Ryse: Son of Rome

 PC
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 794 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 354 out of 794
  2. Mixed: 301 out of 794
  3. Negative: 139 out of 794

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  1. JamesTheThird
    Oct 22, 2014
    7
    Ryse: Son of Rome amazes with stunning graphics, but the pace of the game and its length doesn't allow a player to enjoy it.

    First of all, you have to realize that most negative scores are based on the fact that the game is extremely short. I finished it in 2 evenings - so I played for 6 hours maybe. If you take the price of the game and its length then the score is quite reasonable. My    Ryse: Son of Rome amazes with stunning graphics, but the pace of the game and its length doesn't allow a player to enjoy it.

    First of all, you have to realize that most negative scores are based on the fact that the game is extremely short. I finished it in 2 evenings - so I played for 6 hours maybe. If you take the price of the game and its length then the score is quite reasonable. My review, however, focuses only on gameplay and it's AWESOME! If you like the times of ancient Rome and slicing your opponents this is the game for you. I love actions games and taking a break from BF4 to play such a gem was really nice. Let's be honest, there isn't any other game where you could be a Roman soldier apart from i.e. Total War, which is a different genre. It puzzles me however, why the game is so short, why you can't walk (you almost always run), why you can't kill silently and why the creators didn't develop it further. Because of that, it seems as if the product was not finished. They could have gone so much further, because the world of ancient Rome they created is beautiful. I will never forget the feeling I had when I first saw Colosseum - absolutely stunning! Unfortunately, you don't get much chance to admire the views because everything happens too fast. Also, slicing your opponents becomes boring quite quickly. A player has no choice over his actions and there is no stealth option whatsoever.

    All in all, Crytek created a beautiful game, which is definitely too short. If they developed it further, created alternative choices of events, enabled stealth kills, using tactics and an open world it would be 10/10 for me. (Personally, I would like to see all the elements from Shadow of Mordor combined in Ryse - then it would be perfect.)    … Expand
  2. Zielt
    Nov 25, 2014
    7
    It's a game with stunning graphical quality, I can Play it with Nvidia 650M with Normal Quality graphic and High Texture Quality, and what got is an impressive XOne looking game in my weak laptop, and it's playable . It's a game which voice acting and video dialogue impressed me the most. It's a kind of game that I am looking for; a Roman epic war action game. Hope there's more of thisIt's a game with stunning graphical quality, I can Play it with Nvidia 650M with Normal Quality graphic and High Texture Quality, and what got is an impressive XOne looking game in my weak laptop, and it's playable . It's a game which voice acting and video dialogue impressed me the most. It's a kind of game that I am looking for; a Roman epic war action game. Hope there's more of this games

    but,
    Though I really like the combat system, yes it's lacking originality of combat, but it's still good, but It's repetitive game play really wears me off. A game that offers it's players different pace will surely be a Win. And that's what this game didn't have. I was hoping this game would feature a camp or base or whatever where you can manage your equipment and choose a region that you are hoping to seize.

    But in the End, it's just an action game that plays one way story that doesn't offer much decision making that actually affect the outcome at some stage of the game.

    I applaud the story, think It Is good for Roman setting game, and quite epic at that. I don't get the impression of so-called god of war wannabe and 300, It's purely a Roman story that topped with very few mythical stuff. That's what I like in this game.

    And thank the developers that this game can be beaten in just half a day, so we don't have to endure the repetitive yet focus consuming game play too long to reveal the Great Story.    … Expand
  3. Nicoteen
    Jan 16, 2016
    7
    Points based review:

    STORY: Intro - 7.6 | Midsection Progress - 4.2 | Protagonists - 3.8 | Ending - 8.1 | Storytelling - 4.3
    GAMEPLAY: Main Activities - 8.4 | Gameplay Variety - 4.4 | Fun - 6.2 | Genre Rating: 8.6
    GAMEWORLD/DESIGN: 5.2
    TECHNOLOGY: Graphics - 9.8 | Audio: 9.0
    OVERALL RATING: 6.7

    6.7 = 7
  4. phbz
    Dec 14, 2014
    6
    Ryse it's a perfect example of bad game design. There's so much things going right that you are almost temped to ignore what the game does bad. But then it becomes impossible to do so, since the mechanics just keep on getting in the way and spoiling the good stuff. The graphics are simple amazing, not only by the polygon count and shining armours, but because adding to that you have anRyse it's a perfect example of bad game design. There's so much things going right that you are almost temped to ignore what the game does bad. But then it becomes impossible to do so, since the mechanics just keep on getting in the way and spoiling the good stuff. The graphics are simple amazing, not only by the polygon count and shining armours, but because adding to that you have an amazing level of attention given to detail. Animations are very good and facial animations are as close to perfection as they can be. And the story, while not ground breaking, is good enough and well structured. The acting is also surprisingly good. But forget if you think you'll be given time to enjoy any of this, because by some obscure reason the developers though it would be important to constantly push you forward and even when it's not the game it self that is pushing you it is the context it self that pushes you at the cost of breaking immersion for not doing so. And the disastrous rhythm makes damage everywhere. Level design it's not perfect, just OK, but add to it the constant rush and you will be hitting walls, stands and everything around you trying to meet the urgency the game ask of you.

    The much criticised combat system falls in the same mistakes. But let me just point one thing. If you listen someone saying this is just a button masher, you can for sure know that that person never played the game. The combat has some complexity and it offers enough diversity to keep it challenging and diverse. But... again the game ruins it with the rhythm that imposes. Plus some tweaks would in did be good. A midway between this and Dark Souls, with the needed lower pace, would push this game to a whole new level.

    Ryse it's an OK game. It lacks in many aspects and excels in some. Sadly the bad is so bad that it annihilates the good. This is a prime example of a game made without passion and heart. A game that tries so hard to offer entertainment that ends up leading you to a general feeling of boredom and indifference.    … Expand
  5. FreeJ
    Oct 14, 2014
    6
    Ryse:Son of Rome is a repetitive hack & slasher wrapped in a gorgeous setting. It is fast paced. Straight forward linear game play with a simple story. Sure one might argue the game falls short in various regards. But for what it is, it delivers well. Similar to a blockbuster movie it doesn't hurt to just get on with it and enjoy a piece of entertainment for what it is.

    After the first    Ryse:Son of Rome is a repetitive hack & slasher wrapped in a gorgeous setting. It is fast paced. Straight forward linear game play with a simple story. Sure one might argue the game falls short in various regards. But for what it is, it delivers well. Similar to a blockbuster movie it doesn't hurt to just get on with it and enjoy a piece of entertainment for what it is.

    After the first few levels you have seen every mechanic there is to discover in this game anyway. And the longer the game goes the more you feel like a passenger, a means to an end for the game to play out in front of you. You are being reduced at many points to just hit one of two buttons at the right time for the animation in front of you to play on. At that point the game might as well play itself. Almost out of worry you as a player could be in the way of how this story needs to unfold.

    It looks great. It has great animations. Good cut sequences. But it is so very simple and repetitive.
    I say good for a rainy Sunday when you feel the itch to just play something without really having to invest in much.    … Expand
  6. alikh1010
    Dec 19, 2014
    5
    it looked like a movie more than a video game. i don't recommend it for anyone. fighting system is boring, but some cinematic was good. your gonna enjoy it if you like gladiator movies! graphics are good but not in every chapter.
  7. J4MESOX4D
    Oct 11, 2014
    5
    Another Xbox One timed exclusive makes its way to PC and once again; it is a game that lacks any real substance or depth. There are much better titles out there for a lot less money.

    Ryse does look fantastic but the combat is extremely repetitive, shallow and tiresome in time. The story is reasonable but the gameplay is desperately lacking and linear. It feels like this game was    Another Xbox One timed exclusive makes its way to PC and once again; it is a game that lacks any real substance or depth. There are much better titles out there for a lot less money.

    Ryse does look fantastic but the combat is extremely repetitive, shallow and tiresome in time. The story is reasonable but the gameplay is desperately lacking and linear. It feels like this game was designed more as a technology showcase for the Xbox One as opposed to delivering an engrossing title on a grand scale.

    On the XB1, Ryse was an welcome game for many thanks largely to a lack of titles available on the system but for PC gamers; it's nothing more than an average hack and slash. At a price of £34.99, this is far too expensive to justify a purchase now and even at a dramatically lower cost down the line; I'd still struggle to justify paying money as there is always a better title out there on the Steam Store.

    With Shadow of Mordor already out and games like Dragon Age: Inquisition and AC Unity on the horizon; Ryse will sink to the genre abyss, so save your money for these or something else.    … Expand
  8. Ecko69x
    Oct 14, 2014
    7
    A hack and slash game with a superb story. The game play is linear so it doesn't offer much for replayability. There is a lot of cut scenes so you will feel like you are watching a movie while playing a game. I would recommend waiting until the game is discounted as it's not worth the full price.
  9. Pijjolino
    Oct 13, 2014
    5
    Totally mediocre game, stunning graphic, basic game play and combat, no combos to pull up, even the story is kinda meh... It was good for one and a half day, but that's it only the engine is memorable.
  10. iscream712
    Oct 15, 2014
    7
    awesome graphics! brutal gore! great story! BUT! press X to win! wtf! figth system is very "low". nevertheless interesting to play. dialogues are short, simple, but it's only for the better. finish the game with pleasure now playing arena. 10 severed feet of 10: D
  11. GPReS
    Nov 3, 2014
    7
    1) For today the game is optimized like a trash. 2) Combat system is pretty stupid, because: a) the started combo can be done without players involvement and all that you lose is a combo multiplier - i don't care about multiplier, but care about beautiful combos..., b) boring combos, c) limited combos. 3) Lost my interest for now. We'll see if they can still fix it - pending....
  12. Soujirop
    Oct 15, 2014
    7
    For an action game, Son of Rome is not on the top of the list: you have just a few combos, one set of weapons, control is a bit clanky and not as responsive as it should, and the auto-aim awful mechanics will make you mad.

    But despite all of this, it is still a pretty funny experience. The graphics are impossible to improve and surprisingly well optimized, character animations achieved    For an action game, Son of Rome is not on the top of the list: you have just a few combos, one set of weapons, control is a bit clanky and not as responsive as it should, and the auto-aim awful mechanics will make you mad.

    But despite all of this, it is still a pretty funny experience. The graphics are impossible to improve and surprisingly well optimized, character animations achieved with motion capture are a delight to watch and the art direction recreates an spectacularly beautiful ancient Rome. The hard difficulty mode is pretty chalenging and I liked to call it "the realist mode" because you can get killed with just 2-3 hits of a sword.

    The story is pretty entertaining too, the characters have a lot of personality and the voice acting is excellent. Although some people complained about the length of the game, I felt it was just fine.

    Finally, the multiplayer in a game like this is always welcomed!

    If you are a fan of action games, probably you want to wait for this to reduce its price. If you like Roman odysseys and want to have a good, although not unforgettable experience, then you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  13. scorpian007
    Oct 10, 2014
    7
    Yes the game is repetitive, but the story is surprisingly good and it is a technical masterpiece which really shows what the Xbox One and PC can do graphically. I enjoyed the game for the story.
  14. Garfoodle
    Oct 10, 2014
    5
    It's Ok. The combat is fluid, the controlls solid. The game looks amazing, and it's well optimized. The Story is too much God of War, too little 300. The Co-Op is good for a few hours,but not much longer. It may seem like I'm not being very specific in this review, and, well, that's because it's hard to. It's just a VERY mediocre game that could've been more,but it just...well...isn't.It's Ok. The combat is fluid, the controlls solid. The game looks amazing, and it's well optimized. The Story is too much God of War, too little 300. The Co-Op is good for a few hours,but not much longer. It may seem like I'm not being very specific in this review, and, well, that's because it's hard to. It's just a VERY mediocre game that could've been more,but it just...well...isn't. I'll call this one a miss. Pick it up on sale for $15 in December, play it for 8-9 hours, forget about it, and go back to watching Gladiator or 300 if you want a solid Roman Warrior Fantasy.… Expand
  15. clarky
    Oct 20, 2014
    7
    It really pains me to write this review. It was a great (maybe the best) looking game, and the combat system is difficult to master when playing on hard. I enjoyed it. However, they committed the unforgivable sin of not being able to skip cut scenes and as with all other games that do this, they have ruined the game with this choice. I keep hitting a cutscene and having to press ALT+F4It really pains me to write this review. It was a great (maybe the best) looking game, and the combat system is difficult to master when playing on hard. I enjoyed it. However, they committed the unforgivable sin of not being able to skip cut scenes and as with all other games that do this, they have ruined the game with this choice. I keep hitting a cutscene and having to press ALT+F4 because I simply cannot be bothered with the cut scene and powerless to skip it. Why do this??????.… Expand
  16. Terminal-Rex
    Nov 14, 2014
    7
    ive never played this game and posted a review thinking i was posting on a different game and apparently i can't delete it only edit - Big thumbs up Metacritic (Y)
  17. behi8303
    Nov 11, 2014
    7
    Gameplay (of 10) : 7
    Story (of 10) : 7
    Graphic (of 10) : 9
    Sound (of 10) : 7

    Total : 7.4 / 10

    Total score is weighted average of four factors, respectively Gameplay, Story, Graphic, Sound.
  18. HardwarePal
    Oct 20, 2014
    6
    Personally I didn't like the game due to repetition, Shadow of Mordor was released prior to the PC version of Son of Rome and after playing such a wonderful game Ryse was a hard one to enjoy. The main reason of purchase though is that Crysis developed the game and as everyone knows they are great at creating demanding benchmark tool games.
  19. Kalid
    Nov 1, 2014
    7
    I liked the story and it was very fun, however the combat was boring and repetitive. I didn't like the involvement of the gods, and it wasn't very realistic. The graphics were unmatchable and very easily handled by even a low-end PC. The characters had a lot of depth and history, and the mythology was great. All in all, I thought it was an average game.
  20. FriedChicken1
    Jun 20, 2017
    6
    I will start by saying this game looks great and the graphics are quite pretty when turned up to max. The combat is also feels quick and polished for the most part. The reason for my low score however, is that this game gets very repetitive, very quick. You kill the same 4 enemies, using the same 4 buttons over and over again. I would say this game is fun when played in short bursts, butI will start by saying this game looks great and the graphics are quite pretty when turned up to max. The combat is also feels quick and polished for the most part. The reason for my low score however, is that this game gets very repetitive, very quick. You kill the same 4 enemies, using the same 4 buttons over and over again. I would say this game is fun when played in short bursts, but trying to play this game for more than an hour to two at a time gets incredibly boring.… Expand
  21. opifai
    Jul 22, 2020
    6
    Great graphics, environments and animations, deplorable, boring and annoying gameplay.
  22. AgentLvi
    Dec 27, 2022
    7
    Decent game. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great
  23. Bitek
    Mar 26, 2020
    7
    I must say I really like this game. First because graphics just blew me away. I did not expect visuals to be that good. Second because I like the game settings and the story, I enjoy playing as roman centurion and I like settings of the ancient. Combat is simple ,easy and enjoyable. Just do not expect to be challenged like in Bloodborne. It took me about 9 hours to complete the game onI must say I really like this game. First because graphics just blew me away. I did not expect visuals to be that good. Second because I like the game settings and the story, I enjoy playing as roman centurion and I like settings of the ancient. Combat is simple ,easy and enjoyable. Just do not expect to be challenged like in Bloodborne. It took me about 9 hours to complete the game on normal difficulty. Overall solid 8 out of 10 for me.… Expand
  24. sinadoom
    Nov 12, 2018
    7
    Underrated game. Even at the end of 2018, around 5 years after its initial release, this game is high up there for contenders of best graphics and overall visuals in a video game. Running this game at 4K with a GTX 1060 on max graphics and it looks better than most modern games! The production value of Ryse is nothing short of top-tier, at least in terms of the content that's there. TheUnderrated game. Even at the end of 2018, around 5 years after its initial release, this game is high up there for contenders of best graphics and overall visuals in a video game. Running this game at 4K with a GTX 1060 on max graphics and it looks better than most modern games! The production value of Ryse is nothing short of top-tier, at least in terms of the content that's there. The art style, soundtrack, audio quality, cutscenes and especially the level of detail in the motion capture is impeccable. Despite its relatively short length (the game has 8 levels), it feels like a complete experience and doesn't outstay its welcome. Which brings me on to the other aspects of the game, graphics and production value aside.

    The story isn't particularly innovative in its plot or its execution, but it's certainly not tacked on. It's very straightfoward and well-paced, being mostly aided by its non-standard ancient Rome setting; though admittedly it could've capitalised on this more. The level design is also very bland uninspiring. Sure, there's plenty of collectibles and you probably won't get all of them in one run, but I have never played a game more linear than this one. The world is very small and each level is mostly the same but with different environments. Although this difference is novel in the last couple of levels, mostly it's just a change in scenery and not gameplay.

    This is where Ryse is most heavily criticized: the reptitive and basic gameplay. Whilst I can definitely see where critics are coming from, I also appreciate a simple but rock solid combat system. This game is literally the definition of hack and slash: you have your sword and shield attacks, alternating them in a suitable rhythm (so long as you don't do more than three of the same in a row) to defeat enemies. Of course, you also have the usual defense mechanics of evade and deflect, including parry for some heavy attacks. This is combined with a Batman Arkham style combo system, and genuinely feels satisfying when you have a good rhythm and can clear entire sections without taking any hits in a perfect freeflow. Even when that doesn't happen, the combat system is so unobtrosive that it's difficult to hate it.

    Of course, a game which is almost entirely reliant on combat can't get away with just that. So what makes Ryse different is its heavy emphasis on executions, which are basically a bunch of preset quick-time events that require to press either the sword or shield attack button to finish off your enemies in brutally violent manner. Although there are plenty of these and you unlock more throughout the game with the upgrade currency, towards the end you will inevitably recognise each one of them and can time your presses perfectly; though there are so many including environmental ones that it's never predictable which one you will get.
    Here's where things get really messed up though: if you fail the prompt by either not pressing the button in time or pressing th wrong button, the game automatically ocmplets the execution anyway, with no consequences other than your rating being lower. So the only thing that makes executions satisfying is getting the right button and timing perfect so that you can get a higher rating. What these ratings do? I'm still not sure. Presumably they give you higher XP and credits, allowing you to purchase upgrades more quickly.
    That's right: Ryse does have a very simplistic upgrade system for standard things like damage, health and even XP gain, and executions can grant bonuses on any of these depending on your choice (a system which is again familiar from games like Remember Me). So what else is there? Well, there are some very simple projectiles in the game: spears and spear cannons. However there is no aiming involved: the game automatically does that aiming and you just pull the trigger. This becomes hialriously absurd in the beginning of the last level.

    So, that brings me on to the conclusion. The short version is that Ryse isn't an innovative game, it's very repetitive and the gameplay is about as cookie-cutter as you can get. But in a world of overly complex systems, microtransactions, DLCs and so on, I must say that Ryse is one of the games I've been most impressed by recently. I've always had a soft spot for short, single-player experiences like Remember Me and Mirror's Edge (which are amongst my favourite games). Where it shines is its simplicity: take a historical setting, put a simple combat system in, add a decent story, wrap it around 8 levels and build it with state-of-the-art game engine and you're done.

    TL;DR: It's super-cheap on Steam, I got it for around £2 or £3. Repetitive, but gorgeous and high quality.    … Expand
  25. regimechange
    Dec 27, 2014
    7
    A Solid 7. It was a fun little game with absolutely amazing graphics. I wouldn't say they really focused on anything else, but I enjoyed it. Full of action, very simple. It NEEDS a better third person camera, and maybe a better combo system. That would immediately and easily make it a better game.

    Its what you would expect from Crytek, a game that's essentially a benchmark/benchtest.    A Solid 7. It was a fun little game with absolutely amazing graphics. I wouldn't say they really focused on anything else, but I enjoyed it. Full of action, very simple. It NEEDS a better third person camera, and maybe a better combo system. That would immediately and easily make it a better game.

    Its what you would expect from Crytek, a game that's essentially a benchmark/benchtest. You should have known what you were getting into.    … Expand
  26. Klewer
    Mar 15, 2023
    7
    Overall a sold action game. Stunning visually, it has a good story and interesting setting. The action game play starts off fun but it fails to really evolve and can feel repetitive by the end. Worth getting cheap as it is quite short but still worth a play.
  27. mone06
    Oct 23, 2014
    7
    Great game, great story and great game play. This is definitely worth a try if you didn't play it Xbox One yet. My only complaints about this game and the reason why i gave it an average score is the simple fact that your weapons and armor are not upgrade-able. I wish i was able to upgrade weapons and armor would've made my grind throughout this game a lot more satisfying but other thanGreat game, great story and great game play. This is definitely worth a try if you didn't play it Xbox One yet. My only complaints about this game and the reason why i gave it an average score is the simple fact that your weapons and armor are not upgrade-able. I wish i was able to upgrade weapons and armor would've made my grind throughout this game a lot more satisfying but other than the look of your weapons and armor that changes the more you progress in the story there's no feature for that. I love the kill moves and if your pc is capable of running this there's not too much lag in the fps department. I did notice on my less powerful laptop that the lag was bad but not enough to get me to stop playing. Another problem i have with this game is that the story is too short. I wish i was able to experience more in this world. I love ancient Rome and wish i was able to spend more of the story in the Arena (Coliseum). Just to keep it short get the game bro. If not wait until its on sale on steam or something it's definitely worth a try. I did have some personal issues with the game and felt like the story would've benefited a lot more if it had to deal with greece and the 300 spartans story or somewhere along the line of the Persian war. Or maybe the trojan war.… Expand
  28. hemmo1986
    Mar 12, 2015
    5
    Ryse: Son of Rome strives to show us how visually beautiful games on next generation hardware can be, it unfortunately fails to impress with its some what linear game-play. While I must give credit for the character development and intriguing story essentially what this games ends up being is no more than a repetitive hack and slash game where repeating the same attacks numerous times toRyse: Son of Rome strives to show us how visually beautiful games on next generation hardware can be, it unfortunately fails to impress with its some what linear game-play. While I must give credit for the character development and intriguing story essentially what this games ends up being is no more than a repetitive hack and slash game where repeating the same attacks numerous times to ultimately work towards an execution , which you will mind numbingly do so many times, it becomes unbearable.

    With all its beautifully rendered environments and amazing effects it turns out to be nothing more than an impressive tech demo and gives a future glimpse into what this new hardware will bring.    … Expand
  29. mijxero
    Sep 15, 2016
    7
    This was a short game, but I enjoyed every minute going through its world. The story is engaging and the combat is very satisfying. It does suffer from a few camera problems and the upgrades you get are somewhat lackluster. It did a really good job making you feel like a bad a** roman leader as you command your troops forward. It is a solid 7 that was worth the price I paid on the steam sale.
  30. emr88
    Dec 24, 2015
    7
    Immensive and amazing graphics, beautifully rendered enviroments, suits, armor, skin, and everything you see is so gorgeous. Fighting mechanics would have been better, but with bloody fatalities, it enjoys you. Top class action and war atmosphere. I do not think this is a bad game, and for powerful machines out there, it's an eye show.
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
26
#26 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. DarkStation
    Jan 15, 2015
    80
    If you are in the mood to spend a weekend enjoying some graphic ultra-violence with your brain turned off, then Ryse: Son of Rome should make a nice addition to your library, especially if you can find it on a Steam sale.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    40
    It treats players like drooling idiots that expect games to play themselves. [13/2014, p.62]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Nov 11, 2014
    65
    Ryse is very simplistic, but at least it’s beautiful to look at. No wonder Microsoft made it a launch title for Xbox One – it is an ideal introduction to slashers. Unfortunately, if you have played other, better-designed games, Ryse will quickly disappoint you.
    Read full review
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