That push for role-playing extends to combat, in which classes have distinct roles, with fighters acting as tanks while mages and sorcerers deal damage. Layered into that are abilities that intertwine the strengths among pawns and players. Fighters can use their shield as a stepping stone to boost teammates to higher ground on giant enemies while mages can augment weapons to deal elemental damage. There’s a synergy that players discover in party formation as they tackle all sorts of foes.

All of this creates an adventure that gives players as much enjoyment as they’re willing to invest in the role-playing.

OPEN WORLD WITH TEAM NINJA COMBAT

On the surface, “Rise of the Ronin” will remind players of conventional open-world games. Players will see icons denoting missions and places of interest. Players can fast travel and hopscotch through side missions, but while it shares elements of Ubisoft-created titles, this project comes from Team Ninja, the developers behind the “Nioh” and modern “Ninja Gaiden” series.

That means the campaign can be difficult, but it also has some of the best and most complex combat systems you’ll find in an action game. The result is a stellar effort that offers a refreshing take on a familiar formula. “Rise of the Ronin” has a jarring beginning as it asks players to create two protagonists, who are a twin warrior unit called the Veiled Edge. On a mission, one makes a sacrifice so the other can escape, and in doing so, it sets off a chain of events with the surviving warrior at the center of it.

The player will play a pivotal role in the Bakumatsu era, when Japan transitioned from the feudal shogunate to a nation more open to Western ideas. It’s a fascinating period in the nation’s history and Team Ninja takes advantage of this by giving players agency in seeing how this brewing conflict shakes out. They make dialogue choices and mission decisions that impact the story. These political and personal choices affect relationships that players build through the campaign.

TRANSPARENCY WITH COMBAT AND DECISIONS

Unlike “Dragon’s Dogma 2,” everything in “Rise of the Ronin” is transparent. Players will know which choices influence the story. They’ll know the rewards for befriending one faction and accomplishing each mission. All of this helps players craft a more effective warrior and that’s important because the game can be difficult.

Thankfully, Team Ninja lets players adjust the difficulty level and that move makes this entry one of its most accessible projects. Even if a mission is too difficult or easy, players can always level up by doing side quests or obtaining better gear so that eventually, with enough grinding, “Rise of the Ronin” can be completed.

Ideally, players should explore the complex combat system that features multiple fighting styles and weapons. Team Ninja makes it easy to identify which styles do well against certain opponents (look for the blue arrows). It also offers a rewarding sparring mode within the campaign so players can figure out the timing of attacks and know when to parry to open up enemies to a furious counterattack.

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