The start of a new generation of video game consoles always brings with it an assortment of launch titles tailor made to showcase the power of these new systems. Some of these titles become instant classics like Halo: Combat Evolved, while others are quickly forgotten about. The launch of the Xbox One was no different as it saw the release of many games that were quickly left behind. One such title was Ryse: Son of Rome, a flawed but fun single-player title set in an alternate Ancient Rome.
Ryse: Son of Rome was developed by Crytek, the studio behind the popular Crysis series. It put players in control of a Roman general named Marius Titus and had them hack their way through large-scale battles across Ancient Rome. The story and visuals were praised by critics, but many felt like the gameplay was repetitive. The game also proved to not meet sales expectations, and any hope at a sequel has been dashed. However, the game was actually a pretty fun time and the alternate reality that it created should be explored further.
Ryse: Son of Rome Was a Flawed But Fun Title
Ryse: Son of Rome's story kicked off as Marius Titus began a quest to avenge his family. It followed him as he moved through the ranks of the Roman army and defended Rome from barbarian invasions. Players had to fight these invaders across Ancient Rome, and they soon unraveled a bigger plot at play. They had to take down legendary warriors and even the Emperor himself to ensure that Rome had a bright future. Along the way they also encountered various gods that either helped or hindered their quest for revenge.
The story of Ryse: Son of Rome was the highlight of the game, and it was boosted by strong voice acting. The world that Crytek built and the characters that inhabited it were all very intriguing to follow. The game almost felt like a playable movie, and it really helped to showcase just how powerful the Xbox One was. However, a game is only as strong as its gameplay and that proved to be very flawed.
The gameplay of Ryse: Son of Rome went for the third-person hack and slash genre. Players would fight through the battlefield using a sword and shield, and the combat was combo-based. As players dealt damage, they could activate an execution sequence that would have them do a series of quick-time events to kill their foes. They would also have to command NPC soldiers across the battlefield, and that could be done via yelling into the Kinect. This gameplay could be fun at times, but many felt like it overstayed its welcome and that it was too repetitive.
Ryse: Son of Rome Needs to Continue
There is no indication that a sequel to Ryse: Son of Rome will ever come out, and it most likely will not. The game was a disappointment sales wise, and Crytek went through some severe behind-the-scenes issues since the release of the first game. The IP is still in Crytek's hands, but the studio seems to be putting more of a focus on Crysis. That leaves Ryse: Son of Rome to collect dust.
While the original Ryse was flawed, there was still a lot of fun to be had. Ancient Rome is an uncommon game setting, and few have come close to capturing the feeling of ancient warfare. While some of its quirks needed to be ironed out, Ryse: Son of Rome is one of few titles with both of these features. With a little more focus and less repetitiveness, the game could have been great; and a sequel could be greater.
Ryse: Son of Rome is one Xbox launch-title that people quickly moved on from. However, it had potential, and it would be a shame if it was forgotten. Crytek needs to give the IP another shot, and Xbox players should also consider revisiting the original title to see what could have been.
Ryse: Son of Rome is available now on PC and Xbox One.