Are you newbie next generation (gen) gamer seeking blood?
Ryse: Son of Rome is the game for you.
Back in November 22,2013, Microsoft released XboxOne to the world. On the same day, Microsoft Studios released Ryse: Son of Rome, an XBoxOne exclusive game, developed by Crytek GmbH (“Crytek“). What better way to showcase future of gaming than with a visually mind-blowing action-adventure game?
Ryse: Son of Rome tells the story of Marius Titus, a young Roman soldier who witnesses the murder of his family at the hands of barbarian bandits, then travels with the Roman army to Britannia to seek revenge. The brutality and intensity of Roman warfare are brought to life in visceral detail, thrusting the player into the chaos of close-quarters combat. Taking gamers through a cinematic adventure deep into the Roman Empire.
Critics and Fans agree on one thing: The visuals 
When it came to developing Ryse, the game’s director of cinematography, Peter Gornstein, “Wanted the next gen experience be closer to world of film.” As a result, they combined Crytek’s cutting-edge 3D-Game-Technology, CRYENGINE® with performance capture technology to produce the game. The game’s development team went to Andy Serkis‘s company, Imaginarium, for the best performance action technology available.
The Imaginarium is a creative digital studio dedicated to the invention of believable, emotionally engaging digital characters using Performance Capture technology. The cameras in the studio are able to capture how an actor speaks and moves. The footage is instantly intergraded onto a computer to be used to digitally modify or create characters. This type of technology is ideal for creating realistic sci-fi characters. Lord of the Ring’s Gollum was created through performance capture technology. Currently, the next Star Wars film is filming here.
What does this mean for gamers?
They get to see the emotions of whom they kill. It is uncanny how realistic all the characters are because the technology that they used to produce the game. Across the board, critics say the game play is intriguing at first before becoming monotonous. However, gamers disagree.
If you’re an extreme gamer like the critics, then this game may not be for you, especially in the single player mode. However if you jumping on the next gen bandwagon, this game is a great introduction into how games have evolved from previous gaming consoles.I
The killing sequences could potentially be done in real-life because stunt men choreographed them specifically for Ryse. Every action in the game was calculated. In Game Spot’s review of the game, the game’s limitations are blatantly obvious, like when Marius Titus can cliff but is stuck by a mere fence. This game isn’t perfect, what game is?
Plus, gamers seem to disagree with critics. According to Amazon user, Steve C., “[The game has] Really cool story and really fun game play.” 112 reviewers made similar statements in their reviews. 238 users rated the game on the site giving it an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars. Crytrek is creating ways to keep users engage.
How you might ask?
There are easter eggs hidden through out the game. Crytrek
added the “Morituri Pack,” for $7.99 USD in the Xbox Games Store, or as part of the “Ryse: Son of Rome” Season Pass. The “Morituri Pack” gives gladiators brand-new content, including a slew of exotic and deadly arenas to further their legacy upon the blood-splattered sands of the Colosseum.
In addition to purchasing packs, and finding hidden treasures, Ryse also uses smartglass to take the story to the next level. Through XboxOne users, Marius Titus’s timeline is enhanced onto a mobile device.
