The Rise of the Ronin Review Embargo Date Is Not A Good Sign

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.

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 Roninisn'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.