Available from today until 31st March (inclusive), players will be able to pick up a great saving on a PlayStation® 5 Disc Console – available at up to $75 AUD off for a promo RRP of $724.95* (promotional price – actual retailer prices may vary) at participating retailers. Discover games on PS5 that push your emotions beyond expectations. Feel it now on PS5.
2024 has kicked off with a bang with the likes of Helldivers 2, Rise of The Ronin, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Stellar Blade to come. They join an amazing catalogue of PS5 games including 2023 blockbuster titles Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy XVI.
PlayStation has continued to deliver incredible gaming experiences to the growing PS5 community, including updates to its game subscription service, PlayStation Plus, which offers benefits such as access to the Game and Classics Catalogue with hundreds of games to choose from.
Save on a PS5 console until 31st March with discounts available at participating retailers. Please see here for more details.
Year 2 Focuses on Feel, Gear/Gadgets, and Ghastly Ghosts in FREE DLC Plans
March 25, 2023 (Lakewood, CO) – Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, a 4v1 haunt-or-hunt action-packed video game, from the asymmetrical multiplayer experts at IllFonic is primed to release new information on the game’s year two, FREE DLC roadmap. Fans can expect a heightened focus on interactive play and so much more.
“We have been so focused on building an immersive world, one fans would recognize and appreciate,” remarks Jared Gerritzen, Chief Creative Officer at IllFonic. “Our goal now is to double down on the feel. As a long-time Ghostbusters fan, I want to feel immersed. Our drive for DLC year two: heighten the fun, heighten the experience.”
IllFonic has planned four major DLC releases throughout 2024. The first release, in March, will coincide with Columbia Pictures’ upcoming release, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, out in theaters on March 22. Fans will get to try their hand at taking down Garraka, master of the Death Chill and the newest villain to join Ghostbusters lore. Or maybe fans want to play the heavy themselves and plunge the world into a new ice age. Either way, this DLC will let fans live out experiences inspired by the new movie’s adventure. The free DLC will also include more Ghostbuster gear – proton packs, suits, and more.
Future DLCs will also include a 40th Anniversary announcement, a return of a fan favorite, a bounty challenge for the ages, and more. Each DLC focuses on gameplay, a ghastly ghost, and team gear/gadgets to make busting feel oh-so-good. No matter what, fans of Ghostbusters have the chance to unite forces or rally against each other seamlessly across platforms, whether playing on PC/Epic Games Store/STEAM, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch.
In Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, Ray Stantz, and Winston Zeddemore open the Firehouse to you and the next generation of Ghostbusters. This asymmetrical game of hide and seek is a 4v1 setup where players will either be part of a team of new Ghostbusters or a Ghost. This title not only allows players to enjoy the game solo or with up to four friends but also features an online and offline single-player mode available in the form of bot-assisted play. Most importantly, the more you play, the more the story will unfold (with cutscenes). Whether haunting or hunting, the game is easy to learn and fun to master!
More About the Game:
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has all the iconic gear and gadgets, from Proton Packs to P.K.E. Meters, and Ghost Traps that fans would expect and new gamers to the universe will enjoy when playing as a Ghostbuster. In addition, many will recognize the Firehouse and Ray’s Occult Books that act as the game’s hub. This is where players will choose missions, customize their characters, practice firing their particle throwers, and explore all there is to learn. And yes, you will hear the original film actors reprising their roles as Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore, along with some new friends!
As the Ghost – Ghosts have multiple abilities in their arsenal, like possessing objects, of course, sliming, and more, that make haunting all the various locations a blast to play. Choose from up to five Ghosts with unique skills, ultimate abilities, and commendable minions fueled by ectoplasm. Fly around public locations and possess an inordinate amount of inanimate objects to evade pursuing Ghostbusters. Frighten citizens until they flee in fear, prank unsuspecting Ghostbusters, and hide your rifts to spawn safely in case you get trapped.
As a Ghostbuster – Be one of the four proton pack-wielding Ghostbusters and attempt to catch a Ghost haunting unique locations with your trusty ghost trap and tools. Use the P.K.E. Meter to sniff out rifts that act as the Ghost’s spawn points and destroy them with your Proton Pack’s particle thrower before the Ghost completes their haunt. As players progress, they will unlock cosmetics and upgrades for both Ghostbusters and Ghosts to evolve their gameplay experiences. The look and feel will deliver to fans an immersive experience in the universe, allowing them to play out their Ghostbusting fantasies.
Locations – Explore multiple unique locations, including a museum, winter lodge, docked ship, multi-leveled prison, an active brewery, and more. Complete challenges, customize your Ghostbuster and Ghosts and locate hidden spores, mold, and fungus to gain access to more unlockables.
Game Tip – As you play more, a story arc unveils itself. Follow the requests of Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore to uncover cutscenes that build an exciting tale! Yes, it’s multiplayer with more…
*Internet connection required for online multiplayer.
About IllFonic Inc.
Founded in 2007, IllFonic is an independent video game developer with studios in Lakewood, Colorado; Tacoma, Washington; and Austin, Texas. Our staff is composed of video game, music, and technology veterans redefining how games are made and marketed. Titles and collaborations include Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, Arcadegeddon, Predator: Hunting Grounds, Friday the 13th: The Game, Dead Alliance, Star Citizen, Evolve, Armored Warfare, and Nexuiz.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html
LOS ANGELES – March 25, 2024 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, announced that its upcoming mobile and PC game Solo Leveling:ARISE, has achieved more than 5 million pre-registrations worldwide in less than a week.
Players who pre-register for the game, including the 5 million fans who have already signed up, l have the opportunity to secure various limited-time rewards when the game officially launches. Rewards include Legendary Artifact Sets, the Chic Black Suit Costume for Sung Jinwoo, two Mana Power Crystals for each attribute (for a total of 10), and 100,000 Gold. Players can also receive Jinwoo’s cherished partner Yoo Jinho as an additional pre-registration reward.
Fans around the globe can view the latest teasers on the official YouTube Channel. Players can get an early sneak peek at Emma Laurent, a brand-new, original Hunter made exclusive for Solo Leveling:ARISE.A new “Hunter Analysis File” video is also available, giving players everything they need to know about the “Ultimate Hunter” Choi Jong-In.
Solo Leveling:ARISE is an action RPG adaptation of Solo Leveling, based on the hit Webtoon. Taking on the role of Jinwoo, players can experience his level-ups and progress through the beloved Webtoon tale firsthand, taking on dynamic battles, and creating their own combat styles that rely on various combinations of skills and weapons. Players can team up with hunters from the Webtoon and summon their own “Army of Shadows” just like Jinwoo brought his army with the famous line “Arise.” in the Webtoon.
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading developer and publisher of top-grossing mobile games worldwide. Through powerful franchises and collaborations with acclaimed IP holders, Netmarble strives to elevate the gaming experience and entertain audiences globally. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Seven Knights Idle Adventure, Tower of God: New World, Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross.
A king’s desire for expansion leads to the creation of artificial intelligence known as the Homunculi. However, tragedy strikes when mysterious toxins rise from beneath the Land of Fumes driving the human-like machines to madness. As mankind flees for safety, Lilac, the “Attuner” who can purify corruption from unnatural souls, rises to the occasion. But who will Lilac save — the humans or the Homunculi?
Slay multitudes of mechanical monsters with the help of the Spirit Reaper who fights at Lilac’s command. Convert enemy bosses into allies by purifying their souls, then employ their skills to add 30 enhanced attack and movement abilities to Lilac’s disposal. Level up abilities at rest points, and equip up to four friendly powers at once to adjust to any combat situation.
Combine double-jumps with special movement abilities to traverse crumbling ruins, and search for relics and lore-filled notes chronicling the Kingdom’s downfall. Collect gold and spare parts scattered across abandoned cities, decrepit dungeons, deserted laboratories, and abandoned sorcerer academies. Then, visit the Blacksmith to trade resources for weapons and stat-boosting items.
Delight in the enchanting tunes by returning musical group Mili (ENDER LILIES, Ghost in the Shell). ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist’s original soundtrack will be available for purchase at a later date.
Adventure at any pace through a hand-drawn enthralling atmosphere, and witness nightmarish memories through cutscenes that reveal Lilac’s mysterious origins. Today’s Early Access launch invites intrepid explorers to see ENDER MAGNOLIA’s beginning and first third of content planned for 1.0. The 1.0 launch will include hours of added content, including additional abilities, enemies, biomes, bosses, and much more.
“The feedback we received from the ENDER LILIES community has been a major contributor to the development of ENDER MAGNOLIA,” says Hiroyuki Kobayashi, CEO, Binary Haze Interactive. “We encourage everyone to lend their voice during Early Access, and . we have much more to share at 1.0, stay tuned!”
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in The Mistis now available on PC via Steam Early Access for $19.99, with the 1.0 launch arriving on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch in 2024 with language options in Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), and Korean-language support.
Binary Haze Interactive, founded in 2020 by Hiroyuki Kobayashi, is a production and publishing company located in Tokyo, Japan, Starting with ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights, Binary Haze publishes games with a focus on atmospheric settings for major consoles and PC.
Spain – 25th March 2024.Firenut Games is thrilled to announce a new agreement with developer Trigger the Monster to publish the dark fantasy adventure management title S.O.L Search of Light in late spring 2024 for PC via Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
S.O.L Search of Light is a steampunk / dark fantasy adventure game that also introduces resource management, narrative mechanics, and tower defense into the gameplay. Play as The Foreigner, the enigmatic main character who must ascend through levels of the Underground to reveal the mysteries hidden on the surface. To achieve his goals, The Foreigner must rely solely on his ingenuity and the help of the domestic robots that work as assistants to the remaining inhabitants of the Underground.
By exploring the dark environment of the Underground, The Foreigner will discover new resources to fortify his village against the hordes of enemies that attack your base every ‘night’. Defend, improve, explore and discover the truth behind the mysteries of this dark narrative.
Watch the S.O.L Search of Light announcement trailer below:
Features of S.O.L Search of Light
Tower-Defense – Hordes of enemies will attack your base, so you must use your domestic robots to help you gather resources to fortify and improve your base little by little.
Customisation – Improve and customise your character by using different resources and random objects that will discover by exploring the Underground. Each time you play will be a fresh gameplay experience.
Exploration – The Underground allows you to choose your own way as you hunt for resources to improve your base and your character. But be careful, as you will face different randomly generated puzzles, traps and enemies that stand between you and the valuable resources you need.
S.O.L Search of Lightwill be released in late spring 2024 for PC via Steam, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Fans can Wishlist the game onSteam, Nintendo Switch (US) andPlayStationnow.
S.O.L Search of Light is developed by Trigger the Monster and published by Firenut Games.
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About Firenut Games
Firenut Games is a European video game publishing company for PC and Consoles that aims to support great talents and launch video games with a unique essence. Our philosophy is to produce video games focused on gamers.
Player-created Mods and Maps Available to Download and Play at Launch
STOCKHOLM – March 25, 2024 – Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order today launched Cities: Skylines II – Beach Properties, the first post-launch asset pack for Cities: Skylines II. Bringing new buildings, a new zoning option, and more to the sequel to Paradox’s best-selling city-builder game, Beach Properties is available now from digital retailers for a suggested retail price of $9.99/£8.49/€9.99, or as part of a bundle in the Cities: Skylines II Waterfronts Expansion Pass or Ultimate Edition. The game has also been updated today with the first in-game modding options, allowing players to create, share, and play with Map and Code Mods through the free Paradox Mods platform.
Apply some sunscreen and take in the Beach Properties release trailer:
Beach Properties allows players to beautify and build a better beachfront, including a new Waterfront zoning option dedicated to waterfront buildings, new growable and signature buildings for both European and North American themes, and new trees to inspire creative coastlines. The Asset Pack is available today, alongside an extensive update to Cities: Skylines II that includes beta implementation of the editor, performance improvements, fixes, and community requests. The full patch notes are available here: https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/modding-wavelet-patch-1-1-0f1.1640000/
Today also marks the launch of the Cities: Skylines II Modding Beta, with immediate access to Map and Code mods. Using the Paradox Mods platform, also integrated into the Cities: Skylines II experience, creations can be played locally and shared globally. The platform also allows players to discover and curate other available mods, organize their preferred mods into one-click Playsets, and more. As of today, mod creators have already created new versions of some of the most popular Cities: Skylines mods for all players to download and try immediately. Asset modding and improvements to the toolset will be made available later this year.
About Paradox Interactive
Paradox Interactive is one of the premier developers and publishers of strategy and management games for PC and consoles. The players are located all over the world but some of the biggest markets are North America, Western Europe and Asia.
The game portfolio consists of popular franchises such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, the Surviving games, Age of Wonders and Victoria. Paradox Interactive also owns the World of Darkness brand catalog.
CD PROJEKT RED announces a free trial of Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, available from March 28th until 31st.
Players who have not yet experienced Cyberpunk 2077 will be able to try it for free on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This is an excellent opportunity for gamers to immerse themselves in the world of the dark future and get a taste of what CD PROJEKT RED‘s award-winning RPG has to offer.
The Cyberpunk 2077 free trial will be available from March 28th, 8:00 AM PDT to March 31st, 11:59 PM. Offering five hours of unrestricted gameplay, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S console owners will be able to play the trial without any additional fees or subscriptions*.
This is the ultimate Cyberpunk 2077 experience — during the free trial period, players will have access to the base game, which includes all previous updates, such as the groundbreaking Update 2.0 featuring major gameplay overhauls and new features like redesigned skill trees and perks, vehicle combat, a new police system, and more. Players will also be able to experience Update 2.1, which introduced a fully functional metro system, the ability to listen to in-game radio stations outside of vehicles via the radioport, new vehicles, and more to the game. After the free trial ends, players who decide to purchase Cyberpunk 2077 will have their progress seamlessly carried over to the full version of the game.
All newcomers to Night City can take advantage of a handful of tips included in the official game guide prepared by CD PROJEKT RED — available to download for free.
*Terms of use and access to the Cyberpunk 2077 free trial may vary by region.
About CD PROJEKT RED
CD PROJEKT RED is a game development studio founded in 2002. It develops and publishes video games for PCs and video game consoles. The studio’s flagship titles include the futuristic RPG Cyberpunk 2077, its spy-thriller expansion Phantom Liberty, and The Witcher series of games, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and its two expansions. In collaboration with Studio Trigger, CD PROJEKT RED also created the award-winning Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, set in the same universe as the game. Other games developed by the studio include Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales and GWENT: The Witcher Card Game. Together with GOG.COM, a game store offering hand-picked titles for PC and Mac, CD PROJEKT RED is part of the CD PROJEKT Group. CD PROJEKT S.A. is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (ISIN: PLOPTTC00011).
About Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is a narrative-driven, open-world RPG set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. The game tells the multilayered, mature story of cyber-enhanced mercenary V. Players are faced with choices and consequences as they customize their character and playstyle, take on jobs, and build their reputation. The game has sold over 25 million copies and won over 200 awards, and is also the inspiration for the award-winning Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, created by CD PROJEKT RED in collaboration with Studio Trigger. Its spy-thriller expansion Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty was released on September 26, 2023. Cyberpunk 2077 is set in the universe of the classic pen & paper RPG system, Cyberpunk 2020.
BOSTON – March 25, 2024 – PAX East, the East Coast’s most-attended gaming event, returns to Boston on Thursday, May 8, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025. Additionally, show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade announce badges for PAX West 2024 will go on sale on Thursday, May 30.
PAX West celebrates its 20th anniversary in the city where it all started, at the Seattle Convention Center this Labor Day weekend from Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2.
“We might be wrapping up PAX East, but we’ve already got our sights set on PAX West in September,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of Penny Arcade and PAX. “The show’s twentieth year is just getting underway.”
Show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade will share more details about PAX East 2025 in the coming months. Badges for PAX West 2024 go on sale Thursday, May 30.
PAX, or Penny Arcade Expo, is a festival for gamers to celebrate gaming culture. First held in Seattle in 2004, PAX has nearly doubled in size each successive year, with PAX Prime 2014 selling out of tickets in a matter of minutes. Connecting the world’s leading game publishers with their most avid and influential fans, PAX expanded with a second show in Boston in 2010, and a third in San Antonio in 2015, making it the three largest gaming shows in North America. The first international PAX was held in Melbourne, Australia in 2013. In 2017, Penny Arcade established PAX Unplugged, its first tabletop-focused show, held in Philadelphia.
About ReedPop
ReedPop is a boutique group within RX – one of the world’s leading events organizers. Launched in 2006, the group has become the number one producer of pop culture events across the globe as well as a full service digital content provider and media company. Delivering once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences curated specifically for localized audiences, ReedPop currently features events in North America and Europe, including: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), PAX West, East, and Unplugged, Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC), Star Wars Celebration, MCM Comic Con, Eurogamer Expo (EGX), Star Trek Missions and more. In addition to organizing and managing events, ReedPop also runs and operates the Gamer Network and its portfolio of leading gaming websites including Eurogamer, Rock Paper Shotgun and GamesIndustry.Biz. The staff at ReedPop are a fan-based, globally focused group of professionals that are uniquely qualified to build and serve the communities with whom they share a common passion.
About Penny Arcade
Penny Arcade has been the world’s most popular webcomic for over 20 years, with over 3.5 million readers. Started in 1998 in the living room of Mike Krahulik & Jerry Holkins, it has grown into a media empire encompassing multiple beloved properties such as Lookouts, Automata, and beloved D&D live-play series Acquisitions Incorporated. Penny Arcade was responsible for the creation of Child’s Play, a gaming charity that has raised over $45 million dollars for children across the world. They are also the founders of PAX, the number one consumer gaming festival in North America, with hundreds of thousands of loyal visitors every year.
Surreal horror visual novel celebrates 200,000 copies sold with Steam Midweek Madness sale, new “Cabins in the Woods” bundle
TORONTO, Canada – Mar. 25, 2024 –Slay the Princess, the fully-voiced surreal horror visual novel developed by Black Tabby Games (Scarlet Hollow), today introduces a free content update with new dialogue and music. Slay at a discounted rate in a 20% Steam Midweek Madness sale and as part of the new “Cabins in the Woods” bundle, also featuring Inscryption and What Remains of Edith Finch.
Slay the Princess’ first major content update fleshes out endgame content with new animations and more than 3,000 words of additional and restructured dialogue choices and conversations. Experience several just-added orchestral renditions of climactic tracks as recorded by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
Join more than 200,000 regicide attempters with the deepest discount yet, 20% off, as part of a special Steam Midweek Madness sale. Slay the Princess also joins forces with two other games featuring totally-not-suspicious-at-all cabins with the Cabins in the Woods bundle. Pick up Slay the Princess,Inscryption, and What Remains of Edith Finch at an additional 10% off per game.
The Narrator (voiced by Jonathan Sims of The Magnus Archives) issues a simple command: enter the cabin, pick up the dagger, and slay the Princess (voiced by Nichole Goodnight). Things quickly take a turn for the unusual, as death just leads back to the cabin. Each dialogue choice leads down to new paths, steadily revealing a Princess that keeps changing with each incarnation.
“The love everyone’s shown for Slay the Princess changed our lives, and that support means we can keep working on it to try and fulfill our vision for the game,” says Tony Howard-Arias, Lead Writer at Black Tabby Games. “Thanks to all of you who made fanart, streamed the game, told your friends, or even just took the time to give our game a shot.”
Slay the Princess’ free update is available now on Steam for PC, Mac, Linux, and Steam Deck for $17.99 with a 20% Steam Midweek Madness discount through Monday, April 8. The “Cabins in the Woods” bundled discount is also available with Inscryption and What Remains of Edith Finch at 10% off for each game in the collection.
For more information on Slay the Princess, check out the official website, follow developer Black Tabby Games on Twitter and Tumblr, and join the official Discord and Reddit.
About Black Tabby Games
Black Tabby Games is an award-winning indie studio composed of Abby Howard (Ignatz-winning graphic novelist) and Tony Howard-Arias. Their combined penchant for powerfully interactive storytelling forms a consistently unforgettable duo of horror and humor as seen in 2021’s award-winning Scarlet Hollow and 2023’s acclaimed smash hit, Slay the Princess.
Best known for their now mostly dormant Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden franchises, Team Ninja has been branching out a bit in recent years to offer different kinds of stage-based action RPGs starting with Nioh and taking things a step further with Wo Long. Now, with some help from Sony, the developer has taken the full leap from placing players in linear stages where they set out to battle through into one set in an open world with potential for co-op play in missions and plenty of side-activities to cover the map. Taking inspiration from many other modern open world games and combining it with their finely honed combat system may seem like a satisfying combination, but has Team Ninja managed to pull it off with Rise of the Ronin?
Story
Set during the Edo Period and continuing throughout the Bakumatsu era, the player takes on the role of a pair of Blade Twins whose village was burned down by Tokugawa Shogunate forces. The pair of children are saved by an elderly swordswoman who recruits and trains the pair in a secretive village with a single mission in mind, taking revenge on the Shogunate. The village specializes in training pairs of fighters who always battle at one another’s side as Blade Twins, both of which the player creates through an extensive character creation system. With their training complete, the pair are sent out on their first mission as the black ships from the United States have arrived and threaten to increase the power of the Shogunate even further and assassinate Commodore Matthew Perry and potentially learn anything they can. Unfortunately, things go awry as one Blade Twin must sacrifice themselves for the other to escape, leading to player’s making a choice of which of their created characters will actually be their protagonist throughout the game. After being forced to eliminate their former master to pursue their other Blade Twin, who in their hearts they know is alive somewhere, Rise of the Ronin‘s era spanning adventure begins.
Rise of the Ronin takes a far more grounded approach to storytelling, foregoing many of the more supernatural elements that fans have come to expect from the developer and instead focusing on telling something similar to a historical drama where the player character is both witnessing historical events and even taking part in them as well, sometimes making choices that may affect the fate of certain historical figures. Sure, there are plenty of liberties taken to make things interesting like making political figures and prominent names of the time also being skilled samurai or ninja unlike their real life counterparts but for the most part players will find that this more grounded approach is actually quite interesting, especially thanks to how close of a role the Blade Twin plays in certain events through the player’s own actions, relationships, and much more, though we won’t spoil them here, though it must be said that there’s certainly more going on than meets the eye to many of the events that transpire, especially since a certain someone players are quite familiar is also involved.
While the player’s character is mostly silent in interactions, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have choices to make and relationships to form. As mentioned earlier, these relationships are called Bonds and while they have their own gameplay benefits by growing closer to allies, such as learning and unlocking their styles, gaining stat points, etc. they also provide additional story elements. These come in the form of conversations players can have with their allies to learn more about their backstory, some historical and some not depending on the character, and it feels quite genuine. There are also some elements of romance possible with certain characters as they will have a “Favor” meter as well that can be filled to obtain special bonuses and enter a relationship with them called a “Veiled Vow.” In a bit of irony, players can even choose to cheat on their partner should they choose.
Players increase the bond by taking allies along with them on missions, giving them gifts they like (helpfully indicated by a small heart icon by the item they like should the player have one), and making dialogue choices they like as well. These choices come into play a little bit with the story as well as there are some minor branching elements that, while don’t drastically alter the storyline, do offer different outcomes in certain missions and useful elements depending on the choices the player makes during a mission. These can be as simple as slightly altering an outcome to flat out betraying an ally and choosing a separate side.. Interestingly enough, the game does eventually provide a system called “Testament of the Soul ” that allows players to return to old missions and change their decisions if they so wish.
Besides offering the interesting characters players can interact with, the storyline and setting itself feels quite unique thanks to how in-depth it can feel at times and the fact that it is so grounded in reality, or at least as much as it can possibly be. Such a strong foundation allows for players to experience the struggles of these characters firsthand as they interact with them all while giving the writers a chance to explore the nationalism and isolationism that Japan was struggling with during such a tumultuous time in their history, even including the vast difference in technology that was making the old ways of the samurai obsolete with plenty of drama that feels both real and a bit exaggerated at the same time for the player’s benefit.
The sprinkling in of countless historical figures and the game’s own take on how they interacted with each other, both historically and fictionally, makes the entire storyline quite interesting for those intrigued by the era. It is worth noting that there does feel like that there is a bit too much padding in places as the game’s pacing could use some work even if players focus on the storyline, but for the most part those looking to experience the final days of the Shogunate will find that Rise of the Ronin handles it quite well.
Gameplay
Now perhaps the most unique element that Team Ninja has tried to tackle with Rise of the Ronin is that the game is now an open world one. this means that while there are still various stages featuring linear paths and a set fight at the end, these are usually only for large story missions and some side missions while the rest of the activity takes place in the open world. As players begin their adventure they will quickly be given a horse and free reign to go pretty much anywhere they want, limited by only certain story progression elements and of course enemy strength. As players through the prefectures in the open world they will find that each location has a “bond” similar to the character bonds but these are raised by unlocking “Veiled Edge” fast travel/respawn/enemy respawn banners, defeating bandits that randomly attack innocents, and liberating locations taken over by hostiles. As a location’s bond level increases the more collectables will be revealed by the locales by placing them directly on the map.
Each zone starts at Bond Level 1 but at Bond Level 3 it will show off nearly every collectable and fight within the area, including difficult fugitives to kill, cats to pick up and pet, shrines to pray at, and more.This is all well and good for the most part but unfortunately the lack of variety here quickly becomes apparent as literally every zone will have the same activities recycled endlessly. Pick up and pet a kitty, pray at a shrine, go clear out a bandit group disturbing public order and move on. There are some extra challenges mixed in here and there, such as races on horseback (that players can even have auto-run on pathways for them by selecting a location on the map) or using the hang glider to reach certain locations but even these are limited and repetitive.
Speaking of the hang glider, this tool also arrives early in the game as it has become something of a staple seemingly in any open world title to require a hang glider, even if it has awful controls. Alongside this players are given a grappling hook right from the get go and can use it to anchor and zip to pre-set locations to reach collectibles and platforming around various areas, sneaking up on enemies. The grappling hook has potential but its limitations in the open world are a major drawback thanks to it requiring specific anchor points and leaves both extra traversal options feeling far more limited compared to a standard open world game’s offerings. Thankfully, the grappling hook can be used in combat to drag foes closer or off their feet or even grab and throw an item at a foe to catch them off guard.
Once players are in combat is where Rise of the Ronin truly shines as it takes some of the best elements of Team Ninja’s combat from previous games and combines them to create a truly fascinating system that feels just as rewarding as it can be punishing. Players have a health meter and Ki meter, with Ki being their stamina that is expelled any time they attack, dodge, block, or use a special attack. The title even makes use of the parrying mechanic from Wo Long though this time around it is called “counterspark.” Any enemy attack can be counterpsarked and can leave the enemy reeling and open for a counter attack or even defeat them outright depending on their health and the type of weapon the player is using. If players can deplete their enemy’s Ki meter completely, either through countersparking or attacking them directly, they can be struck with a critical blow or instant kill in many cases. It is worth noting that enemies can also unleash powerful “Martial Skills” that are unblockable, leaving players to either dodge them entirely or perfectly time a counter to punish their foe. Countersparking these types of attacks drain a massive amount of Ki from an enemy, rewarding players for taking the risk.
Alongside a vast array of weapon types, ranging from the standard katana to sweeping odachi, longer ranged spear, twin swords, and more, the game also provides different combat styles that may or may not be effective against other weapon types. Oddly enough, some weapons have way more styles to work with compared to others. For example, a standard samurai blade has the most styles possible, giving players tons of options to work with, while others are limited to three only, potentially crippling certain weapons compared to others. That being said, players are completely free to swap and adjust their gear at will, especially if they find a certain type of weapon that they feel controls and handles the best, since styles will mostly play a role in how well they do against certain foes as each style has a strength and weakness against another.
Players can even make use of secondary weapons such as a rifle, a bow, shuriken, revolver, and even an early flamethrower with limited ammo for each one. These give players a lot of options to work with, which is good because the game absolutely loves to throw loot at the player. Upon defeating nearly any human enemy they will likely provide players with not only a consumable item but likely a weapon and piece of equipment as well. This quickly becomes overwhelming especially in large stages or longer battles as players will find themselves drowning in useless loot that is either worse than their own or barely stronger. In fact, some of it can be the exact same with only slightly re-rolled perks such as dealing more damage at night or gaining Bond a bit higher. Thankfully, players can sell or break down junk loot to help upgrade their actual gear but having to micromanage the inventory after every fight is tedious and annoying, especially since, as mentioned, most gear obtained from standard foes is awful compared to boss drops, quest rewards, and treasure chests.
Alongside the equipment system Rise of the Ronin does have some light leveling systems as well. From “honor” gained from defeating enemies to skill points obtained from praying at shrines or specific skill points from reading rare scrolls, players can use their skill points to obtain extra skills all while boosting their Strength, Dexterity, Charm, and Intellect an extra point. Some skills require a specific skill point, such as a Charm skill point rather than a general skill point to unlock, but these are often the most powerful. These skills range from increasing damage, being able to carry more health or bullets, or even unlock speech skills when talking with other NPCs, giving players options for new dialogue that may make certain interactions far easier for the player compared to if they couldn’t have lied or charmed their way through an encounter.
The multiplayer component in Rise of the Ronin is an interesting one as players can, only occasionally, bring their own friends with them to fight on story missions and side-missions. Should players choose they can bRING their own NPC allies instead if they have them available and even swap to them during combat if they so choose. It is also nice to note that, while Rise of the Ronin can be punishingly difficult and even normal enemies can be powerful threats, players can adjust the difficulty if they wish to. This includes being able to lower the difficulty from Normal to Easy, making attacks take less Ki to use, increasing the amount of health restored by the limited healing items, and even some basic accessibility options like auto gathering. While this does mean that more casual players can enjoy the game, this is far more welcoming to newcomers and those who wish to give the game a shot and try to learn its mechanics, perhaps bumping the difficulty back up to Normal once they’ve gotten the hang of things or find the best weapon to fit their playstyle.
Audio & Visuals
The design of Rise of the Ronin is something of a mixed bag. First and foremost, character customization is quite extensive right off the bat in character creation and players can even change the appearance of their obtained armor shortly into the game. As players travel through the larger cities it is interesting to see just how divided some elements of various locations can be, with one street featuring traditional Japanese style homes and the next street looking like something from an old US downtown. The same can even be said for the clothing of NPCs in some locations, with women walking around wearing big fluffy dresses and men in suits or wearing kimono and traditional Japanese clothing.
This blend is only truly interesting in cities unfortunately as most of the actual open world design of Rise of the Ronin is rather uninspired and generic looking. There are various historical locations that are given some great attention to detail but for every intricately designed area there are ten others that are just as generic at least until the latter half of the game. The same can be said about most of the enemies that players encounter as well, given the nature and more grounded setting of the game for a rather lacking enemy variety. Thankfully combat is wonderful looking and features a wide-array of special moves players can use that vary not only depending on the weapon players are currently wielding but even the fighting style they are employing. There is plenty of blood and even dismemberment to accompany the violence, though it is worth noting that the game’s performance mode does struggle during more involved action scenes. This can involve fights in the city streets and even group battles out in the open world where the game can suffer from slow down even while using the performance mode, with the two graphics focused options being even worse.
Considering the game is set in Japan and players are seeing a mix of both Japanese and English speaking tongues, it is a bit surprising that there isn’t an option for players to select a mixed dub of English and Japanese voice tracks for authenticity’s sake. That being said, the English voice work is particularly bad for all but the most important characters and even then it isn’t great, so players should choose the Japanese voice track if at all possible and rely on the provided subtitles instead. The soundtrack features a solid collection of background music that is fitting given the time period that the game is set in and works well during some of the more dramatic and action packed moments.
Overall
Rise of the Ronin struggles to find its footing thanks to Team Ninja trying to do something they are unfamiliar with. The game’s combat mechanics and the sheer variation of styles and customization available is outstanding and truly enjoyable, even on easier difficulties for those who need a handicap and the historical setting mixed with its own unique take on the narrative creates an entertaining world for fans of Edo era Japan. Unfortunately the game’s attempt at being an open world title is incredibly lacking. Between poor variety, the need to dump useless loot as a reward on players only for it to need to get trashed almost immediately, and poor performance make this first attempt at an open-world one that would have been far better if it was a bit more focused instead.
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