When it comes to video games that combine elements from Japanese culture and history, Rise of the Ronin and Ghost of Tsushima are two popular choices when it comes to their storyline and gameplay. Although there’s quite a few similarities to point out, each game provides its own experience due to its unique environment and timeline. If we were to pit the two against each other, which do you believe would be better?
Rise of the Ronin vs Ghost of Tsushima – Time Period
Rise of the Ronin is set in the late nineteenth century, right in the middle of Japan’s transition from the Edo to the modern Age. Meanwhile, the events of Ghost of Tsushima take place in 1274, during the Mongol invasion of Japan. Playing Tsushima is like stepping into a traditional samurai tales, equipped with bows and Katanas, compared to Ronin where you’ll see more innovated weapons like rifles and handguns.
Rise of the Ronin vs Ghost of Tsushima – Gameplay Mechanics
Combat in Rise of the Ronin mirrors that of Souls-like games, specifically focusing on difficulty levels and other Souls-like mechanics like a stamina bar and karma each time you die. The game purely has RPG elements, which makes you rely more on weapons and stats, making it intense and more challenging.
On the other hand, Ghost of Tsushima prefers a more direct method when in combat and highlights the deadly effectiveness of the samurai sword. At its core, the game is about exploration and narrative, which put players in the shoes of a samurai.
Rise of the Ronin vs Ghost of Tsushima – Visuals, Exploration, and World Design
Although both games have amazing visuals, Ghost of Tsushima has gotten more accolades for its character design, careful attention to detail, and its open-world environment that players can explore freely.
On the flip side, Rise of the Ronin’s open world design and visuals have taken some heat for being unsettling to players who aren’t used to so many missions and objectives UI. Despite its size, the game’s Japan doesn’t always have the stunning visual variety of Ghost of Tsushima.
Rise of the Ronin vs Ghost of Tsushima – Story and Character Development
Although the Bakumatsu period gives off the perfect setting for Rise of the Ronin, the story falls short in creating a specific emotional impact. The story may not strike a chord with players due to the game’s historical focus and the main character’s lack of a straightforward personal journey.
Ghost of Tsushima, on the other hand, stands out story-wise mainly for its major plot points, which revolves around Jin Sakai’s character development and journey throughout the Mongol invasion.
Which is better? Rise of the Ronin or Ghost of Tsushima
While taking place in different time periods, both games successfully put players in unique features of Japan’s history. But when it comes to major keypoints like graphics, plot, and straightforward combat, Ghost of Tsushima wins out.
Those asking for a deeper look at Japan’s evolution into the modern period will find what they’re looking for in Rise of the Ronin, thanks to its RPG elements, and unique historical setting. Sadly, I personally didn’t experience any new gameplay, so it wasn’t the adventure I was hoping for.