Rise of the Rōnin thrusts players into the middle of feudal Japan’s chaotic Bakumatsu period as a wandering Rōnin samurai. Master an arsenal of melee weapons and ranged firearms modeled after historical martial arts schools to defeat enemies in gritty sword and gunplay combat featuring cutting-edge animation systems and tactical mechanics.
Weapon Variety
Bladed options like katanas and longswords provide a versatile balance between speed and power. Polearms like spears and naginatas maximize range and area attacks. Short swords and sai focus on rapid strikes and combos. Heavyweight nodachi greatswords specialize in destructive striking power at the cost of speed.
Ranged weapons offer stealthier alternatives. Bows allow for precise long-distance sniping and silent takedowns. Early matchlock firearms provide overwhelming stopping power but sacrifice stealth with loud gunfire reports.
Specialized tools like the kusarigama chain-sickle and grappling ropes further expand tactical options with their unique properties. Players can pull, ensnare, disarm, or off-balance enemies from a distance with expert use.
Fighting Styles and Schools
Martial arts fighting styles are learned from dedicated combat schools, each teaching signature techniques and philosophies. Styles shape how weapons are wielded and combo attacks are executed.
Certain schools focus on specific weapons like the Two Sword Style for dual-blades. Styles emphasize attributes from balanced versatility, defensive countering tactics, acrobatic agility, precise strikes, brute power attacks, ranged harassment, using surroundings, and more.
By training under allied swordmasters representing authentic Japanese schools, players learn, upgrade, and combine multiple fighting styles to create custom combat forms tailored to their preferences.
Tactical Combat Systems
Rise of the Rōnin’s combat integrates several tactical systems for added depth. The Ki Pulse mechanic lets players recover stamina quickly between attacks. Enemy Ki can also be drained to create vulnerabilities through precision strikes or parries.
The unique Bond system allows swapping control to allies, utilizing their distinct special abilities and fighting styles for more strategic variety. Stealth, distractions, traps, interactive environments, mounted combat, and more open up emergent tactical opportunities.
Overall the combat aims to capture the adaptability and technique of real martial arts with authentic feudal Japanese weapons and fighting schools melded with tactical choice. The game is scheduled to be released for the PlayStation 5 on March 22, 2024.
