning Curve – Combat can be unforgiving for newcomers, requiring precise timing and strategy. ❌ Some Repetitive Side Missions – While the world is immersive, a few side quests feel formulaic. ❌ No Multiplayer or Co-Op – Unlike Nioh, Rise of the Ronin is a purely single-player experience.

🔥 Final Verdict: Is Rise of the Ronin Worth Playing?

For fans of samurai games, historical RPGs, and tactical combat, Rise of the Ronin is a must-play. It delivers authentic swordplay, meaningful choices, and a deep narrative set in a beautifully recreated feudal Japan.

✅ If you enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh, or Sekiro, this is right up your alley.

While it has a few minor flaws, the engaging combat, branching story, and immersive world make Rise of the Ronin one of the best samurai games to date. to finish the base game first before diving into Shadow of the Erdtree—it’s designed for experienced players who crave difficulty.