The Rise of the Ronin: Last Sight

Shall you dispatch your foes? Or extend mercy unto them?

“The Rise of the Ronin” has undeniably left a lasting impression thus far. While it may not boast the graphical splendor akin to “Ghost of Tsushima,” its depth and myriad of activities are truly commendable. The narrative is compelling, urging players to persist in uncovering what lies ahead. With an extensive array of items to acquire for a stronger build, accompanied by the recruitment of characters who seamlessly join your ranks in battle, the game presents a robust customization system allowing players to tailor both their appearance and equipment. And let’s not forget, you can pet cats—a delightful addition indeed. However, beyond these enticing features, the core gameplay loop feels like a fusion of “Assassin’s Creed 2’s” exploration and storytelling, sprinkled with elements reminiscent of “Ninja Gaiden’s” combat, and a touch of “Dark Souls'” difficulty. In essence, this formula appears to be a perfect amalgamation of gameplay elements that resonate deeply with enthusiasts.

The primary storyline of “The Rise of the Ronin” revolves around a duo known as the Blade Twins. Believed to be siblings who narrowly escaped a harrowing fate when their village was engulfed in flames, they were subsequently rescued and enlisted into the enigmatic Blade Twins of the Hidden Edge. Endowed with exceptional swordsmanship, the Blade Twins undergo rigorous training, honing their skills together as they ascend towards mastery.

One of the most memorable tests of prowess thrusts you into the heart of action as you infiltrate the vessel of the historical figure, Matthew C. Perry, with the objective to pilfer a confidential message and eliminate Perry thereafter. This segment adeptly showcases the stealth elements of “Ronin,” coupled with exhilarating combat mechanics. Combat demands precise timing for counters, while vigilance over your Ki gauge, akin to a stamina meter, is imperative. Overexertion from blocking leaves you vulnerable, yet strategic use of parrying or inflicting damage on opponents depletes their Ki, rendering them susceptible to devastating blows.

This dynamic exchange of blows proves exhilarating in practice, yet attaining mastery is no easy feat. Stealth presents an alternate approach, allowing you to silently dispatch foes without detection. However, formidable adversaries necessitate a firm grasp of combat fundamentals to emerge victorious. Thus, while my character boasted a discourse trait unlocking unique dialogue options, mastering combat fundamentals remains indispensable—an aspect “Ronin” executes with finesse.

Following this pivotal juncture, “Ronin” unfolds its grandeur. What was initially anticipated as two hours of playable content unveils a sprawling open world, teeming with bustling towns, expansive fields, and urban landscapes adorned with diverse mission types. Within these realms, players are afforded the liberty to embark on story quests, partake in side missions, personalize their Longhouse, or engage in minigames—amidst an array of activities awaiting exploration. The footage provided for review merely scratches the surface of the myriad of options available, hinting at a wealth of untapped potential.

A notable inclusion absent from the footage is a narrative twist where I allied with the Unconventional Ronin to secure his loyalty in a skirmish. In our preview, Battle Missions served as core story missions, featuring additional objectives such as “Defeat 3 Elite Enemies,” thereby influencing the overarching narrative. In this instance, the primary objective was to vanquish Gonzo and determine his fate before absconding with forged documents to complete the mission. While opting for his demise was a viable choice, I opted to spare Gonzo.

Fast forward to the open world segment, and an unexpected encounter beckons me to settle a score with an individual who defrauded him. To my astonishment, it was none other than Gonzo, resurfacing with mischief in tow—despite my earlier act of clemency. Presented with the option to exact retribution or extend an olive branch, I chose the latter, enlisting Gonzo into my ranks. Opting for his demise would have yielded loot, yet by sparing him, I gained an additional ally to bolster my endeavors—a trade-off I deemed more valuable than mere trinkets. This revelation, experienced through a reload of my save, epitomized the nuanced decision-making integral to “Ronin’s” narrative fabric.

While “The Rise of the Ronin” had already captivated me with its engaging combat, immersive storytelling, and meaningful choices, this pivotal moment solidified my admiration for the game. With its diverse array of activities, ranging from quelling insurgencies in overrun towns to engaging in captivating minigames, and a comprehensive equipment system encouraging mastery of various weapons and sub-weapons, “Ronin” promises an immersive experience. While it may not rival PlayStation’s first-party open-world spectacles, “Ronin” stays true to its essence—delivering a captivating narrative, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and a plethora of engaging activities to ensnare players in its world. I eagerly await the culmination of these elements upon “Ronin’s” impending launch.