Team Ninja’s highly anticipated PlayStation 5-exclusive samurai game, “Rise of the Ronin,” recently showcased exciting open-world traversal and combat gameplay during the latest State of Play event.
Unveiled by Team Ninja in September 2022, the game is set to hit the shelves on March 22, 2024, as announced during The Game Awards 2023. In the twilight of Japan’s feudal Edo period, “Rise of the Ronin” lets players forge their own path as a custom samurai warrior,
exploring historical locations like Yokohama, Kyoto, and Edo. Drawing comparisons to Team Ninja’s Nioh series and evoking the essence of titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the game brings a blend of Japanese setting and samurai sword combat to the forefront.
The latest trailer delves into the game’s rich gameplay, where players can shape their samurai’s destiny through narrative choices,
building connections with other characters and defining their identity as a lone warrior. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Japanese landscape, the custom character navigates the world using a grappling hook-like rope to ascend rooftops and a retractable device, the “Avicula,” for gliding through the air.
The combat aspect of “Rise of the Ronin” is equally enthralling, featuring duels with sword-wielding opponents. Players can employ strategic attacks and guards, incorporating parries to break an enemy’s stance. Similar to Ghost of Tsushima, different combat styles can be seamlessly switched to adapt to diverse situations. Stealth elements are also crucial, allowing players to sneak past adversaries, execute quick kills using the grappling rope, and switch between various Edo-era weapons, from long spears to firearms.
Adding depth to the story, players will join forces with the inventor Igashichi, who supplies them with innovative gadgets and weapons for their journey. Noteworthy among these is the Fire Pipe,
a flamethrower-like weapon capable of igniting explosive barrels and setting enemies ablaze. Rise of the Ronin introduces a fusion of traditional Japanese combat with Western-developed technology, offering players a strategic advantage against formidable foes and enabling special finishing attacks.
The gameplay footage suggests a promising experience,
featuring dynamic sword combat reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima and open-world traversal reminiscent of the Batman: Arkham series. As fans eagerly anticipate the release, “Rise of the Ronin” is scheduled to launch exclusively for the PlayStation 5 on March 22, offering a captivating adventure for samurai enthusiasts.