Rise of the Ronin throws you into the heart of a power struggle that rocked the foundations of Japan. During the Bakumatsu period, the country was forced to confront the outside world after centuries of isolation.
This period saw the rise of two opposing factions: the Pro-Shogunate and the Anti-Shogunate. As a masterless samurai, a Ronin, you’ll have to choose a side and carve your path through this turbulent era in Japanese history. Which side should you find yourself on, and what consequences come along with it?
Rise Of The Ronin Portrays A Stormy Era Of Japanese History
Rise of the Ronin isn’t just about slicing and dicing your way through enemies. The core narrative unfolds based on the choices you make, with most missions branching into Pro-Shogun or Anti-Shogun paths. Each path offers unique allies, objectives, bosses, and even vendors with distinct wares. This means a single playthrough won’t reveal everything the action-RPG has to offer.
An expansive story that reacts to your decisions is a first for Team Ninja, with the most significant choice being whether to uphold the Shogunate’s rule or fight for it to be overthrown. While the main story has two major branches, there are also smaller choices within missions and side quests that can affect the overarching plot.
Japan’s Bakumatsu era, the period Rise of the Ronin is set in, was marked by rising tensions with the West. The arrival of American warships shattered Japan’s isolationist policy. The Emperor initially favored complete resistance, while the Shogun, fearing the West’s military might, hastily signed an unequal treaty, sparking outrage. This is the core conflict the game deals with.
Pro-Shogun Vs Anti-Shogun: Which Path Should You Take?
The Pro-Shogunate faction, represented by figures like Taka Murayama (a Geisha from Yokohama), advocates for maintaining the existing order. They believe the Shogunate provides stability and protects Japan from foreign threats.
By siding with them, you’ll be tasked with intercepting rebel communications, eliminating Anti-Shogun figures, and upholding the Shogunate’s authority. Completing Pro-Shogunate missions increases your bond with Taka and her allies, granting you access to their vendor stocked with Western-style clothing and modern weaponry.
On the other hand, the Anti-Shogunate faction, led by Sakamoto Ryoma, seeks to dismantle the Shogunate and restore power to the Emperor. They view the Shogunate as corrupt and incapable of guiding Japan through this critical juncture.
Aligning with them throws you into a world of espionage, with assassination missions targeting both Pro-Shogun forces and Western figures, and all-out battles to cripple the Shogunate’s hold on power. As you progress on this path, your bond with Ryoma and his allies deepens, unlocking access to their vendor offering traditional Japanese armor and attire.
Rise of the Ronin offers a riveting journey through a tumultuous yet pivotal period in Japanese history. The history behind it is truly fascinating, and being able to interact with it firsthand through a well-crafted action-RPG makes it even more compelling. Reviews for the game also went up yesterday, with it scoring a 76 overall on Metacritic.
By choosing a side in the Pro-Shogun vs Anti-Shogun conflict, you’ll not only experience a unique narrative but also gain access to distinct allies, gear, and challenges, making each playthrough a fresh experience and working wonders for the Souls-like RPG’s replayability.
