Team Ninja, the studio behind Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, has pulled back the curtain on the warring factions and key players in their upcoming open-world action RPG, Rise of Ronin. This is set against the backdrop of the turbulent Bakumatsu period in Japanese history. This is much later than the warring states period most people know from the Total War: Shogun games (Sengoku Jidai).
First among these are the Sabaku, staunch supporters of the Tokugawa shogunate. Led by the ruthless chief minister Naosuke Ii, nicknamed “The Red Demon,” they seek to maintain Japan’s centralized rule and fend off both internal dissent and external pressures. Alongside Ii stands Taka Murayama, a famed geisha whose sharp wit and charismatic presence suggest a deeper political influence.
Opposition to the shogunate comes in the form of the Tobaku, a diverse coalition united by their desire to restore imperial authority. Two of their most prominent figures are the legendary ronin Ryoma Sakamoto and Choshu retainer Kogoro Katsura. Sakamoto, known for his earnest idealism and mastery of both swordsmanship and Western firearms, strives to guide Japan through the tumultuous waters of forced foreign trade. Katsura, meanwhile, offers wisdom and mentorship to his clan’s younger generation while grappling with his own fondness for sake.
Finally, the Obei, representing the Western powers hungry for access to Japan’s markets, add another layer of complexity to the political landscape. Commodore Matthew Perry, the infamous “Black Ship” commander, embodies American determination to secure trade agreements. British diplomat Rutherford Alcock, however, adopts a more nuanced approach, fascinated by Japanese culture despite condemning the shogunate’s isolationist policies.
We are likely going to see characters who have smaller roles (thanks Techrapter), but these are the key figures for the game. Each faction should have a wealth of additional characters and allies to be encountered throughout Rise of Ronin’s open world. Aside from that, players can explore iconic historical locations like Yokohama and Edo (later called Tokyo) while navigating the intricate web of political intrigue and clashing ideologies that defined the Bakumatsu era.
It’s a great period to learn about, so I’m going to sneak in an Extra Credits link for anyone who wants to learn more about the events that led to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Otherwise, Like A Dragon: Ishin covered this same subject in a more Yakuza-focused way. I do believe this will be the most historically accurate version.
Comments