I think I’ve played my game of the year this year. Ryse: Son of Rome is an immersive cinematic masterpiece that has stunning visual and historically rich world. I was captivated by it’s narrative, breathtaking visuals, and incredibly intense gameplay. And I don’t usually play in hard mode or the equivalent to be able to enjoy the story, but still it was pretty intense!

The story, centered around Marius Titus’ rise and his fight to avenge his family, is a gripping tale of revenge, loyalty, and the downfall of an empire. What sets the story apart is its exploration of class consciousness and the corrupting influence of power. The parallel between Marius Titus becoming Damocles and the fall of Rome is a fascinating and thought-provoking element that adds depth to the narrative.

Truly, I was captivated by the story. Marius’ journey was an intricate, bloody, and complex one. It wasn’t simply following a very capable soldier killing his enemy with much flair and style, but it’s also a story of a conflicted soldier, of seeing how power corrupts. It was a pretty cool experience of the unbecoming of once a very powerful regime. And it was told through the eyes of a ‘tool’, a very patriotic ‘tool’ that becomes the very undoing of a tyrant. It was incredibly satisfying.

The gameplay is equally satisfying. The combat system is fast-paced and brutal, with a satisfying variety of attacks and combos. The Quick Time Events add an extra layer of excitement and challenge, keeping players on their toes. Kudos to the developer, I loved the quick-time event finishing moves and I used it a lot, like, a lot lot. The level design is well-crafted, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and hidden secrets.

While some may find the mystical elements to be a departure from historical accuracy, I believe they enhance the overall experience. The game’s portrayal of myth as a romanticized version of history is very intriguing. God of War of a common men.

The compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and intense gameplay make it a must-play for fans of historical fiction and action-adventure games alike.

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Name	: Ryse: Son of Rome
Year	: 2014
Publisher	: Crytek
Verdict	: Easily beats every game I played this year