The developer renowned for creating linear action games for decades steps out of their comfort zone to delve into the realm of action RPGs, reminiscent of titles like Assassin’s Creed or Ghost of Tsushima. With the fusion of this open-world structure and the combat quality seen in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty for 2023 and the underappreciated Nioh series and Rise of Ronin, they could easily find themselves among the most successful releases of 2024.
Set in the late 19th century, the game unfolds as players take control of a mercenary on an undisclosed mission known as Welted Edge. Ronin mercenaries traverse the provinces of Japan, working for a fee and cutting down anything in their path.
Producer Yusuke Hayashi remarked, “Nioh takes place in what’s known as the Sengoku period, or the Warring States period, where samurai fought in a very traditional style.” He continued, “But we loved the new Bakumatsu, representing the end of the Edo era. It’s very modern, allowing us to create a unique environment when we were thinking about crafting a fantastical story inspired by a specific moment in time. It provided an exceptionally unique setting for us.”
Notably, Rise of Ronin will feature three main cities along the Ronin’s journey up the Ronin River: Yokohama, Tokyo, and Kyoto. These will serve as the primary arenas for exploration, enemy encounters, and quest completion. Despite its historical setting, the game promises stunning visuals, showcasing Japan’s architectural history and breathtaking natural beauty.
Historical Japan isn’t merely a backdrop; players will encounter historical figures during their adventures crucial in providing side assistance and other elements. Building connections with these characters and regions will be integral, as highlighted by game director Fumihiko Yasuda, “A lot of the motivation for exploring the world revolves around these interconnected systems with characters and locations.”
The primary departure from Team Ninja’s previous works and Rise of Ronin lies in significantly abandoning fantastical elements. No longer will players battle bosses and colossal monsters at every turn; instead, they will utilize skill and strategy to defeat Ronin adversaries.
While Rise of Ronin may not carry the same spirit, some elements will remain intact. The game includes a currency called “Karma,” dropped upon death and reclaimed by defeating the enemy that bested you. However, it won’t serve as the primary XP system, according to Team Ninja, offering accessibility to players who may not be accustomed to the high-risk, high-reward nature of Soulslike games.
Embark on the next step in Team Ninja’s journey, a studio revered among hardcore gaming enthusiasts for its significant success. Despite sharing visual similarities with its PlayStation exclusive counterpart, Ghost of Tsushima, the appeal of open-world action RPGs remains strong among a broad gaming audience. Team Ninja, always on the cutting edge, promises to deliver an experience that sets itself apart.
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