Rise of the Ronin, the upcoming action RPG from Team Ninja set to release on PS5 on March 22, has revealed more about its combat system, which is intriguingly similar to the weapon stances found in the developer's previous titles Nioh. The latest gameplay trailer showcases these combat styles, exhibiting low, mid, and high stances for different melee weapons and hinting that each one brings a distinct speed and power level to battles, a feature Nioh players will find familiar. The game also introduces new era-appropriate weapons like the bayonet and various firearms, blending traditional and modern combat tools.

Fans are given a glimpse of the grappling hook, a tool that facilitates swift movement across the battlefield, reminiscent of the one found in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which is likely to serve as both an exploration aid and a tactical advantage in combat. The integration of stealth and open-world exploration elements are clear nods to titles like Sekiro, promising exciting new possibilities for this historical adventure on Sony's next-gen console.

How will the combat system in Rise of the Ronin differ from previous Team Ninja games like Nioh?

The combat system in Rise of the Ronin appears to expand on the weapon stances system of Nioh, potentially offering even more dynamism with the introduction of new weapons and a grappling hook for gap-closing, suggesting a more fluid and versatile combat experience. Furthermore, it teases the incorporation of powerful combo options through seamless stance switching, pointing towards a deeper and perhaps more strategic combat mechanic.

Rise of the Ronin is set in a unique time period of Japanese history, allowing for a rich blend of traditional samurai warfare and the emerging gunpowder-inflicted combat brought by foreign influence. The game is expected to offer players a vast world filled with a mix of historical and fictional narratives, drawing on Team Ninja's strength in delivering intense action coupled with a robust and immersive RPG experience.