Rise of the Ronin PC Port Review: A Sharper Blade, But With Some Nicks

The highly anticipated PC port of "Rise of the Ronin" has finally arrived, offering players a chance to experience the samurai action-adventure game set during Japan's tumultuous Bakumatsu period. While the PC version boasts potential visual and performance upgrades over its PlayStation 5 counterpart, early reviews suggest it's not without its technical quirks.

Key Takeaways

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

• Performance can be inconsistent, particularly in the opening hours, dipping below the desired 60 FPS target.

• Higher graphical settings may paradoxically degrade image quality and introduce visual artifacts.

• The core combat mechanics, especially the satisfying parry system, remain a strong point.

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

Performance and Visuals on PC

While the PC port allows for higher frame rates and improved graphical fidelity compared to the PS5, the initial experience can be rough. Even on high-end hardware, such as a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900K and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, the game struggles to maintain a stable 60 FPS in the early stages. Once players venture into the open world, performance generally improves, reaching up to 100 FPS with ray tracing enabled in busy areas. However, the game is capped at 120 FPS, with cutscenes locked at 60 FPS.

Interestingly, setting the graphics to "Ultra" doesn't necessarily yield the best visual results. Some reviewers noted that higher settings can lead to a blurrier image and even introduce screen tearing and micro-stutters, suggesting that "High" or "Standard" presets might be the optimal choice. The game also does not run on the Steam Deck, performing poorly even on the lowest settings.

Gameplay and Story

"Rise of the Ronin" places players in the role of a "Veiled Edge," a samurai for hire during a pivotal era in Japanese history. The game features a character creation system where players design two characters, with the option to choose one to play as for the remainder of the game. The core combat, developed by Team Ninja, is a highlight, emphasizing precise timing and a rewarding parry system that can turn enemy attacks against them. This mechanic is crucial for depleting enemy stamina and executing devastating finishers.

Despite the engaging combat, the narrative is a weaker point. The story is described as poorly told, with historical figures like Ryoma Sakamoto making appearances but feeling underdeveloped. Characters often serve merely as plot devices, leading to a lack of clarity between missions. While the game aims to explore late 1800s Japan, the execution of the story detracts from the immersive historical experience.

Verdict

"Rise of the Ronin" on PC is a "Great" game, scoring 85/100. While it doesn't present the definitive version due to some technical issues, it offers a satisfying combat experience that generally runs better than its PS5 counterpart. The PC port brings improvements in visuals and performance, but players should be mindful of potential graphical setting inconsistencies and initial performance dips. The core gameplay loop remains compelling, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of action RPGs, despite its narrative shortcomings.

Sources

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