Rise of the Ronin is an open-world action RPG developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, blending historical drama with samurai combat in a turbulent 19th-century Japan. Released exclusively on PlayStation 5 on April 22, 2024, it expanded to PC via Steam on April 10, 2025. Set during the Bakumatsu era—the twilight of the Edo period—it casts players as a nameless ronin navigating the chaos of Japan’s opening to the West, torn between tradition and modernization.
Rise of the Ronin Bugs and Complaints
PS5 Version (Fixed Bugs)
Team Ninja has released multiple patches since the PS5 launch, addressing many early issues. Key fixes from updates like 1.02 (April 29, 2024), 1.03 (April 4, 2024), and 1.05 (May 23, 2024) include:
•Combat: Enemies becoming invincible or losing character models/weapons (1.02).
•Progression: Lost skills or gadgets restored retroactively (1.02); treasure chests in Edo fixed to reflect proper collection rates (1.03).
•Multiplayer: Players locked out of Edo after online sessions, redirecting to Yokohama (1.03).
•Gameplay: Rifle usability breaking when swapping secondary weapons (1.03); martial skills ignoring guards or causing fall damage (1.05).
•Visuals/UI: Kimono belts not showing as selectable (1.05); equipment color mismatches (1.05).
The PS5 version has stabilized significantly, with Update 1.05 adding content (e.g., “Eternal Night” mission) alongside fixes. Most bugs now are minor or situational, though some complaints linger (see below).
PC Version (Steam) Bugs
The Steam release has been rockier, earning a “Mixed” rating (43–44% positive reviews) due to technical woes. Team Ninja’s investigating, with patches like 1.09.01 (April 14) out and more planned by month’s end. Here’s what’s reported:
Performance:
•Stuttering and low frame rates, even on high-end rigs (e.g., RTX 4090). Persists despite DLSS/FSR (X posts, PC Gamer).
•Game runs in slow motion at 120 FPS; switching to 60 FPS helps (Team Ninja site).
•Single-digit FPS drops requiring PC restarts (Entertainium).
Crashes:
•Launch crashes on CPUs with 33+ threads (fixed in 1.09.01).
•Freezes in specific situations (e.g., loading, menu interactions) (1.09.01 notes).
Save Data Issues:
•Disappearing save files reported post-launch. Team Ninja’s investigating as of April 17 (X @TeamNINJAStudio, PC Gamer).
Graphics:
•Model rendering fails on “Ultra” preset—e.g., background models flicker or vanish (Team Ninja site). “High” or “Standard” mitigates this.
•Texture misalignment (e.g., seeing pitch grips through gloves) (X sentiment).
UI/Input:
•Menu soft locks and crashes during interactions (1.09.01).
•Input delays, especially in combat (PC Gamer).
Unpatched Bugs (Both Versions)
•Assassination Glitches: Rare cases of players passing through the ground while gliding (fixed on PS5, but PC status unclear).
•Geometry: Players getting stuck in stage geometry under certain conditions (PS5 fixed, PC persists per X).
Common Complaints (April 20, 2025)
PS5 Version
Gameplay:
•Combat praised (IGN 7/10), but some find it less punishing than Team Ninja’s Nioh, disappointing hardcore fans (X).
•Open-world bloat—“Ubisoft Map” overload with icons and junk loot dilutes the experience (IGN, Niche Gamer).
Content:
•Story choices feel limited—key events happen regardless (Niche Gamer).
•High school/college segments in Road to the Show-style modes are too brief (speculative carryover from MLB The Show confusion—may not apply).
Presentation:
•English dub criticized for awkward delivery vs. stellar Japanese cast (e.g., Takehito Koyasu) (Niche Gamer).
•Visuals pretty but not best-in-class—textures lack sharpness (Entertainium).
PC Version
Performance:
•“Crappy port” sentiment dominates—stuttering, optimization issues tank enjoyment, even on high-end PCs (PC Gamer, X @GiveMeBanHammer).
•Looks like “early PS4 graphics” despite 8K/ray tracing promises (PC Gamer user quote).
Technical:
•Save data loss is a fresh gut punch—players losing hours of progress (X @pcgamer, April 17).
•Not Steam Deck-friendly—performance woes make it unplayable (X @Pirat_Nation).
Launch State:
•Feels unpolished for a year-after-PS5 port—comparisons to Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty’s rocky PC debut (GameRant).
General Gripes
•Value: PC’s $40–60 price feels steep given issues (ResetEra).
•Expectations: Fans wanting a Way of the Samurai vibe feel let down by technical catches (X @GiveMeBanHammer).
Context & Outlook
•PS5: A year in, it’s a polished 7/10 experience (IGN)—bugs are rare, complaints are design-based. Updates like 1.05 show ongoing support, though no major DLC’s confirmed.
•PC: A rough launch echoing Team Ninja’s PC port struggles (Wo Long, Ninja Gaiden). Patch 1.09.01 tweaks presets and fixes crashes, but stuttering and save issues persist. A late-April patch is promised—players are skeptical but hopeful (X @TeamNINJAStudio).
•Sentiment: PS5 feedback is mixed but leans positive; PC’s is heavily negative now (43% Steam rating). X posts reflect frustration—“can’t enjoy it without a catch” (@GiveMeBanHammer).
What’s your focus—PS5 stability, PC woes, or a specific mode? I can zero in. For now, Rise of the Ronin is a tale of two platforms: a solid PS5 samurai romp and a PC port stumbling out of the gate. Team Ninja’s on it, but PC players might want to wait for that next patch.
