RONIN

This game is ridiculously fun. I replay it periodically because it's just that good, and I keep checking back on the developer here on Steam to see if he's put out a new game. It's been ten years since this was put on Steam (at the time of this writing), and I'm still hoping for more games like this. Just a great game.

Quick! Slash that guy! PAUSE... Oh, uh... Slash THAT guy! PAUSE... Okay...

Ronin instantly reminded me of Mark of the Ninja, but the gameplay couldn't be more different. It's a side-scrolling action platformer with a turn-based twist. Not something you see very often... if ever.

The art style isn't the greatest, but it fits the game well enough. The gameplay is what kept me coming back, with each encounter feeling like a little tactical puzzle.

The story, on the other hand... I honestly don't remember much of it. Either it wasn't very memorable, or my brain decided to overwrite it with more important information.

All in all, I'd recommend it. It's one of those hidden indie gems that's easy to overlook but well worth playing.

7/10

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short, fun, and engaging
just like most of my short friends

Though maybe not as prominent as Vanripper's later games, like Helltaker, RONIN is a solid and fun platforming stealth action game with excellent tone, soundtrack, and simple fun. The game is certainly challenging - especially on NG+ - but the generous checkpoints and increasing power make it always survivable. A solid choice for someone looking for a fun few hours with great aesthetics and feel.

Playing through this game normally, I found it to be really fun, with a great mix of stealth and turn based combat that really made me feel like a killing machine, wiping out buildings full of bad guys, dodging bullets effortlessly. It's a simple game with enough depth to last through the main campaign.
Completing the game on new game plus, by contrast, i felt every flaw and inconsistency of the game acutely. Not all the time, granted. The standard, non-boss levels were a touch more challenging, but still overall enjoyable. It's the boss stages where I struggled not only to complete the stage, but to find the motivation to try again over and over, hoping that this time I won't get spotted by an enemy randomly whipping around to see me stealth kill their mate.
Still, I did it and now I can stop playing this game forever. I would recommend it only as a casual playthrough. I didn't have much fun with the new game plus but maybe you will.

a solid game; the core idea is really good and there is a surprising amount of storytelling and emotion in a game with only so few lines of text.

Gameplay is easy to understand but deep enough to stay interesting. Aesthetic, music, and vibes are excellent