Rise as one!
Rise of the Ronin is a 2024 Wide-Open Sandbox Action RPG developed by Team Ninja of Koei Tecmo and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the Playstation 5 and released on PC platforms.
Set in the Bakumatsu period of Japan, the arrival of the "Black Ships" of the United States Navy forces Japan out of it's long period of isolation. The Kurosu clan of assassins dispatch a unit known as the "Veiled Edge", consisting of two "Blade Twins", to assassinate Commodore Matthew Perry before a treaty can be signed. But just as the final blow is about to land, a mysterious ninja in blue severs one of the Twin's arm, and captures them, leaving the other to escape....just as their village is destroyed by Shogunate ninja. Left as a masterless Ronin, the Blade Twin sets out to find their other, soon becoming enveloped in a time of chaos and change.
Rise of the Ronin provides the following tropes:
- Acceptable Breaks from Reality: Despite the more grounded setting and tone compared to other Team Ninja works, the action is not afraid to be over the top and stylish. For example, if played as the female twin, no one bats an eye at you being a female samurai.
- Action Duo: As their name implies, the Blade Twins are a pair of skilled warriors within the Veiled Edge. One such pair serve as the main characters, one of which becomes the protagonist.
- Anti-Frustration Features:
- In chapter 2 you get Testament of the Soul, which allows you to go back in time to try different events and clean up any missed connections or side missions that you missed.
- Gifts that will greatly raise your companion's bond level have a heart next to them, so you aren't guessing with what to give someone.
- Early on you get a horse whistle than can summon your trusty steed almost anywhere. You also get a pocket watch to pass the time for missions that can only be done during the day or night.
- Artificial Limbs: The unchosen Blade Twin later returns with their arm replaced by an advanced prosthetic with various gadgets built in.
- Artistic License – History:
- The in-game anti-shogunate forces mainly consist of the Chōshū and Satsuma clans. In real life, Chōshū and Satsuma were not clans, but domains ruled by the Mōri and Shimazu clans respectively.
- Some characters in the game either died or had left Japan behind well before the game's events. For example, Matthew Perry is Spared by the Adaptation here; in real life, he died in New York City in 1858, five years before the game takes place. Similarly, US Ambassador Townsend Harris left Japan in 1861.
- An Arm and a Leg: There is a lot of dismemberment in the game. The Blade Twin also suffers this during the battle against the Blue Demon where they stall him long enough for the protagonist to escape. Their missing limb is later replaced with a Schizo Tech prosthetic.
- Been There, Shaped History: The protagonist, while not a major player in the grand scheme of things and mostly serves as The Lancer to help get the ball rolling, has been front and center at some of Japan's most historic events during the Meiji Restoration, such as the formation of the Shinsengumi at the end of Chapter 2.
- Bodyguarding a Badass: The Blade Twin you didn't choose as the protagonist will become this to whoever requires their services. The most notable case is Alcock, who is more than capable of holding his own against the protagonist and their allies.
- Breaking Old Trends: In comparison to the mission-based structure of the Nioh duology or Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Rise of the Ronin is set in an open world. It's also one of the very rare Souls-like RPG games where it has a diffulcty setting.
- But Now I Must Go: If he survives his attempted assassination, Ryoma tells the protagonist he will leave for America and see more of the world and the foreigners' culture as to better foster relations with Japan's westward neighbors. The post-credit scene even shows him walking through the streets of New York City.
- But Thou Must!: No matter who you sided with throughout Chapter 1, you will be forced into a confrontation with Naosuke. While this confrontation has been a long time coming if you've sided with the Anti-Shogun faction, you're railroaded into fighting him even if you supported the Pro-Shogunate faction, though in the latter case, it is justified in that Naosuke has become a Knight Templar that can no longer be reasoned with.
- Chekhov's Gunman:
- Early into the game, you'll run into a foreign gentleman by the name of Ernest Satow, a British representative who's still learning the Japanese language. He only shows up once in Chapter 1 but makes a brief reappearance in Chapter 2 where he's revealed to be working with the Blade Twin. Chapter 3 later reveals he's trying to start a war and wants to overthrow the shogunate, believing it will free Japan from their corruption.
- When you go to meet with Taka again in Chapter 1, Ryoma and the protagonist find Katsura accosting a wandering samurai. He shows up again in Chapter 2 to duel the protagonist after they win a tournament held by the Shogun. To Ryoma's shock, the samurai is none other than Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the Shogun himself.
- Cute Kitten: Many throughout the world and all of them are pettable. Not only do you get an XP bonus for doing so, but there's also a sidequest related to finding them across Yokohama, Edo, and Kyoto.
- Cutting Off the Branches: Downplayed. The Blade Twins are fully customizable, but the opening cutscene and marketing materials portray the Player Character as male and their counterpart as female. Even in flashbacks where the Blade Twins are children, the protagonist has a boyish look whereas their counterpart looks more girlish.
- Dark and Troubled Past: The Blade Twins' village was destroyed by shogunate forces when they learned it was secretly creating weapons to use against them. They managed to escape and later joined the Veiled Edge. Unlike the protagonist, the Blade Twin never fully recovered from this and is so consumed by hate for the shogunate that they're willing to start a bloody war that would engulf all of Japan if it means they can get revenge.
- Dueling Player Characters: Downplayed. The Blade Twins are fully customizable by the player, and you take control of both of them in the prologue up until after the fight with Matthew and the Blue Demon, but the one you didn't choose to play as will show up later in Chapter 1 as an enemy, putting the Blade Twins at odds with each other. The protagonist is actively fighting for a brighter future for Japan whereas the Blade Twin is willing to start a war and destroy the shogunate by any means necessary, casualties be damned.
- Difficult, but Awesome: The Hayabusa-Ryu style for the katana. The heavy attack is replaced with a parry, and it's weak to many weapon styles. The trade off is a stance that can dance around opponents, throwing them off guard with a parry, then slamming them into the ground with an Izuna Drop. Ryu Hayabusa would be proud.
- Easily Forgiven: Surprisingly, many people are quick to forgive the protagonist for their actions when they are on opposing sides. Matthew Perry, for example, holds nothing against them when they meet again and is willing to work with them if possible. Most of this stems from the fact that characters are aware the protagonist is only siding with them because, as a ronin, they're a mercenary working for whoever hires them. This is subverted in Genzui's Bond Mission where Ine lambasts him and the protagonist for killing soldiers who were trying to help cholera victims. While she has simmered down some in the next Bond Mission, she hasn't quite forgiven Genzui just yet.
- Evolving Title Screen: Before the prologue is completed, the title screen depicts the Blade Twins side by side; once the prologue is completed, the Blade Twin you didn't choose to play as disappears. Following "The Plot to Assassinate Harris", the screen changes to depict the Blade Twins facing off against one another.
- Fighting Your Friend: It happens frequently across the story. Regardless of who you side with, you'll be forced to face off against your own comrades due to conflicting objectives. This is most prominent in Chapter 3, where tensions between the Pro and Anti-Shogunate forces are now at an all-time high.
- Final Boss: Your Blade Twin, who will stop at nothing to tear down the shogunate even if it means starting a war.
- Foil: The protagonist and their Blade Twin both suffered a terrible tragedy at the hands of the shogunate, though whereas the protagonist has seemingly grown well-adjusted (if otherwise still haunted by the massacre of their home village), the Blade Twin never fully recovered mentally and holds a burning hatred toward the Tokugawa Shogunate. So great is their hatred that the Blade Twin subtly manipulates both the foreigners and the Pro and Anti-Shogunate forces to where they can start a war that will destroy the shogunate. Although the protagonist is also working towards bringing down the shogunate, they use more peaceful methods and work with those who are trying to reform the shogunate. These conflicting ideologies serve as the main source of conflict between them.
- Foregone Conclusion: Despite the protagonist's presence and best efforts, some events are destined to play out as the did in real world history. The battle between the Satsuma Clan and the Shinsengumi ends with the latter's defeat, even if they initially had the upper hand thanks to the protagonist. The assassination of Ryoma Sakamoto is a zigzagged case: While it is possible for him to die, it's also possible for the protagonist to save his life by completing all his Bond Missions up to the Omi Inn Incident and reaching Ronin Level 6.
- Freudian Excuse:
- Genzui lost his whole family to cholera, which was seemingly introduced by the foreigners. Between this and Shoin's execution, he has more than a few reasons to be bitter at both the shogunate and the "invaders". That said, his anger blinds him to the point he goes to extreme lengths that ultimately end up alienating Ryoma, who had been one of his closest allies up to that point.
- The Blade Twin never fully recovered from the loss of their home village at the shogunate's hands and is so consumed by hate that they won't listen to reason until the protagonist defeats them in one final duel.
- Grey-and-Grey Morality: On the one hand, the anti-shogunate forces believe the shogunate is inefficient and corrupt. On the other hand, said group also consists of ruffians and xenophobes who will not hesitate to resort to violence, if not outright believe Murder Is the Best Solution.
- Heroic Sacrifice: The Blade Twin you don't pick as your protagonist will sacrifice themselves so the Player Character can escape with the stolen information and complete the mission. The protagonist is convinced their counterpart is still alive, however, and resolves to find them.
- Historical Domain Character: As to be expected, many real life people from the era show up and can become your friends, such as Ryoma Sakamoto, Kogoro Katsura, Takamori Saigo, Isami Kondo, Matthew C. Perry, and many, many more.
- Hopeless Boss Fight: Downplayed. Your first battle with the Blue Demon in the game's prologue will more than likely end in your defeat as players won't have gotten accustomed to the game's mechanics just yet. That said, it is possible to beat him, either through retrying the level via Save Scumming or the Testament of the Soul where you're much more prepared. Beating him plays a new cutscene where Matthew shoots one of the Blade Twins, giving the Blue Demon an opportunity to beat them.
- Hopeless Suitor: Sana Chiba is head over heels for Ryoma, but Ryoma doesn't reciprocate in the least and sees more as a friend. She only gives up on him at the end of her questline, while also developing a crush on the protagonist instead. You'll end up becoming her Second Love if you romance her.
- Internal Reformist: The pro-shogunate factions consist of these sorts, realizing the current shogunate is corrupt and inefficient but would rather weaken it from within and institute new reforms as opposed to simply tearing it down like Katsura and Kusaka want to.
- I Will Find You: The protagonist's main motivation is to reunite with their Blade Twin. Midway through Chapter 1, they succeed, only it's a bitter reunion in that their counterpart has their own agendas that repeatedly put them at odds.
- Jerkass Has a Point: Harsh as his methods may be, Naosuke's main argument for ensuring continued relations with the West is that Japan is literally outgunned by their foreign rivals. Even if they have knowledge of firearms, they are woefully unprepared for rotary machine guns or cannon fire.
- Knight Templar: Naosuke Li wants to ensure peaceful relations between Japan and their Western neighbors are secured by any means, resorting to subterfuge and blackmail at best and outright assassination at worst. Toward the end of Chapter 1, he's reached the point where he decides to outright cull the expulsionists, which leads to Taka going against him, and in turn being killed by the Blue Demon at his orders. That he's gone this far is why the protagonist sides with Genzui and Kusaka, even if they sided with the pro-shogunate factions.
- Last-Second Ending Choice: At the end of the game, you're presented with two choices: Kill or Spare your Blade Twin. Choosing to spare your Blade Twin unlocks a new armor piece and costume for the protagonist, as well as a new scene provided you managed to save Ryoma.
- The Lost Lenore: Taka and Ryoma become this if you romance them. Downplayed case with Ryoma, as he will survive the unchosen Blade Twin's attempt on his life if certain conditions are met. Taka's death at the hands of the Blue Demon cannot be prevented.
- Multi-Melee Master: You can wield a variety of weapons ranging from Katanas (both single and Dual Wielding), spears, greatswords, western sabers and bayonet rifles.
- The Musketeer: Aside from melee combat, you're also able to use guns such as revolvers and rifles.
- My God, What Have I Done?:
- While he hasn't fully let go of his hate toward outsiders, Genzui's second Bond Mission has him sincerely come to regret his actions as he didn't realize the soldiers he thought were shipping out supplies were actually providing aid for victims of cholera. Ine's Armor-Piercing Question only made it worse, but it does help him come to understand he's taking things too far and resolves to do better come his third Bond Mission where he willingly works with a British soldier to save a merchant from being killed by Satsuma soldiers.
- After being defeated by the protagonist, their Blade Twin counterpart comes to realize how they've become the very thing they despised, either as they lay dying and seeing a vision of Edo being engulfed in flames or by the protagonist pointing out how their actions would re-enact the tragedy that cost them their friends and family.
- No Name Given: Similar to the protagonist from Wo Long, the Blade Twins' names are never stated.
- Pet the Dog: When the protagonist meets Matthew Perry again after the prologue, they're surprised to learn that he chose to capture their Blade Twin and help nurse them back to full health instead of killing them. Matthew reasons he'd prefer to make friends than enemies, and the Blade Twin would make for a valuable ally.
- Red Baron:
- The protagonist's counterpart is initially referred to as the "samurai with the demon claw", which is later shortened to "the Demonclaw Samurai".
- Naosuke Li is called the Red Demon by the populace and his Anti-Shogunate rivals for his Knight Templar mindset and willingness to employ brutal methods to secure his own political agenda.
- Resignations Not Accepted: Once you join the Veiled Edge, you cannot leave. Any attempts to do so are met with death. When the protagonist opts to leave and search for their counterpart, the Bladesmith attacks them and says they have a duty to uphold. She only allows them to leave when she's been fatally wounded, though Taka's Bond Mission shows what's left of the Veiled Edge considers the protagonist a traitor to the Kurasu clan and attempts to eliminate them.
- Retcon: It's possible to do this in-game via the ability to replay missions in Chapter 2. The game even encourages you to do this by asking you to try out different outcomes and see how things play out. This becomes an almost absolute necessity if you're aiming for 100% completion or trying to fulfill the requirements to save Ryoma.
- Roaring Rampage of Revenge: It's later revealed that almost the entirety of the game is part of the Blade Twin's plan of revenge against the shogunate for destroying their home and killing their friends and family. They're so fueled by hate toward the shogunate they won't listen to reason or back down, even if said voice of reason is the protagonist, who is explicitly described as being their kin in all but name. They only realize how far they've fallen after they've been defeated by the protagonist.
- Schizo Tech: The devices invented by Igashichi Iizuka include a portable camera that can take photos underwater, a "flame pipe" that is on par with a World War II flamethrower, and a tonal resonator that can allow you to see sound-based silhouettes!
- Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!:
- The game kicks off with the protagonist wanting to leave the Veiled Edge in order to find their missing Blade Twin. Unfortunately, this act marks them as a traitor, with the Kurasu Clan occasionally cropping up to hunt them down.
- The imperial court issues an edict stating that the Westerners must be forced out of Japan. Naosuke, frustrated with their incompetence and inability to realize they don't stand a chance against their firepower, destroys the edict.
- At the end of Chapter 2, the sudden rise of anti-shogunate forces in Kyoto leaves the Shogun in more danger than ever, Kondo decides to break away from the shogunate and take the Roshigumi with him to protect the Shogun and the people of Kyoto, creating the legendary Shinsengumi in the process.
- Silent Protagonist: Zigzagged. During normal conversations, your Player Character doesn't speak any lines. However, if not playing as them in a mission or they are in a cutscene that deals with their Blade Twin, they'll break their silence.
- Spared by the Adaptation:
- Historically, Matthew Perry died in New York back in 1858. In the game, he's alive and well.
- Assuming the player meets the necessary requirements, Ryoma actually survives his assassination at the Omi Inn.
- Spinning Piledriver: When using the Hayabusa-Ryu katana style, one of it's signature arts is launching the opponent up before slamming them into the ground with an Izuna Drop.
- Static Role, Exchangeable Character: While you can control and customize both of the Blade Twins, eventually you're given a choice of choosing which one will attempt to sacrifice themselves to allow the other to flee, who then goes on to become the protagonist. The one you don't choose later returns as a recurring antagonist.
- The Stinger: If Ryoma survives his assassination and the protagonist spares their Blade Twin, the post-credits scene shows Ryoma walking through the streets of New York and happens upon the Blade Twin, much to his surprise.
- Story Branching: Downplayed. Throughout Chapters 1 and 2, you're presented with the choice of siding with either the anti-shogunate factions or the pro-shogunate factions, both of which have their own exclusive missions, and at the end of Chapter 2 you have to decide who you'll support for the rest of the game (barring one instance where you can side with the opposing faction regardless of your choice. Despite this, however, the game's story is very linear and only impacts which missions you get and which characters you can form Bonds with. The earliest example is sparing Naosuke Li, which lets you ally with the Blue Demon in Chapter 3. At best, whichever side you take decides who you'll come into conflict with.
- Undying Loyalty: The Blue Demon, AKA Manabe, serves Naosuke Li with almost zealous fervor and is mentioned to fulfill his master's every word with ruthless efficiency. He will even go to assist Naosuke at Sakurada Gate despite Naosuke having given him no such orders.
- Vagueness Is Coming: When the pair reunites, the protagonist is dismayed that their Blade Twin would turn their blade at them and demands to know their reasons, only for the Blade Twin to cryptically reply that they'll understand soon enough.
- What the Hell, Hero?: In Chapter 2, Genzui launches an assault on a British diplomat. Said assault involves a massive case of arson that sets the whole area ablaze. Ryoma is outright disgusted and tells Genzui he's gone too far. In one of his Bond Missions, Genzui also gets called out by Ine when he attacks a group of soldiers who were providing medical aid to cholera victims.
- You Can't Thwart Stage One: Regardless of whether you spare or kill Naosuke Li, the shogunate's standing with the Japanese populace plummets, the British and French move in the US loses steam in securing trade with Japan, and anti-shogunate sentiments begin to escalate.
