Ryse: Son of Rome

I was paired up with a buddy of mine, and together we were thrown into an onbjective-based multiplayer mode. The objectives were quite simple and, erm, required the burning down of tents. I assume they were enemy tents. Yeah. So to do this, we had to battle our way through waves of enemies while progressing forward within the map. When we came to our objectives — cauldrons filled with fire — we had to slash at ’em until they toppled over and engulfed everything within the vicinity in flames. Rinse, wash, repeat, and that was the extent of the demo!

Combat wasn’t anything “ZOMG WORTHY!” but for someone who is a button-masher at heart it perfectly suited my needs. Y’know, “X” to slash, “Y” to shield attack, “A” to block — there was a fun God mode though — think of as your warrior unleashing waves of energy all around him AND MAKING EVERYONE HIS BITCH. Oh! I DIDN’T know this before yesterday, but you have the ability to level your characters up and make them stronger, faster, etc.! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. Love me some levelin’-up action.

All in all, I think Ryse will be a fun game to pick up and dink around with the multiplayer from time to time, because I DID enjoy myself during the demo. But I think before I’m totally sold on the single-player experience, I’ll have to see more of, like, a story or SOMETHING to keep me hooked. I have a feeling though it’s more of a combat-focused game, which is great for some, but I need a solid narrative so I can, y’know, develop character crushes and whatnot.

(On a side-note, yesterday was the first time I used the Xbox One in action. I, friends, am very sold. It obviously feels familiar, but the little improvements don’t go unnoticed. Dem analog sticks.)