Rise of the Ronin

Action RPG set during Japan's Edo Period collapse, when the Tokugawa Shogunate faced armed resistance from anti-government factions. You're a masterless samurai navigating civil war, disease outbreaks, and political upheaval. Combat lets you switch between multiple fighting styles mid-battle—katana, dual blades, polearms—adapting to different enemy types. The open world spans countryside and cities, with NPCs tied to competing factions, each carrying their own agendas in the conflict. Your decisions influence which side gains ground as Japan transitions from isolationist rule toward modernization. Character builds center on weapon mastery and combat techniques rather than magic or supernatural abilities. Missions involve assassination contracts, faction diplomacy, and territorial skirmishes. If you want historical turbulence without fantasy elements and prefer skill-based melee systems, this delivers both.