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. samsolidME
    Oct 16, 2014
    9
    I understand all the bad reviews regarding this game. It is very very linear, shallow combat, and repetitive combat ( and the glance of microtransactions gives me the creeps )
    Reviews are subjective matter.
    First of all, I am a big fan of movie 300 and Spartacus tv Show, so it is natural that i find this game desirable. From the moment it started, when i saw the first scene i knew    I understand all the bad reviews regarding this game. It is very very linear, shallow combat, and repetitive combat ( and the glance of microtransactions gives me the creeps )
    Reviews are subjective matter.
    First of all, I am a big fan of movie 300 and Spartacus tv Show, so it is natural that i find this game desirable.
    From the moment it started, when i saw the first scene i knew that i would like it.
    Graphics as expected are sky high when the game comes form Crytek. Production is very very rich, level design in aesthetic not so much in functional way is astonishing throughout the whole game. Atmosphere is very rich and sound and acting are incredible. Very immersing experience. In moment when commander Vitallion comes to Marius and says that hi will provide him a lot of cinematic slow-mo combo that produces a lot of blood and gore and tones of dead barbarians behind him, i knew that i would be a true Roman ;))
    Another thing are animations and armor phyzics while Marius is moving and lip sync is incredible.
    Now i know that all those pluses that i mention are regarding the form not the matter, but that combat was not so bad after all, reviewers were too harsh, than every now and then it breaks the pace with formations and managing scorpions and giving orders to archers.
    I found story interesting enough, even if predictive I was thrilled.
    And to mention , this gorgeous game ran on my gtx 770 2 gb without supersampling almost all the time in 60fps while preety ugly ( comparing to this )The Evil Within gives me the hick ups.
    I give this game 9/10    … Expand
  2. rev
    Oct 23, 2014
    8
    Graphics and voice are amazing, combat is well done. The game is repetitive, yes, but also short enough for the repetition not to become a bore. Two evenings well spent.
  3. Randomize34
    Oct 16, 2014
    9
    The game looks Fantastic and i do not know why so many people think the combat is so bad, QTE is weird at first but you get used to it. The combat is satisfying and brutal to me. Not sure why they still used colors for the Xbox Buttons on the PC version though.i guess for anyone using a Xbox controller on their PC its fine. But without one it may be confusing for some to remember whatThe game looks Fantastic and i do not know why so many people think the combat is so bad, QTE is weird at first but you get used to it. The combat is satisfying and brutal to me. Not sure why they still used colors for the Xbox Buttons on the PC version though.i guess for anyone using a Xbox controller on their PC its fine. But without one it may be confusing for some to remember what button on the keyboard is for what color.

    If you think QTE is repetitive, well you can say the same for any Hack and Slash game out there, or any shooter where you are just mowing down stuff all day with guns. People using the repetitive excuse in these reviews are just lazy reviewers repeating the critics main grips. At least make your own observations people.    … Expand
  4. 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
  5. nexxuno
    Oct 21, 2014
    8
    Great graphics. Good plot. Good characters. Great animations. Great combat but it gets a bit repetitive but it is so great looking that you would still look at those animations a thousand times. For a sequel we would need more variation in combat without ruining the great feedback and power of each blow and more enemies 3d models.
  6. gamasang
    Oct 25, 2014
    8
    Well, though mostly dislike it, I personally think it's quite a good game...especially the graphics..the control a bit confusing though, but this game has a good campaign overall..
    i guess if the developer make it more serious like they did with Crysis, it would boom and loved even more.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. gabber01
    Oct 26, 2014
    8
    What the f**k is wrong with people? And critics? GTFOoH! Seriously! This IS a great game. Sure, it has its ups and downs, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Pretty short, yes, but at least it doesn't have a moment of dullness. Storywise it's also good enough, Not the greatest, but good enough. Graphics is gorgeous, really, sometimes even breathtaking. Though the gameplay and combat system couldWhat the f**k is wrong with people? And critics? GTFOoH! Seriously! This IS a great game. Sure, it has its ups and downs, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Pretty short, yes, but at least it doesn't have a moment of dullness. Storywise it's also good enough, Not the greatest, but good enough. Graphics is gorgeous, really, sometimes even breathtaking. Though the gameplay and combat system could use some polish, it is very fluid and enjoyable, fits the setting and story.
    If you like the Roman setting, a pinch of mythology, intense, satisfying close combat and good story, don't hesitate, GET THIS!    … Expand
  12. DaniDE
    Oct 12, 2014
    1
    Sadly, this game hides bad gameplay design behind nice graphical design. But how good is a nice looking game when it is boring as hell and offers absolutely nothing but repetitive fighting. If at least it would have memorable characters or a story that sucks you in. Very sad that the developer spent so much work on the visual aspect of the game but gave it no soul. Could have been great.Sadly, this game hides bad gameplay design behind nice graphical design. But how good is a nice looking game when it is boring as hell and offers absolutely nothing but repetitive fighting. If at least it would have memorable characters or a story that sucks you in. Very sad that the developer spent so much work on the visual aspect of the game but gave it no soul. Could have been great. Only one positive thing to mention (visuals) makes one point.… Expand
  13. zozzhun
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    Love it. Has the right difficulty, great cut scenes, most beautiful graphics, and a very good story. I loved the fight, it was a little bit repetitive, but i could not get bored of it.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. Trytobefair
    Oct 13, 2014
    3
    Now I have bad headaches and I stopped playing this game. The intense shaking of the my virtual hero has provided me that. Mindless animations, thousands similar looking attackers, permanently identical text passages about honor and Rome raises this computer game to the most boring game which I have bought for a long time. My 4 points are for wonderful to amazing scenarios, the high degreeNow I have bad headaches and I stopped playing this game. The intense shaking of the my virtual hero has provided me that. Mindless animations, thousands similar looking attackers, permanently identical text passages about honor and Rome raises this computer game to the most boring game which I have bought for a long time. My 4 points are for wonderful to amazing scenarios, the high degree of details and light effects. I feel sorry for the programmers who have created this wonderful atmosphere for this game. the landscape and equipment programmers have really given close to everything possible, the rest is not worth roughly his salary. Whoever likes monotonous processes doesn't prefer any excellent action and would like to strike on final opponents for hours, he may buy "Ryse, son of Rome". All the others should save the money because better games soon will come out.… Expand
  18. Sawt00th
    Oct 14, 2014
    8
    A visually sumptuous game. Showcasing what graphics can look like if that is the only aspect that you concentrate on, which unfortunately they did.A shallow game with basica fight mechanics. However a very rewarding experience and a short play through. Will take around 10hrs to complete. All action gameplay, which there is a market for, but I think PC gamers want more. Pick up and playA visually sumptuous game. Showcasing what graphics can look like if that is the only aspect that you concentrate on, which unfortunately they did.A shallow game with basica fight mechanics. However a very rewarding experience and a short play through. Will take around 10hrs to complete. All action gameplay, which there is a market for, but I think PC gamers want more. Pick up and play carnage is only fun for so long and they capture that length well. The game benefits immensely from the locations and themes in this game. A few interesting twists and a good story. Worth a play through. It has the feel of an Uncharted game. A rollercoaster that lets you ride the tracks, you may fall out but you hop right back in where you left it.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. 911nsidejob
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    I give it a score of 9 out of 10

    What can one say about such a game? It a lot like a movie and that what ya get is nothing short of amazing, from the stellar music, good ol classic story of revenge with great characters, good fighting system "though not the best" and above all some of the best graphics ever seen to date. I knew this game would have some bugs at first and that's why i    I give it a score of 9 out of 10

    What can one say about such a game? It a lot like a movie and that what ya
    get is nothing short of amazing, from the stellar music, good ol classic story of revenge with great characters, good fighting system "though not the best" and above all some of the best graphics ever seen to date.
    I knew this game would have some bugs at first and that's why i didn't buy it on day one.
    Saw that there were some issues and it looks like the devs got right on it so that made believe in it.    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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....
  23. 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
  24. gyigyo2
    Oct 23, 2014
    10
    Pros:Graphics,Ending,story
    Cons:gameplay battle system

    This is the best game of crytek ever made.....................................................
  25. Jeek
    Nov 1, 2014
    8
    I enjoyed this game a lot. I have heard a lot complains of fighting system, but in my opinion it is close to the perfect. Since it is Roman soldier with sword and shield he can't do much more what he already does in this game. Story and graphics are amazing and gameplay is good. Campaign is too short and there is none re-play value. I would suggest to buy this on sale, but not for full price.
  26. Bradrua
    Jun 21, 2015
    10
    I Love this game . People which critic this game so hard perhaps havent finished it . If more i play this game then more i love it . Its something differrent than positive criticed games
  27. 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.
  28. Art_Money
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    I like this game because it's Crytek. Because here cinematic graphics, medieval Rome and there are no elves. But it seemed short game. Probably because it was interesting.
    Don't die, Crytek.
  29. Alan1254
    Oct 11, 2014
    10
    Love this game, something different from usual FPS and 3rd person game. Most games have same/similar story and can be boring. People do say that Ryse is repetitive but are not all the other games repetitive? E.G shooting enemies in different maps. People are annoyed because of short campaign but like all of the crytek games have short campaigns.
  30. Pegula
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    What I don't like is when game is getting bashed for being repetitive...

    WHAT GAME ISN'T? GTA, Assasin, Max, Oblivion...any game out there is REPETITIVE!!! Difference is - what game makes it feel great. Well, this game sure does. Visuals are superb in all manner - from pure techical detail to visual style and art in general! Audio is excellent. Gameplay, yes...it is    What I don't like is when game is getting bashed for being repetitive...

    WHAT GAME ISN'T?

    GTA, Assasin, Max, Oblivion...any game out there is REPETITIVE!!!

    Difference is - what game makes it feel great.

    Well, this game sure does.

    Visuals are superb in all manner - from pure techical detail to visual style and art in general!

    Audio is excellent.

    Gameplay, yes...it is repetitive...but then it feels so great and it is intuitive and overwhelming.

    Action and story is on par with every blockbuster out there.

    ONLY thing that could be better, in my opinion, is skill trees and execution upgrade. Feels kinda irrelevant.

    Oh yes, and "on the fly" booster selection is awesome gimmick.

    ALL IN ALL.

    This is a great title that deserves much more credit.

    Especially when some hyped titles get great scores they do not deserve.

    This is a good step forward in gaming history!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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