Rise of the Ronin PC Port Arrives: A Sharper Blade, But With Some Scratches

Team Ninja's "Rise of the Ronin" has finally made its debut on PC, offering players a chance to dive into the tumultuous Bakumatsu period of Japan. While the PC version promises enhanced visuals and performance over its PS5 counterpart, early reviews suggest it's not without its technical quirks. Players can expect a familiar, yet refined, combat experience from the studio known for its challenging action titles.

Key Takeaways

• The PC port offers potential for better visuals and frame rates than the PS5 version.

• Combat remains a strong point, featuring satisfying parry mechanics.

• Technical issues, including inconsistent performance in early game areas and graphical anomalies at higher settings, mar the experience.

• The narrative is described as sloppily told, with underdeveloped characters.

• The game is not currently playable on Steam Deck.

A Familiar Premise, A New Platform

"Rise of the Ronin" immerses players in the final years of the Edo period, a time of significant change and cultural collision in Japan. Players step into the shoes of a "Ronin," a samurai for hire, exploring this historical setting. The PC port was eagerly anticipated by those who, like the reviewer, chose to wait for a potentially superior experience.

Performance and Visuals: A Mixed Bag

While a powerful PC setup featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900K and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 can achieve high frame rates, particularly in the open world (up to 100 fps with Ray Tracing on), the opening hours can be surprisingly inconsistent, often dipping below the desired 60 fps target. The game's frame rate is capped at 120 fps, with cutscenes limited to 60 fps. Interestingly, the "Ultra" graphics setting doesn't significantly enhance the visual fidelity compared to "Standard" and can even introduce blurriness and a perceived hit to frame pacing, leading to screen tearing and micro-stutters. High or Standard presets are recommended for a smoother experience.

Gameplay: Satisfying Combat, Sloppy Story

At its core, "Rise of the Ronin" retains the fast-paced and intricate combat mechanics that Team Ninja is renowned for. The parry system, or "counter spark," is highlighted as a particularly satisfying element, allowing players to turn enemy attacks against them, deplete their stamina, and deliver devastating finishing blows. However, the narrative is criticized for being poorly told, with characters feeling shallow and serving primarily as plot devices. This can leave players feeling disconnected from the unfolding events, even during critical story moments.

Technical Limitations and Future Prospects

Unfortunately, the PC version of "Rise of the Ronin" does not run on Steam Deck, managing only around 10 fps even on the lowest settings. This limits the potential for portable play. Despite these technical shortcomings and a weak narrative, the game's engaging combat and the opportunity to explore a unique historical period make it a "flawed, but highly engrossing adventure."

Sources

• Rise of the Ronin review on PC — A slightly sharper blade, GamingTrend.