How does it look?
A lot of the game's backgrounds are pre-rendered so you move from screen to screen with short loading times in between. Some of the game areas seem rather too small for all the loading but you get used to it. Importantly though, as you switch between areas you have to be on your guard because there's always some bloke with a sword wanting to have a go.

So it's violent, then?
You'd better believe it. Ronin Blade might encompass elements of role-playing and adventuring, but a considerable amount of your time is spent in mortal combat of the hack 'n' slash variety. A lot of blood is spilled, and graphically so.

Any special moves?
Apparently there are about 50, but at first you'll be happy just to keep slashing and moving. Controlling the characters is rather difficult to get to grips with at the start - they're a bit unwieldy and you have to keep turning them around to face the right way - which can cost you lives in tight situations. And because the gaming areas are small, close combat is constant. However, one of the game's neat features is when you stumble across friendly characters who teach you special moves, as well as how to defend yourself.

Do you meet a lot of folk?
Surely. Ronin Blade isn't all fighting. You can interact with just about everyone (don't bother with blokes who are carrying swords, mind) by clicking an 'action' button. All the speech is text based - there's no sonic chatter - but the townspeople provide you with invaluable advice on where to go.

First impressions?
Initially, the characters just seem too unwieldy and the enemy too overwhelming, but Ronin Blade demands patience and an understanding of the story in order for you to glean satisfaction. The constant loading can be tiresome and you can grow hot under the collar when your blood spills, but there's enough here to warrant the term 'promising'.