In a recent conversation, Yosuke Hayashi, who holds the position of Executive Vice President at Koei Tecmo, emphasized the indispensable role PlayStation played in getting Rise of the Ronin off the ground. Together with Fumihiko Yasuda, the head of Team Ninja, the duo shared updates about the recent PC launch of Rise of the Ronin and hinted at what’s next for the game.
Set in the vivid backdrop of 19th-century Japan, Rise of the Ronin is an immersive RPG that was well-received following its release on the PS5. Players are thrust into an era where they can customize their characters and engage in dynamic battles using period-appropriate weaponry like katanas and firearms. The game also provides exploration opportunities, allowing players to roam historical locales such as Yokohama and Kyoto, and rural landscapes. Initially exclusive to the PS5, the game expanded its horizons to PC with a Steam release on March 11. Now, with the PC version out, Hayashi and Yasuda are reflecting on the journey so far.
In an engaging interview with RPG Site, Hayashi and Yasuda reflected on the pivotal support from PlayStation Studios, a collaboration they credited with making the project’s inception possible. As the game transitioned to the PS5, PlayStation’s input on enhancing accessibility and fine-tuning onboarding precision proved invaluable, benefitting the team’s creative process greatly, Yasuda mentioned.
### No DLC Plans for Rise of the Ronin
When diving into the details of the PC iteration, Yasuda noted that invaluable feedback from PS5 players played a vital role in shaping the game. Although no new content was added, adapting the game for various PC configurations was a priority, based on substantial data from the original release. Yasuda reassured fans that ensuring a steady frame rate was crucial for delivering the action-packed experience that Rise of the Ronin is known for. When asked about the possibility of new content or DLC, Yasuda clarified that there are currently no plans for such additions.
Despite its initial success on the PS5 in 2024, the transition to PC has been bumpy. Numerous players have pointed out that the game demands robust hardware for optimal performance, leading to widespread reports of significant performance issues. This rocky PC debut has resulted in a mixed reception on Steam reviews, signaling that Team Ninja will need to address these hurdles promptly.
In the gaming world, especially when transitioning across different platforms, player experience is key. Both Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have their work cut out for them to ensure the game lives up to its potential on all fronts.