Do you appreciate historical accuracy in your games or do you want to forge your destiny and your alternate version of historical events and conflicts? Which faction must you support in Rise of the Ronin? Continue reading to learn more concerning the key players of the Boshin War.
Rise of the Ronin: All Factions, explained
Rise of the Ronin is upon us, and Team Ninja guarantees to deliver what is likely to be among the finest games of the yr. With that being said, probably the most vital points of the sport, as promoted by its developers, is the flexibility to make impactful selections that might potentially influence the consequence of historical events. To that end, there are three factions in Rise of the Roning: the Sabaku, the Tobaku, and the Obei. Which of those must you decide to support along with your actions? Let’s speak about it, lets?
Choose the Sabaku (Pro-shonugate) faction?
The Sabaku were a loyal force to the Tokugawa shogunate, which was a military dictatorship that lasted from 1603 to 1868. This faction is made up of powerful men and girls who occupy high ranks within the shogunate, encompassing military positions and daimyos, that are Japanese feudal lords.
If you already know a little bit of history, you already know that the Tokugawa shogunate is taken into account the last period of what is taken into account traditional Japan, giving birth to the Empire of Japan that lasted until the tip of World War II. However, things can change and your decisions may yield one other consequence. Choosing this faction could mean the prolongation of the shogunate and its military dictatorship across Japan, which could mean prolonged bloodshed on this version of the Boshin War.
Key Sabaku characters
| Character | Description | Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Naosuke Ii | Chief minister of the shogunate and clan lord of Hikone. Working with the Western powers, he opens Japan’s ports to foreign trade. Known for mercilessly suppressing his opposition, he’s feared as “The Red Demon of Ii”, a nickname inherited from his ancestor. Among the martial arts, Iai is his forte. Considered to be a person of taste, Ii also possesses a deep knowledge of the finer things, not least tea and poetry. | Hiroyuki Ringa: Passed down by members of the Ii clan, this weapon eventually received ornamented fittings styled after a nickname given to the twentieth clan head, Naomasa Ii: the “Red Demon.” |
| Taka Murayama | Famed geisha of the Miyozaki pleasure district in Yokohama. She earned her renown through her witty conversation and moderately melancholic attractiveness. Reputed to have performed as a geisha in Kyoto prior to now. | – |
| Kaishu Katsu | Acting naval commissioner for the shogunate. A real “child of Edo”, he conducts himself in a frank and charismatic manner, yet is able to being cool-headed and decisive if need be. His aim is to develop the Shogun’s navy along Western lines, and endeavors to appoint talent without regard to status. Despite being an adept of the Jikishinkage-ryu of swordplay, he despises wanton violence, preferring to maintain his katana knotted and sheathed in any respect times. | Suishinshi Masahide: Based on an ancient sword of the Warring States Period, it was forged specially for combat use. Katsu nevertheless, disdains bloodshed, and it has rarely been unsheathed since entering his possession. |
Choose the Tobaku (Anti-shonugate) faction?
The Tobaku – which suggests “overthrow the shogunate” – was the opposing force to the Sabaku throughout the Boshin War, who resented the Tokugawa shogunate’s rule and were set on restoring the authority and power of the Emperor.
Historically, the anti-shogunate force was led by the Imperial Court and supported by the Tozama daimyos – feudal lords who were considered outsiders to the Tokugawa shogunate. Picking this faction could potentially mean that historic events during this Japanese civil war would remain canon throughout the events of Rise of the Ronin, allowing you to experience a more faithful depiction of the conflict.
Key Tobaku characters
| Character | Description | Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Ryoma Sakamoto | Ronin formerly of the Tosa clan. Determined to maintain a gradual hand on the tiller of Japan because it opens its ports to foreign trade, he tirelessly searches for the best plan of action. An endearingly earnest soul, he’s quick to realize the affections of others. Not only is he a master of the Hokushin-Itto-ryu school of swordplay, but he can also be a pointy shot with a Western-style pistol. | Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki: The eponymous work of a Tosa swordsmith, this precious heirloom features an ornate custom mounting, dragon-themed scabbard, and hilt ornament. |
| Kogoro Katsura | Feudal retainer of the Choshu clan, and a detailed associate of Shoin Yoshida. A compassionate soul, he serves as a mentor for his clan’s younger retainers. He has earned the arrogance of Choshu’s senior statesmen along with his level-headed and cautious approach. His only flaw is his unhealthy predilection for sake, which has led to the occasional scandal… | Bizen Osafune Kiyomitsu: A “Sue-Bizen” work of the Osafune school, this elegant blade features an ornate mounting customized for Katsura, and the sword’s hilt ornament and scabbard exhibit a pine motif. |
| Genzui Kusaka | Feudal retainer of the Choshu clan. Educated at Shoka Sonjuku Academy, he is taken into account to be Shoin Yoshida’s foremost pupil. Close with Shinsaku Takasugi since infancy, they’re fast friends. He can also be proficient within the sword, having mastered the Nito-ryu, or “Two-sword” style. | Hototogisu: The use of gold and lime-green colours throughout the scabbards and hilts extends to the sword knots. The name hototogisu, or “Japanese cuckoo”, is derived from an old folktale a few man who transformed into such a bird while moaning over the shame of his utter incompetence. |
Choose the Obei (Western forces) faction?
The Obei, also often known as the Western Forces throughout the Boshin War, is the equivalent of playing each side of the conflict. The relationship between the Tokugawa shogunate and Westerners resembling Matthew Perry of the United States – now that Matthew Perry, the opposite one, the naval officer – was one among the few sparks that led to the resentment towards Western influence and led to Emperor Komei the message of the Sonnō jōi (revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians).
However, the Western forces provided support for each side of the war – for instance, the French provided support for the shogunate – throughout its duration. Provided that Japanese and Western commerce was just too deeply embedded in Japan, the rise of the Empire didn’t end with this trade relationship. Choose this faction to play the political and strategic game, while also influencing each side of the Boshin spectrum.
Key Obei characters
| Character | Description | Weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Perry | Commodore of the United States Navy. At the order of President Millard Fillmore, his fleet of Black Ships circumnavigated the globe to barter the opening of Japan’s ports for trade. He is decided to compel the opening of Japan before some other Western power. | Commodore’s Saber: Standard-issue for officers of the United States Navy. Distinguished by the gold-plated brass on its hilt, guard and scabbard, it’s a sword that displays exquisite craftmanship. |
| Rutherford Alcock | British Diplomat. He’s tasked with assessing the worth of Japan’s integration into the worldwide economy, and reporting back his findings to his superiors. Despite denouncing the shogunate’s exclusionary politics as “barbaric”, he has a profound fascination for Japanese craftsmanship. A former surgeon, he might be counted on to treat the wounded. | Sophisticate’s Saber: Although he is usually accompanied by an escort of bodyguards, Alcock warily keeps this saber on his person should he must take the defense of his life into his own hands. |
| Jules Brunet | Officer within the French army who was sent to Japan as a member of the military advisory group. Though often considered cool of temperament, he’s a compassionate man who refuses to forsake those that rely upon him. | Régiment Trappings: Equipment gifted by a French army officer, consisting of a Western-style sword and a round shield. The dragon engraved on Brunet’s shield symbolizes the best way of the true warrior – the best way of valor and justice. |
With all that information, I’m sure that you might have already picked a faction to support during your Rise of the Ronin playthrough. Or, when you are similar to me, you’re able to play the sport at the very least 3 times to see what your actions can mean for the long run of Japan. Let us just wait for the official release of Rise of the Ronin to see to what extent our actions matter within the grand scheme of Japanese things.
