In Rise of the Ronin, there isn't a universally "better" choice between aligning with the pro-Shogunate (Sabaku) or anti-Shogunate (Tobaku) factions, as your decision does not change the overall outcome of the game's multiple endings.
Understanding Your Choices
While your allegiance to either the Sabaku or Tobaku faction significantly impacts your journey through 19th-century Japan, the ultimate resolution of the game is determined by a more personal aspect of your character's story.
Choosing a side will influence:
- Allies: Different historical figures and characters will become your allies or adversaries based on your faction choice. This opens up different side quests, bond missions, and combat opportunities with unique companions.
- Narrative Perspective: You will experience the unfolding historical events from the viewpoint of your chosen faction, gaining insights into their motivations, struggles, and specific challenges they face.
- Mission Paths: Certain missions and objectives will vary, leading you down distinct paths within the game's broader narrative.
However, it is crucial to understand what your faction choice does not impact:
- Overall Game Endings: The final conclusion of Rise of the Ronin is not dictated by whether you sided with the Shogunate or against it. Instead, the various endings are primarily shaped by the decisions you make regarding your Blade Twin, a core element of the protagonist's personal narrative.
- Gameplay Core: The fundamental combat mechanics, open-world exploration, and character progression remain consistent regardless of your political alignment.
Faction Alignments at a Glance
To help you decide which path might resonate more with your playstyle or role-playing preference, consider the general philosophies of each faction:
Faction Type | Key Ideologies | Impact on Gameplay/Narrative |
---|---|---|
Pro-Shogunate | Also known as the Sabaku-ha (幕府派), this faction supports the Tokugawa Shogunate and its established order. They often advocate for limited engagement with foreign powers to maintain stability. | You will ally with figures loyal to the Shogunate, engage in missions aimed at suppressing dissent, and potentially negotiate with foreign representatives. |
Anti-Shogunate | Referred to as the Tobaku-ha (倒幕派), this faction seeks to overthrow the Shogunate and restore imperial rule. They often emphasize expelling foreigners and reclaiming Japan's sovereignty. | You will align with rebel samurai and influential figures pushing for reform, participate in uprisings, and confront forces loyal to the Shogunate. |
What Truly Shapes Your Ending
While faction choices add significant replayability and allow players to experience different facets of Rise of the Ronin's rich historical setting, the pivotal moments for determining the game's outcome revolve around your interactions and decisions concerning your Blade Twin. This personal relationship and the choices made regarding its fate are what truly lead to the multiple available endings.
Therefore, your choice to be pro or anti-Shogunate should be based on:
- Personal Preference: Which historical perspective or set of allies do you find more compelling or interesting to engage with?
- Role-Playing: Do you prefer to uphold tradition and stability, or champion revolution and change?
- Exploring Different Paths: Since the ultimate ending isn't tied to it, you can freely explore both sides across multiple playthroughs to see all the content and meet all the characters.
Ultimately, there is no strategic advantage in choosing one side over the other for the game's conclusion. The "better" choice is the one that offers you the most engaging and enjoyable journey through Japan's tumultuous Bakumatsu era.