Team Ninja's Rise of the Ronin enters familiar territory, embracing accessibility while blending elements from Nioh and Wo Long. Unlike its predecessors, this title features a difficulty slider and more user-friendly combat, finding a sweet spot between open-world adventures like Ghost of Tsushima and the deliberate combat of traditional Soulslike games.

One standout aspect where Rise of the Ronin shines is in its exceptional tutorial boss, reminiscent of the iconic bosses in FromSoftware's lineup.

The Bladesmith Fight Highlights Key Mechanics

Before facing The Bladesmith in Rise of the Ronin, players encounter Matthew Perry in a story-driven battle. However, it is The Bladesmith who truly tests players' readiness for the game's challenges, focusing on two crucial mechanics: Counterspark and Martial Skills.

Counterspark, akin to a parry in Soulslike games, demands precise timing. Mastering both Counterspark and Martial Skills is essential for survival, especially on higher difficulties. Rise of the Ronin effectively instructs players on these mechanics early on, preparing them for the tough encounters ahead.

Team Ninja Embraces Lessons from FromSoftware

While Team Ninja has a strong foothold in the Soulslike genre, past titles lacked comprehensive tutorial boss encounters. With Rise of the Ronin, the studio not only learns from its own history but also draws inspiration from FromSoftware's acclaimed games.

Comparable to FromSoftware's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Rise of the Ronin excels at acclimating players to its challenges through a well-crafted tutorial boss. It may lean towards a 'Soulslite' experience, but it effectively eases players into its demanding gameplay.