Ryse

Ryse, also known as Ryse: Son of Rome, is a third-person action-adventure video game developed by Crytek and published by Microsoft Studios. Using the CryEngine, it was released for Xbox One at the console’s launch in 2013 and later ported to Windows PC in 2014.

The game follows Marius Titus, a Roman centurion who seeks vengeance after his family is killed during barbarian raids, as he fights his way through a stylized portrayal of ancient Rome and its provinces. The narrative is delivered through a cinematic campaign with a strongly episodic presentation.

Gameplay centers on melee combat that combines timed hits and blocks with finishing moves. The combat system emphasizes execution animations and a “battle-kill” camera, often relying on quick-time prompts during key moments. Players advance through linear levels, earning upgrades for weapons and armor as they progress. The game is noted for its high production values and spectacle but criticized for its relatively short length and repetitive mechanics.

Development began as a Kinect title under the codename Kingdoms before being reworked into Ryse: Son of Rome for Xbox One. The game was praised for its visuals, environments, and motion-captured performances, but drew mixed opinions on gameplay depth and pacing.

In the years following release, Crytek announced plans for a sequel, Ryse 2, but the project was ultimately canceled, and the studio shifted focus to other projects. Ryse remains a standalone title within its original release framework.