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Ryse: Son of Rome

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ryse: Son of Rome
Item: Ryse: Son of Rome
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2013

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 22, 2013

PlatformXbox One, PC

DeveloperCrytek

Overview

Ryse: Son of Rome is a stunning action-adventure that follows Marius Titus on a heroic quest to avenge the death of his family, and preserve the honor of Rome, at all costs.

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Ryse: Son of Rome are quite diverse, with some praising its compelling narrative and engaging elements. AusGamers commends the game for having a compelling narrative at its core, with satisfying pay-offs and supernatural elements woven into the story. COGconnected also appreciates the engaging narrative of death, redemption, betrayal, and honor during Roman times, highlighting the well-thought-out story with good pacing. Game Over Online finds the narrative engaging and familiar, reminiscent of the movie Gladiator, with a Roman general turned gladiator defying an emperor. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the story of Ryse: Son of Rome. Cheat Code Central criticizes the game for its linear storyline lacking diversity, describing it as a simple revenge plot with little else to offer. Destructoid is particularly critical, stating that the story is boring, lacks depth, and features uninteresting characters with a derivative and predictable plot. Digital Spy mentions that while the story features a journey of revenge with intriguing characters, it ultimately falls into predictability with its twists. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the story in Ryse: Son of Rome. While some critics like Game Revolution and Gameplanet find the story predictable and running out of steam, others such as Guardian and Official Xbox Magazine UK appreciate the entertaining narrative with great acting performances. The game seems to excel in providing a familiar revenge tale set in a historically fuzzy version of the Roman Empire, with engaging elements but also predictable and clichéd moments. The inclusion of supernatural and mythological elements adds some intrigue for some critics like Impulsegamer and Vandal but may detract from the historical authenticity for others. Ultimately, the story of Ryse: Son of Rome seems to have its strengths in narrative engagement and character development, but its lack of depth and predictability may leave some players wanting more from the storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about Ryse: Son of Rome's story, with some praising its engaging narrative and supernatural elements, while others criticize its predictability and lack of depth. The game offers a familiar revenge tale set in Roman times, with some entertaining moments but also clichés. Overall, opinions vary on whether the narrative succeeds in delivering a compelling experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The combat system in Ryse: Son of Rome has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the visceral and brutal nature of the combat mechanics, with chaining hits, blocking, breaking guard, and dodging mentioned by Cheat Code Central. The execution mechanic is visually impressive and adds depth to the fights, as noted by VideoGamer. Additionally, GamesRadar++ praises the quick and brutal battles, emphasizing chain-kills and executions, with incentives to experiment with attacks through combo meter building. On the negative side, many critics point out the repetitive nature of the combat in Ryse. GamingTrend, InsideGamer.nl, and NZGamer all mention the lack of variety in enemy types and the quick progression to a stagnant and monotonous gameplay experience. Polygon, Gameplanet, and LevelUp criticize the simplistic and repetitive combat mechanics, with a heavy reliance on quick-time events and button mashing. The lack of depth and variety in enemy encounters, as well as the repetitive executions, are common criticisms echoed by several reviewers like Game Revolution and The Globe and Mail. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Ryse: Son of Rome offers satisfying and visually impressive combat mechanics, the gameplay ultimately falls short due to its repetitive nature and lack of depth. Critics like Guardian, Joystiq, and PC Games highlight the tedious and soul-crushingly boring combat experience, with limited enemy variety and simplistic boss battles detracting from the overall enjoyment. Despite some innovative elements like turret shooter sequences and phalanx marches mentioned by DarkStation, the general sentiment is that the combat system fails to evolve and maintain player engagement throughout the game. The mix of positive feedback on the visceral combat mechanics and negative feedback on the repetitive nature of the gameplay results in a polarizing reception among critics, ultimately leading to a lukewarm reception for Ryse: Son of Rome's gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Ryse: Son of Rome for its brutal combat mechanics and impressive visuals, but slam it for repetitive gameplay, lack of enemy variety, and reliance on quick-time events. The game's combat system is visually satisfying but lacks depth and fails to keep players engaged, resulting in a polarizing reception.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Ryse: Son of Rome, with many highlighting the stunning visuals and high level of detail present in the game. AusGamers commended the "high-level visual fidelity" and "next-gen eye candy," while COGconnected mentioned the "detailed environments," "realistic lighting," and "seamless in-game engine storytelling." Cheat Code Central also lauded the visuals as the game's strongest point, emphasizing the "gorgeous character models," "smooth animations," and "chaotic battles filled with details and immersion." Additionally, GameTrailers noted the "impressive visual fidelity" and "realistic and natural details" that added to the dynamic feel of the world. Despite the overwhelming positive feedback, some critics did point out a few drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Ryse: Son of Rome. GameSpot mentioned distractions with some combatants moving unnaturally, while GamingTrend on PC highlighted framerate issues in action-heavy areas. LevelUp expressed that while the setting was visually appealing, the level design felt restrictive and failed to engage players on a deeper level. These criticisms suggest that while the game excelled in visuals, there were some minor issues that affected the overall experience for a few reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Ryse: Son of Rome. The game was praised for its "gorgeous visuals," "impressive character models," "realistic environments," and "beautifully rendered details" by multiple critics such as Game Over Online, Guardian, and Gameplanet. The game's ability to showcase the power of the Xbox One and CryEngine technology was a common theme throughout the reviews, with many critics hailing it as a visual spectacle and a benchmark for next-gen graphics. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that Ryse: Son of Rome delivers a visually stunning experience that sets a new standard for graphical fidelity in console gaming.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Ryse: Son of Rome's stunning visuals, high level of detail, and next-gen eye candy. Praise for the game's impressive character models, realistic environments, and beautifully rendered details abounds. While some reviewers noted minor issues like unnatural movements and framerate problems, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing it as a benchmark for next-gen graphics and a visual spectacle showcasing the power of Xbox One and CryEngine technology.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Ryse: Son of Rome have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. AusGamers, COGconnected, Game Over Online, Gaming Nexus, God is a Geek, Guardian, Telegraph, ZTGD, DarkStation, GameSpot, and Vandal all praised the game for its exceptional sound design and music. They highlighted the immersive soundscape that transports players back to Ancient Rome, the epic orchestral soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, and the top-notch voice acting that adds depth to the characters. Critics like COGconnected specifically mentioned the detailed environmental sounds and full surround sound experience that contribute to the overall aural treat of the game. The use of sound visuals and sound to create shifts in mood, as noted by GameTrailers, further showcases the effectiveness of the sound design in setting the atmosphere of the game. On the flip side, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Ryse: Son of Rome. Digital Spy criticized the script for having too many rousing speeches, which could potentially overshadow the other positive aspects of the voice acting. LevelUp mentioned that while the Spanish voice acting was decent, it was hindered by the script, indicating a lack of balance between the voice acting and the narrative elements of the game. PC Gamer and EGM did not mention the music in their reviews, which could suggest that the music may not have left a significant impression on them compared to other aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Ryse: Son of Rome. The exceptional voice acting, immersive sound effects, and epic soundtrack have been highlighted as standout features that contribute to the overall cinematic experience of the game. Critics like Guardian and GameSpot specifically praised the top-notch voice acting performances that bring the characters to life, while Game Over Online and ZTGD commended the sweeping orchestral soundtrack that effectively sets the tone for the game. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the script and the lack of mention of the music in a few reviews, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Ryse: Son of Rome greatly enhance the gameplay experience and immerse players in the world of Ancient Rome.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Ryse: Son of Rome's stellar sound design and music, with praise for its immersive soundscape, epic soundtrack, and top-notch voice acting that bring Ancient Rome to life. While some critics noted issues with the script overshadowing the voice acting and a lack of balance in the Spanish voice acting, overall, the majority of reviewers find the audio elements to be a standout feature that elevates the cinematic experience of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Ryse: Son of Rome has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. AusGamers, COGconnected, EGM, Game Over Online, and GameFront all praise the voice acting for being excellent, adding depth to the narrative, and portraying characters with charisma and depth. Critics like Guardian, Hardcore Gamer, and Official Xbox Magazine UK specifically highlight the top-notch quality of the voice acting, with standout performances from characters like Basilius and Marius. The performances are described as enhancing the dialogue and story, with some critics noting the level of detail and immersion brought by the voice actors. On the other hand, a few critics expressed some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Ryse. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) criticizes the gravel-voiced performances and clichéd dialogue, particularly pointing out the protagonist's speeches as reminiscent of the movie "300." Polygon mentions that the voice acting lacks depth, with the protagonist Marius being perceived as a generic character, which diminishes the overall impact of the performances. LevelUp also notes that the Spanish voice acting is decent but hindered by the script. These criticisms suggest that while the majority of critics found the voice acting to be exceptional, there were some instances where the performances fell short or were hindered by certain aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Ryse: Son of Rome. The majority of reviewers praise the voice acting for being excellent, immersive, and enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Critics like Digital Spy, Gaming Nexus, and Official Xbox Magazine commend the superior quality of the voice acting, with performances that complement the epic vibe of the game. While there were a few criticisms regarding clichéd dialogue and lack of depth in some performances, the general sentiment is that the voice acting in Ryse greatly contributes to the game's immersive and engaging narrative. The diverse range of opinions highlights the subjective nature of evaluating voice acting in video games, with different critics focusing on various aspects of the performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in Ryse: Son of Rome for excellent performances that add depth and charisma to the narrative. Some critics highlight standout characters like Basilius and Marius. However, a few critics criticize the gravelly voices and clichéd dialogue, while others feel the performances lack depth. Overall, the majority find the voice acting exceptional, enhancing the game's storytelling experience with immersive performances.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox One, the majority of critics highlighted positive aspects such as solid framerates, detailed textures, and impressive visuals. COGconnected praised the stable framerate and smooth gameplay experience, while Game Over Online lauded Ryse: Son of Rome for being one of the best-looking console games to date. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer noted that the game runs smoothly and showcases the rendering power of the Xbox One. These positive aspects contribute to an immersive gaming experience for players on this platform. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the Xbox One version of Ryse: Son of Rome. AusGamers pointed out sporadic framerate drops, while LevelUp mentioned technical issues and detracting microtransactions. GamesRadar++ also noted glitches and technical problems throughout the game. These issues may impact the overall enjoyment and immersion for players on the Xbox One platform. Overall, the consensus among critics for Ryse: Son of Rome across all platforms leans towards positive feedback on the technical performance. The PC version received praise for its smooth performance on high-end systems, additional graphical options, and improved visuals. DarkStation highlighted the well-polished nature of the PC version, while Multiplayer.it mentioned noticeable improvements in clarity and lighting effects. Despite some criticisms regarding framerate issues on PC, such as those mentioned by GamingTrend, the overall sentiment is that the transition to PC provided enhancements that elevate the gaming experience. The Xbox One version, although praised for its visuals and stable framerates by some critics, also faced technical issues and detractors like microtransactions, as noted by GamesBeat and LevelUp. Ultimately, Ryse: Son of Rome is recognized for its technical proficiency and impressive visuals, with the PC version offering the most complete package for players seeking an enhanced gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Ryse: Son of Rome for its solid framerates and impressive visuals on Xbox One, providing an immersive gaming experience. However, some mention sporadic framerate drops and technical issues, impacting player enjoyment. The PC version is lauded for its smooth performance and improved visuals, despite occasional framerate issues. Overall, while the Xbox One version has technical problems, the PC version offers enhancements for a more complete gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

39%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Ryse: Son of Rome are mixed, with some positive aspects highlighted. AusGamers and Giant Bomb mention the incentive for replay through combat upgrades and equipment unlockables in the multiplayer mode, providing additional gameplay beyond the story. The co-op multiplayer arena modes, as noted by Destructoid and Gameplanet, offer dynamic gameplay with varied objectives and scenery, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, COGconnected and MondoXbox appreciate the collectibles to find and the cooperative mode available for replay in the Colosseum, adding some replay value to the game. On the negative side, several critics express concerns about the lack of lasting appeal and limited replay value of Ryse: Son of Rome. Cheat Code Central and GameFront criticize the leveling system and upgrades for having little impact on replayability. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and GameStar emphasize the short length, linearity, and repetitive nature of the gameplay, making it unlikely for players to revisit the game after completion. The lack of variety in gameplay and enemies, as mentioned by God is a Geek and Metro GameCentral, further hinders the replay value of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Ryse: Son of Rome lacking substantial replay value. While the multiplayer modes and combat upgrades offer some incentive for replay, the short campaign length, repetitive gameplay, and limited depth in multiplayer modes are recurring concerns. Critics such as Polygon and LevelUp highlight the game's shortcomings in delivering a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience, ultimately affecting its replayability. Despite some positive aspects like the cooperative modes and collectibles, the general sentiment suggests that Ryse: Son of Rome may not offer enough variety and depth to encourage extensive replay among players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Ryse: Son of Rome. Some praise its combat upgrades and multiplayer modes for additional gameplay, while others criticize its lack of lasting appeal due to short length, repetitive gameplay, and limited variety. Overall, the consensus is that the game falls short in delivering significant replay value, with concerns about depth and player engagement.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

85%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Ryse: Son of Rome, several positives emerge regarding the game. Critics such as GameTrailers commend the game for its bravado and visual spectacle, with a score of 7.0, highlighting the impressive graphics and immersive sound design that showcase the power of the Xbox One. COGconnected also praises the stunning visuals, engaging story, and solid voice acting, noting that Ryse offers a glimpse of next-gen gaming on the Xbox One and is worth experiencing. Additionally, Official Xbox Magazine UK appreciates the entertaining story, fluid combat, and great voice acting, along with the impressive visual design of the game. On the negative side, critics point out several drawbacks of Ryse: Son of Rome. Many reviewers, including Metro GameCentral and Gameplanet, criticize the game for its repetitive gameplay, lack of depth, and limited replay value. Polygon and The Globe and Mail (Toronto) highlight the game's beautiful visuals but note that they are overshadowed by a lackluster plot and shallow gameplay. Furthermore, LevelUp and Destructoid mention the uninspired character development, repetitive combat, and lack of innovation in gameplay, leading to a less engaging and memorable experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ryse: Son of Rome is a visually impressive game that falls short in terms of gameplay depth and storytelling. While the game excels in showcasing the capabilities of the Xbox One and offers moments of enjoyment through its combat mechanics and visual spectacle, it ultimately fails to deliver a fully satisfying and immersive experience. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it mention the game's potential for improvement in gameplay depth and innovation, indicating that while Ryse may have its merits, it ultimately leaves much to be desired in terms of lasting appeal and overall quality.

TL;DR

Ryse: Son of Rome impresses with stunning visuals and combat, but falls short due to repetitive gameplay, lackluster plot, and uninspired character development. Critics say it showcases Xbox One's power but lacks depth and innovation, leaving room for improvement in gameplay and storytelling.

MONSTER

Reviews

134 reviews found

GamesBeat

Xbox One

Nov 21, 2013