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Anyone interested in securing a copy of Rise of the Ronin early, or picking it up at or after launch for that matter, will have two editions of the game to choose from. Either the Standard Edition which costs $70, or $10 extra for the Digital Deluxe Edition. No physical goodies for paying the extra, but plenty of in-game stuff to aid you on your journey, particularly when first setting out. Everything extra you get with the Digital Deluxe Edition can be found below.

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Checkpoint Gaming - Elliot Attard - 8 / 10

Rise of the Ronin is another action-heavy success story for samurai heavy-hitters, Team Ninja. The world and setting are perfectly suited to enhance the roleplaying depth of the game's design as your unnamed hero makes important choices in a divided world. Fun is always at the forefront, even if certain open-world tropes lead to rinse-and-repeat content. This is because the moment-to-moment gameplay, including both traversal and combat, remains delightfully engaging throughout. The dialogue can be hit or miss, but Rise of the Ronin still finds a way to satisfy, in both its big action setpieces as well as those tiny little details.

ComicBook.com - Logan Moore - 3 / 5

Rise of the Ronin isn't necessarily an awful game, it's just one that's quite unremarkable. When this project was first unveiled back in 2022, I was ecstatic to see Team Ninja tackle the open-world genre and was curious to see how the studio would bring its own unique ideas to this format. Instead, virtually nothing that Team Ninja has done with Rise of the Ronin is enough to set itself apart from a growing deluge of games in the genre. With so many other titles to choose from in this space, there are far better options that warrant your time and attention.

Console Creatures - Luke Williams - Recommended

While Rise of the Ronin looks a little out-of-date as a PS5 exclusive, its robust choose-your-own-adventure system and Team Ninja's best and fairest combat system to date make it a worthy addition to the PS5's exclusives catalogue.

Dexerto - James Busby - 4 / 5

Rise of the Ronin doesn’t offer the photo-realistic visuals of those seen in Ghost of Tsushima, nor does it provide the nail-biting difficulty of Sekiro. Instead, Team Ninja’s samurai epic successfully forges a new path – blending adrenaline-fueled combat, fun traversal mechanics, and a loveable cast of characters, wrapping them all together in a world ripe for exploration. Just like the ronin themselves, Team Ninja’s open-world game is not bound by the old masters of the past – instead, it rises to the challenge set by Sucker Punch and FromSoftware, forging its own path to stand firmly amongst them.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - Unscored

Rise of the Rōnin is a fascinating game. It makes up for its lack of polish with a considerable amount of charm. And this charm makes me like the game more than many other polished but soulless AAA games.

Yes, the graphics are dated, the mission design is repetitive and the enemies are dumb as dirt. But the combat system and traveling through the open world are so much fun that these criticisms pale into insignificance. When I switch off my brain and enjoy the excellent action, time flies by with the game. Rise of the Rōnin may not be flawless, but it offers a damn fun and captivating gaming experience that no fan of samurai and Japan should miss out on.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation

While it does have an interesting and dynamic narrative premise, Rise of the Ronin fails to deliver a story worthy of awards or great praise. However, its combat stands out for its depth and for being fun, once again showcasing where Team Ninja truly excels.

Fextralife - Tyr - 8.4 / 10

While Rise of the Ronin suffers from outdated and unattractive graphics, the story and gameplay more than make up for it with a wealth of varied and interesting content available paired with good storytelling that keeps players engaged and wanting to know more. Fans of Team Ninja may be disappointed from the step down in combat quality, but nonetheless it is an enjoyable title that we can recommend at full price.

GGRecon - Ben Williams - 4 / 5

Accessible, fun, and full of ambition, Rise of the Ronin will have you hooked on its combat no matter what type of player you are - with an exciting story of engaging characters being bloodied icing on the cake.

Sure, some of its RPG systems won’t be for everyone, but Team Ninja’s first open-world effort is almost everything you could want from an action-packed samurai game set in Japan.

Gameffine - Uphar Dutta - 93 / 100

Rise of Ronin is a mindblowing action-adventure open-world RPG set at the end of the Shogun Era. While the game may have soul-like elements, not the difficulty, allowing more people to enjoy the game. Inspired by many mechanics from Nioh titles, the game boasts to have a compelling story with the freedom of shaping your future under your control. Rise of Ronin also excels with fluid combat and amazing sights but slightly lacks in matching the current generation graphics.

GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 6 / 10

In spite of solid combat and fun traversal, Rise of the Ronin is, unfortunately, Team Ninja's most underwhelming game in years.

GamingTrend - Richard Allen - 90 / 100

Rise of the Ronin is nothing if not ambitious, and though that ambition leads to the game not being as polished as you may expect from a PS5 release, it still manages to tell an enthralling story in which your actions truly matter, while also utilizing a unique bond mechanic, an in-depth -albeit slightly repetitive - combat system, and so much to do you'll find yourself losing sleep in an effort to complete just one more task. Those approaching Rise of the Ronin like the next Nioh will likely leave disappointed, but those who approach Team Ninja's latest effort with an open mind and patience will find a gem that just happens to have a few rough edges.

Kakuchopurei - Alleef Ashaari - 90 / 100

Rise Of The Ronin is Team Ninja's best title to date, perhaps on par with Nioh 2. It's not the most revolutionary title, but the developer continues to shape the Souls-like genre into their own distinctive style and that continues with this latest game. If you're looking for a meaty historical open-world game that's not too difficult but still provides a bit of a challenge, Rise Of The Ronin is that game.

Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 8 / 10

Rise of the Ronin's exhilarating combat, accessibility and open world will appeal to Team Ninja fans and newcomers to the Soulslike genre, even if it's more safe than innovative.

PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 85 / 100

Quote not yet available

Play Watch Read - Sylvano Witte - Dutch - 6.5 / 10

Rise of the Ronin takes you to an exciting time in Japanese history. However, that says it all. Rise of the Ronin borrows many elements from well-known games such as Assassin's Creed and Nioh. The combat can be relatively frustrating due to the different styles you have to learn. There is also a lot to experience in the open world, but it is not always beautiful or challenging. Rise of the Ronin is therefore primarily a game where you can enjoy yourself for a short time.

PowerUp! - Adam Mathew - 7 / 10

Providing Team Ninja iron out some of the creases in a post-launch patch, this could still be seen as a retainer—possibly a worthy companion piece to anybody hooked on the Shogun miniseries.

Push Square - Liam Croft - 6 / 10

Rise of the Ronin isn't a bad game; it's something debatably worse: completely forgettable. With dated open world design and a monotonous narrative, the cracking combat of a Team Ninja title is left to try and pick up the pieces. It manages to get the title in acceptable shape, and with its Bonds system and culture clash, just about forms an experience one could enjoy. Where it falls apart is the fact the open world is so intrinsically linked to all these features and mechanics that it's impossible to find pleasure in them for any respectable length of time. Rise of the Ronin is designed to attract a wider audience than Team Ninja titles past; what they find might put them off for good.

SECTOR.sk - Oto Schultz - Slovak - 8 / 10

In feudal times, ronin was a samurai without a master. Being your own master is the feeling delivered by Team Ninja's newest title Rise of the Ronin. Freely roaming huge open world districts with trusty horse companion, gliding throughout architecturally stunning cities of 19th century Japan, switching around diverse combat stances, making bonds with true friend and have epic duels against mighty foes. Moreover this grounded adventure from Bakumatsu period sprinkled with various creative liberties let's you experience Japan's grand opening to the world.

The Game Crater - Jayden Hellyar - 7 / 10

"Rise of the Ronin treads too closely with games we have already experienced."

VGC - Jordan Middler - 3 / 5

Rise of the Ronin is a fine open world adventure that never elevates itself to greatness. Fun Team Ninja combat will drag you through, but pointless open world fluff and questionable visuals sadly result in just another open world game.

 

[Beer Baelly]

77 Ronin

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Voted 86-89. Overall seemed to have good impression but to me it looked a little janky and based on how GoT reviewed I would say 86-89 is the safe range. Either way looking forward to it. I am 5/5 on the last 5 review threads hope to keep the trend alive!

 

[rhodesianshepard]

Voted 86-89. Overall seemed to have good impression but to me it looked a little janky and based on how GoT reviewed I would say 86-89 is the safe range. Either way looking forward to it. I am 5/5 on the last 5 review threads hope to keep the trend alive!

Ghost only got an 83 MC. Which may be the biggest crime in the history of Metacritic. Should be low 90's. I think Rise of the Ronin will get an 80.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

I'll go with low 80s on this one. Team Ninja never misses when it comes to combat, but it will probably get criticized on the open world design and perf.

 

[Toots]

77 Ronin

According to a lot of what im reading on gaf, you could have gone with the original title as well...
Still I hope your prediction is the good one !

 

[balls of snow]

47 Ronin starring Keanu Reaves / The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise

 

[SJRB]

70-75%, but hoping for the best. I need a new good samurai game.

 

[kazuyamishima]

Low 80’s

People will complain about low quality graphics and open world design but at the same time will tell you that $200m. budgets are unsustainable.

 

[Saber]

Guessing it will be between 90~85. Pretty damn solid but misunderstood by some.

 

[Valedix]

I mean the horse animation really says it all

Low 70s

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

If games like Nioh have great scores with performance issues and without amazing graphics i don't see why this one can't get at least an 85. So somewhere between 85 and 87.

 

[Larivel]

Famitsu review scores are out, they gave it 37/40.

 

[Slothbeing1209]

80-85

 

[Borowski_1]

If games like Nioh have great scores with performance issues and without amazing graphics i don't see why this one can't get at least an 85. So somewhere between 85 and 87.

I wouldn't expect that

The previews were very mixed

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

I wouldn't expect that

The previews were very mixed

Most criticism is about the graphics from what i saw...no one plays Team Ninja games for that.

 

[Physiognomonics]

24h countdown? Should I report the thread?

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

If games like Nioh have great scores with performance issues and without amazing graphics i don't see why this one can't get at least an 85. So somewhere between 85 and 87.

For starters Nioh and especially Nioh 2 have deep combat systems with great challenge. Rise of the Ronin is "accessible" and according to some reviewers has a simplified combat. It's also open world so could turn out to be padded out and with less challengs. There are some red flags besides the visuals.

 

[Borowski_1]

Mid 70s

76 or so

 

[Eiknarf]

Still can't believe reviews don't drop till the day before release!

If they were confident wouldn't they allowed reviews a week prior?

 

[DavidGzz]

Nioh 1 and 2 were mid 80s but this one will get docked for a bland open world, a more simple combat system, and the atrocious horse animations. 78

 

[Arun1910]

I think low 80s.

I want this and Dragons Dogma 2 so at least 1 needs to have good reviews and performance

 

[Eiknarf]

JAPANESE MAGAZINE FAMITSU SAYS THE GAME IS SATISFYING, IF A LITTLE ROUGH

First Rise of the Ronin review published in Famitsu | VGC

The Japanese magazine says the game is satisfying, if a little rough…

www.videogameschronicle.com

 

[Fake]

80~85 and will be good with that.

 

[Krappadizzle]

Mid 70's at best. Doesn't look bad by any stretch to me, but it definitively doesn't look good compared to it's contemporaries.

 

[NeroDaGod]

JAPANESE MAGAZINE FAMITSU SAYS THE GAME IS SATISFYING, IF A LITTLE ROUGH

First Rise of the Ronin review published in Famitsu | VGC

The Japanese magazine says the game is satisfying, if a little rough…

www.videogameschronicle.com

It’s strange to call it satisfying because they themselves awarded the game a 37/40 (10/10, 9/10, 9/10, 9/10).

 

[Aion002]

90+.

Dragon's Dogma 2 and Rise of the Ronin, whichever gets a better score is the one that I will buy it first.

I want both, but not at the same time.

 

[Fbh]

Low 70's
+ Good combat
+ Interesting setting
- Generic open world design
- Bland story
- technical issues

 

[thatJohann]

76

 

[DenchDeckard]

Swimming in 7s?

Would be awesome, if it ended up being a surprise hit and landing in the mid 80s.

 

[Bumblebeetuna]

47 Ronin starring Keanu Reaves / The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise

Last Nigga on Earth, starring Tom Hanks

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Ghost only got an 83 MC. Which may be the biggest crime in the history of Metacritic. Should be low 90's. I think Rise of the Ronin will get an 80.

For some reason I though it scored higher

 

[Eiknarf]

For some reason I though it scored higher

The PS5 version got an 87 average

It was the PS4 version that got an 83 at launch

 

[//DEVIL//]

7.5 out of 10

 

[SCB3]

Ghost only got an 83 MC. Which may be the biggest crime in the history of Metacritic. Should be low 90's. I think Rise of the Ronin will get an 80.

Wait did it really? GoT was an incredible game, so much so that I'm considering skipping this to replay the PC version when that releases

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

70 becuz koei techmo

 

[Arun1910]

Wait did it really? GoT was an incredible game, so much so that I'm considering skipping this to replay the PC version when that releases

GoT had a great story, combat, fun side missions, but all the side activities were bloat. Way too many foxes/shrines. The haiku's were also just boring as a gameplay mechanic, you move the left stick and press a button... the springs were also just 1 button press... the concept behind the activities were fine but there was just too much of the same stuff.

That said, 83 isn't bad by any means.

 

[Clear]

Mid-high 80's I think. People are placing too much weight on the graphics, and too little on the fact that Yasuda's last two games scored very well even though they weren't tech showcases.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

I think 80+ just because I think the gameplay will be fun and the world will feel alive.

 

[Scary_Larry]

Anxiously awaiting impressions on this one. Big fan of the Nioh series.

 

[Kamina]

Installing it at the moment
I’m sure this will be great

 

[Crownttano]

Anxiously awaiting impressions on this one. Big fan of the Nioh series.

Same with Wo Long being my favorite combat
Lu Bu 4 Life

 

[DarthPutin]

Glad to hear that choices are satsifying! I'm mostly in it for educational purposes.
The graphics are meh but I like character designs.

 

[Ansphn]

87 this gens Ghost of Tsushima without the graphics. People will be surprised at how good this game is..

 

[Eiknarf]

Installing it at the moment
I’m sure this will be great

Definitely a 99 average?

 

[FoxMcChief]

66-69

 

[StreetsofBeige]

70-75%. Gameplay fine for an action game. But kind of budget look to it.

 

[Eiknarf]

“Let’s wait until the last second to let reviewers post their reviews”

Is that a good sign?

 

[Represent.]

Should be no higher than 50% average with that PS3 era open world.

But games media are soft as hell so will probably do mid- 70s

 

[Metnut]

Will be great to see when this game gets slammed for graphics the same people complain how there’s no double A games anymore.