Rise of the Ronin has made its transition from a PS5-exclusive title to a PC release, bringing with it a host of features that PC gamers have come to expect. With enhanced frame rates, support for DLSS, XeSS, and FSR upscaling, as well as ray tracing and ultra-wide support, the game seems poised to deliver an exceptional experience. The settings menu offers a satisfying array of options, allowing players to tailor their gameplay to their preferences.
Performance Challenges
However, the reality is that Rise of the Ronin struggles with optimization on PC. Players have reported inconsistent performance across various settings, leading to perplexing frame rate drops, persistent stuttering, and muddled textures. Despite the game’s stunning recreation of feudal Japan, these performance issues detract from the overall experience. The developer, Koei Tecmo, has acknowledged these concerns and plans to release a day-one patch aimed at addressing these bugs, but until then, the game’s performance remains a sticking point.
In my experience, the performance issues seem to stem from heavy VRAM usage, which fluctuates significantly. Even with a powerful Nvidia RTX 4070 Super equipped with 12GB of VRAM, the game often approached its limits, even at reduced graphical settings. This raises questions about the underlying optimization, particularly for those with graphics cards that have less VRAM.
Engaging Gameplay
Despite these challenges, the core gameplay of Rise of the Ronin is compelling. The combat system, which emphasizes parrying and stamina management, creates engaging encounters that feel fair and rewarding. Players can immerse themselves in a gameplay loop that involves defeating enemies to restore order and exploring the world for loot that enhances character stats. Unlocking new abilities and combat styles adds a layer of excitement, keeping the experience fresh.
The game’s world design draws parallels to titles like Assassin’s Creed 2, albeit with the familiar open-world bloat. Players may find themselves repeating tasks, such as locating cats for silver or praying at shrines for skill points. Yet, the vibrant depiction of 19th-century Japan, complete with historical figures and dynamic environments, adds depth to the experience.
Visual and Technical Aspects
While Rise of the Ronin showcases impressive draw distances and a dynamic day-night cycle, it also suffers from visual shortcomings. Character models and textures can appear less polished than expected, and animations may lack fluidity, resulting in a somewhat janky feel. These visual inconsistencies can disrupt immersion, pulling players out of the beautifully crafted world.
Moreover, the game’s substantial file size of 143 GB raises eyebrows, especially given its performance issues and the lack of high-resolution textures. This hefty storage requirement may deter some players, particularly those with limited disk space.
Price and Accessibility
On a positive note, Rise of the Ronin is available at a discounted price of .99 on PC, a welcome change from the typical price tag seen on consoles. This pricing strategy may attract gamers who are looking for value without compromising on quality.
For those who appreciate the Souls-like formula and have an interest in Japanese culture, Rise of the Ronin offers many hours of enjoyment. However, players who prioritize performance and visual fidelity may want to hold off until the day-one patch is released or until further optimizations are made.
