Team Ninja's latest release, Rise of the Rōnin, plunges players into a gripping samurai epic set against the backdrop of Japan's historical revolution. With a departure from the studio's typical demonic enemies, this game focuses solely on human adversaries, showcasing various fighting styles within a richly detailed historical setting.
(Photo : Team Ninja / Screenshot taken from PlayStation.)
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Historical Influences and Bond Systems
As reported by GameInformer, Yasuda elucidates, "This game is steeped in the historical context of 19th-century Japan, allowing players to forge bonds with real-life figures like Ryoma Sakamoto." The choice of this era was deliberate, as it symbolizes the transition from the age of the samurai to modernization, offering a rich tapestry of ideals and value systems for players to explore.
The mention of Ryoma Sakamoto may trigger memories for those familiar with Sega's Like a Dragon: Ishin from 2023, which also featured Sakamoto during the same period, creating an unintentional crossover narrative between the two games. Hayashi chuckles, acknowledging the overlap, stating, "It's a popular period in Japanese history, so it's not surprising to see other developers exploring it."
Challenges and Cat Animations
Transitioning to an open-world format posed significant challenges for Team Ninja, requiring them to maintain the core action gameplay while expanding into new territory. Yasuda notes, "We also had to ensure the accuracy of cat animations, as we wanted to capture the essence of feline movements authentically. It became a passion project for us."
Reflecting on the influence of media like the TV show Shogun, Hayashi observes, "There's a cultural crossover between such productions and our games, enriching the experience for players on a global scale."
For those seeking cinematic inspiration, both Hayashi and Yasuda recommend Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, a classic tale of a wandering samurai entangled in the conflicts of two rival clans, drawing parallels to the narrative of Rise of the Rōnin.
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