STACK #235 May 2024

GAMING REVIEWS

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RISE OF THE RONIN

ACTION RPG MULTIPLAYER

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Since their beginnings, the gurus at Team Ninja have given the impression that they’ve been building up to something really big. Now it’s here. Set in the 19th century, during the latter days of the Edo period of Japanese history, Rise of the

Ronin plays it fairly straight – there are no monsters, nor is there any supernatural skulduggery. There is, however, much historical reverence, which makes for a continually engaging story; one that’s set up by an

on perfect timing for counters and slickly timed dodges in order to survive. Your other asset is the ability to be sneaky. Stealth often means the difference between systematically taking down a den of potential killers and being taken down yourself.

KITTIES GALORE! It’s not all challenge,

It all takes place in a pleasingly open world Japan, where you can languish in one area going the completionist route, or sally forth fulfilling the bare minimum that’s needed to open up the next tract of land. Aids that unlock as you go include ranged weapons such as guns and shuriken, through to transit assists like grappling in select places to gliding and riding horses. Combining Team Ninja’s traditional tone with many of their trademark systems, as well as pulling in tropes from influences like the various Souls games through to the Assassin’s Creed series, there’s plenty of depth – and challenge - to unlock and enjoy for those willing to put in the necessary effort. AF

initial on-rails prologue that follows the creation of two fighters with an impressively deep character editor.

because cats! If you’re a feline fancier, then you’ll likely be easily distracted by their presence in various places. Hinted at via typical catlike mewling when you’re nearby, yes, you can take time out for a bit of a petting session. Ah, therapeutic!

You start out as one of two highly skilled sword-wielding ‘Blade Twins’. You take on a ship-based explore, retrieve, and kill mission before things turn turtle and you find yourself alone. Roll opening credits… This serves as a great introduction to two main facets of getting by in Rise of the Ronin . We’re given a solid taste of its fighting system, which relies very much

DRAGON’S DOGMA 2

ACTION RPG MULTIPLAYER

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Let’s be very clear, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is immense. It’s the pure distillation of what an action RPG should be in every conceivable facet. It’s bulky, beautiful, baffling, and beset with bizarre gameplay systems in a way that only the best RPGs should be. From the outset, you’ll be scrambling for

the nearest notepad as you’re bombarded with more plot and character choices then you’ll find in any of the last ten games that you’ve played. After a brief introduction, you’re thrust into the single most epic character creation menu you will ever experience. Once you’ve constructed your main character, you’ll also be given the option to develop a companion who will join you on your many quests, in the form of a game-controlled “Pawn”. They are your best buddy and will be by your side throughout everything, or until they die horribly in an incredibly unnecessary way. Once you venture out into the wide world

boy is there a lot to do. Your ability to complete quests while roaming the countryside will only be hampered by your ability to remain undistracted by the numerous side quests and random pockets of enemies hidden in the environment. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is very much focused on the journey rather than the destination. It rewards a patient approach and provides an enjoyable experience rather than throwing you into constant combat sequences. Monsters are off the charts, with dragons, griffins, and medusas being part of your introduction to the game, and you just know that they’re the setup for bigger, badder fights to come. Everything about Dragon’s Dogma 2 is strangely fun. There are moments that will make you laugh out loud, groan in frustration, and cheer for joy, and it’s all balanced nicely. It’s a weirdly full and intense experience that’s a spicy take on what all RPGs should aspire to be. DN

PRAY HELP FROM ABOVE There’s a unique climbing mechanic in fights where you can climb onto larger enemies such as trolls and attack them from up high. It’s not an essential part of the game, but it is fun to see Pawns climbing on top of an enemy and stabbing them.

48 MAY 2024

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