Rise of the Ronin, the final exclusive title for the PlayStation platform before the current fiscal year closes, also happens to be one of the year’s most anticipated games. Dubbed by many as “Assassin’s Creed in Japan”, the upcoming action game is a chance for Team Ninja to wash away the bitter aftertaste left by Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, a flawed title that many consider a step back for the studio after its work on the Nioh franchise.
With that said, all eyes are on when the review embargo of Rise of the Ronin will lift and it seems like Team Ninja is cutting it too close for comfort.
Traditionally, review embargoes serve multiple purposes. First, they ensure critics have a lot of time to evaluate a game thoroughly and maintain expectations by preventing the premature release of leaks or spoilers. However, when an embargo lifts so close to a game’s release date, it poses challenges for both reviewers and consumers.
Rise of the Ronin embargo (in presses hands now) is March 21st for reviews. A preview based on the first couple of hours of the game is next week.
— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) March 5, 2024
According to Tom Henderson, the press should have received their copies of Rise of the Ronin by now and an early preview of the game is releasing next week. But with Rise of the Ronin coming out on March 22 and the review embargoes lifting on March 21, it’s unfavorable for consumers who rely on the early reviews to make informed purchasing decisions. Moreover, late embargoes could signal concerns about a game’s reception. While not always the case, they can imply a lack of confidence from publishers in their product’s readiness or quality. This perception can affect consumer expectations and, ultimately, sales. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that this is not a universal truth, as various factors can influence the timing of an embargo.
Despite these challenges, Rise of the Ronin has garnered significant interest due to its historical setting, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the pedigree of its developer. Its setting during the 19th century in the middle of the Boshin War as well as the inclusion of character customization and a rich choice-driven narrative suggest an expansive and detailed game world. Additionally, Rise of the Ronin isn’t a soulslike, a departure from Team Ninja’s previous titles in favor of a more accessible action RPG experience. Finally, the focus on a choice-driven narrative, where players’ decisions have tangible impacts on the game world, adds a layer of depth and replayability.
As a bonus, Rise of the Ronin will see the return of Fumihiko Yasuda at the helm. The director and producer of the Nioh games recently stepped up to become Team Ninja’s president. He’s largely credited for the success of Team Ninja’s best outings in recent years, suggesting that, while the review embargo initially casts a shadow of doubt, the game will likely rise above the reservations and cement its place as one of the year’s best games.
Ultimately, Rise of the Ronin‘s success will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling and polished experience that lives up to expectations.
