Rise of the Ronin

StrongRise of the Ronin header image
77

Top Critic Average

63%

Critics Recommend

Eurogamer
4 / 5
IGN
7 / 10
TheGamer
3.5 / 5
GamesRadar+
3.5 / 5
Game Informer
7 / 10
GameSpot
7 / 10
VG247
3 / 5
Hardcore Gamer
4 / 5
Creators: Sony Interactive Entertainment, Team Ninja
Release Date: Mar 22, 2024 - PlayStation 5

Rise of the Ronin Review Summary

StrongCritic Consensus

Excellent combat system

Beautiful and detailed environments

Poorly paced story

Rise of the Ronin is an open-world action RPG set in Bakumatsu-era Japan. Critics praise its engaging combat system, offering a variety of playstyles with both katanas and firearms. The game's rich open-world exploration and character relationships are also appreciated, providing depth to the overall experience. However, some critics feel the game suffers from open-world bloat, repetitive tasks, and poorly paced stories. Despite these drawbacks, it stands out as one of Team Ninja’s most ambitious projects, blending historical elements with action-packed gameplay.


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Rise of the Ronin Trailers

Rise of the Ronin - The Aftermath Launch Trailer | PS5 Games thumbnail

Rise of the Ronin - The Aftermath Launch Trailer | PS5 Games

Rise of the Ronin - Gameplay Overview | PS5 Games thumbnail

Rise of the Ronin - Gameplay Overview | PS5 Games

Rise of the Ronin - Pre-Order Trailer | PS5 Games thumbnail

Rise of the Ronin - Pre-Order Trailer | PS5 Games


Rise of the Ronin Screenshots

Critic Reviews for Rise of the Ronin

Team Ninja borrows the open-world familiarity and historical tourism of Assassin's Creed while adapting its own breed of hardcore action for the mainstream.

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Rise of the Ronin marries a cool setting, Team Ninja’s mastery of tough-but-fair combat, and smart RPG design, even when map clutter and junk loot can get in its way.

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It feels like nobody in Rise of the Ronin is connected to the world or its events, much in the same way most mechanics of the game don’t feel connected to each other. The game is inconsistent and unpolished. Annoying stat-crunching, a poorly handled story, and some really awful boss fights make it feel like a bad Soulslike was bolted on to something that could’ve been so much better. But its traversal mechanics, top-notch side missions, sublime open world, and the varied and likeable characters you can build relationships with all help prop up its weaker elements.

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"Enemy AI appears torn between realistic long-distance vision (which is neat but totally un-video game-friendly) and some pretty non-existent hearing"

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Almost nothing in Rise of the Rōnin is outright bad, but it is Exhibit A in any argument about why action games are not dozens of hours long or why open-world designs do not fit every mold. For all the inspirations the game wears on its sleeve, it never rises above them, and thus feels like a title in search of an identity and desperate for a specific kind of player. It’s sometimes a good time, just not for a long time.

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Though it has a somewhat steep combat learning curve and some dated open-world ideas, Rise of the Ronin does a great job of rewarding your time in its world.

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It's a disappointing change of stance from Team Ninja, and one that could leave them open to an unfortunately mortal blow.

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Team Ninja shot for the moon and delivered a fun open-world action game that, despite its faults, is an excellent experience. Rise of the Ronin provides a fantastic new vision for Team Ninja.

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Industry Coverage

Highly Rated Team Ninja Game Gets Free Demo on PS5

Highly Rated Team Ninja Game Gets Free Demo on PS5

One of Team Ninja's most well received releases just got a free PS5 demo that will allow players to carry over their save data in the full game.

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