Rise of the Ronin

A video game developed by Japanese studio Team Ninja and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2024 for PlayStation 5, later released for Windows in 2025. This expansive open-world role-playing game is set in Japan during the Bakumatsu period in 1863, a time of political upheaval caused by the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the intervention of Western powers. Players control a nameless ronin whose fate is shaped by choices and alliances with various factions, including anti-shogunate forces, shogunate supporters, and Western powers. The narrative offers multiple paths, including decisions to assassinate or protect key historical figures such as Naosuke Ii. Gameplay combines melee combat using katanas, spears, and odachi with ranged weapons like firearms and bows. Players can explore cities like Edo, Kyoto, and Yokohama, as well as the countryside, utilizing horses, grappling hooks, and gliders for traversal. The game features a deep combat style system, including Hayabusa-ryu and Nioh-ryu, and allows for extensive character customization, including appearance, voice, and equipment. The PC version supports up to 8K resolution, 120 FPS, ray tracing, and other modern graphical technologies. The game received positive reviews from critics for its combat system and historical authenticity, though some noted the open world felt overstuffed and side quests lacked depth.