Feudal Japan has been a popular location for several exciting games across genres and publishers over the years. Its rich history and culture combined with a lot of political upheaval have allowed some of the best names in the industry to craft experiences that stay with players long after they roll the credits on those titles, making ancient Japan a great choice from both narrative and gameplay standpoints.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest AAA title to take its players to Japan’s tumultuous shores after years of the franchise’s fans hoping for a title that made the most of its excellent lore, these five titles are a great way to dive into Japan’s presence in modern gaming.
5. Nioh 2
Set in the early years of the Sengoku period, Team Ninja’s take on Japan cannot be recommended enough for its excellent combat and thrilling boss encounters, following the story of an unknown warrior whose journey leads them on a path to greatness. Several important figures from Japan’s history make an appearance in its main story, with Oda Nobunaga and Yasuke standing out among them.
Considering that Nobunaga and Yasuke are slated to be crucial to the main story in Assassin’s Creed Shadows as well, Nioh 2 could be a great choice for players who simply cannot wait for the new title’s delayed release date to finally arrive. While its core gameplay loop may be vastly different considering its Soulslike inspirations, Nioh 2 continues to retain a place among the best Japan-based games of this decade since its 2020 release.
Its story and visuals may not match up to that of other titles on the list, but its combat systems, weapon variety, and build potential can be very addictive to RPG fans looking to push their skills to the limit.
4. Like a Dragon: Ishin!
This 2023 remake of a popular spin-off from the famous Like a Dragon franchise from the stables of Ryu-Ga-Gotoku makes excellent use of Unreal Engine 4’s capacity for visual splendor while delivering a gameplay loop that its rivals may find hard to imitate.
Following the adventures of Sakamoto Ryōma, a disgraced ronin on a quest to avenge the murder of his adoptive father, Like a Dragon: Ishin!’s exciting main narrative presents the turmoil of Japan’s Bakumatsu era while deftly weaving in themes of personal and cultural identity against the backdrop of the period’s political turmoil with aplomb.
Its combat systems are not to be scoffed at either, with Sakamoto being able to tear through any who oppose him with his trusty katana, pistols, and even his bare hands. The remake builds on the original release’s visuals, making it a great choice for players using current-gen consoles who cannot get enough of Japanese history.
3. Rise of the Ronin
Team Ninja’s 2024 take on the Bakumatsu era builds on Nioh 2’s combat while adding the option of stealth into the mix, allowing its players to explore an open-world set in Japan that begs to be explored. While Rise of the Ronin does tone down the difficulty from Nioh 2, it still requires a level of skill and finesse while engaging with a combat system that is as nuanced as it is accessible.
Following the adventures of the Blade Twin, Rise of the Ronin’s clever use of Japan’s shifting political landscape allows players to influence events in its world in a way that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is sure to take inspiration from while its narrative brings a lot of character development for each member of a memorable supporting cast. Considering that Ubosft’s flagship franchise has been an inspiration for Team Ninja, it will be interesting to see if the upcoming title brings things full circle.
There is a lot to discover – and love – in Rise of the Ronin for those who take the time to engage with its many systems and mechanics, making it a great addition to any list of games that are set in ancient Japan.
2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
This FromSoftware masterpiece may not be as accessible as other titles on this list but it is well worth the effort for those who take the time to master its combat loop that sees the Wolf, its protagonist, move heaven and earth to save his master in a narrative that presents a very unique take on Japan’s Sengoku era.
Blending stealth and skill is paramount to success in Hidetaka Miyazaki’s expertly crafted world which doubles down on the power of the shinobi in ways that other Japan-based titles simply cannot emulate. The Wolf’s implacable loyalty makes Sekiro’s story a riveting -and poignant – tale of how political strife can affect the bonds between members of societies affected by it while his shinobi skills are a sight to behold as he takes on legions of the Ashina Clan in his efforts to thwart those seeking to harness his master’s immortality.
Players looking for a Japan-based title that pushes their boundaries will be in for a treat from the minute they dive into their first playthrough of Sekiro while its bosses will stay with them long after they are done.
1. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima’s 2024 release on PC after it remained a PlayStation exclusive since its 2019 release afforded Sucker Punch’s stellar effort a new lease of life. Following the story of Jin Sakai, a lone samurai looking to repel an army of Mongol invaders from his home, Ghost of Tsushima is a harrowing tale of personal identity and the morality of battle tactics set against a truly stunning open world.
Sucker Punch’s insightful take on ancient Japan explores what it means to be a samurai in ways that no other game has been able to build on, while Jin’s personal arc from an honorable samurai to a ruthless ghost is sure to tug at the heartstrings of players who accompany him on his mission. The other denizens of Tsushima who join him on his crusade are equally memorable, making this title a great choice for fans of the legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films.
Its narrative and visual splendor are backed up by a combat system that makes its players feel like a samurai while its stealth mechanics add a layer of nuance to the story and gameplay.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows fans will hope that Ubisoft has learned more than a few lessons from Jin Sakai’s adventures even as they eagerly wait for Sucker Punch’s follow-up to the game later this year.
A Plethora of Choices
It will be interesting to see if Assassin’s Creed Shadows is able to build on the success of these titles considering Ubisoft’s attempts to make it the best possible addition to the franchise in its history. Fans of the franchise will not have to wait long with just a little over a week left before Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits the shelves.
