Ryse: Son of Rome is a video game based on two core pillars: quick time events and wanton slaughter. Players take on the role of Marius Titus, a Centurion in the 14th Legion, and with him fight their way through a linear story populated by barbarian-filled skirmishes, chopping off arms and slashing...

It's a fighting system all about learning basic patterns and clearly signposted executions. Combos are short and simple, battering your opponent enough so that a skull appears above his head.

Nasty, brutish and short, Ryse: Son of Rome has emerged from a seven-year development hell as a visually resplendent, preternaturally dumb action game that exhibits a galling, monotonous bloodlust.

Matt Maguire stoically wades into the Xbox One's swords and sandals launch title, Ryse: Son of Rome, and learns that if all roads lead here, it might just be better to turn back now.

Impressive cutscenes; great facial animations; stunning scenery

Simple, tedious gameplay; Animation problems; A story that just conks out

If you want to get that "this is a new gen" feel, then you need to buy this game. I've seen that reviewers say the combat is repetitive, but it does not get old. If you've ever watched Spartacus on Starz, this will feel very familiar.

This game was my very first purchase for X1. And for a next gen game it was really nothing to do back flips over. The fighting dynamics were very robotic and uninspiring. Almost a direct annex of other free form fighting games like Assassin's Creed.

Music cognition specialist Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis tells us that "rituals [...] harness the power of repetition to concentrate the mind on immediate sensory details rather than broader practicalities .

Incredible visual fidelity; Repetitive combat rhythms are sometimes satisfying; Exemplary acting

Repetitive combat rhythms are usually brainless; Lack of freedom is exasperating; The violence is so commonplace it becomes boring

This is actually one of the best games ever released on any Xbox console in my opinion. It's a cracking game, plenty of blood, severed limbs etc. But, all in all, it's well worth the money. It's so underrated.

A shallow and unambitious tech demo, of the sort that console launches specialise in. The action works perfectly well but it's instantly repetitive to the point of inanity.

Excellent graphics and presentation; The Ancient Roman setting is a welcome change from the norm

Extremely shallow and repetitive from the very first chapter, with almost zero opportunity to impose your own style of play; Uninteresting upgrades and boring multiplayer

Ryse: Son of Rome has been one of the most talked about next generation launch titles, mainly because of the gorgeous visuals powered by the new Xbox One . Now that I've had the chance to pick up a controller and play the game, there is the unfortunate realisation that graphics alone aren't enough...

A gorgeous game that truly shows you what the next generation looks like; The story is an interesting mix of Roman mythology and a hero's quest; If you're looking for mindless violence; you won't be disappointed

Combat can become repetitive due to limited moves, The path forward may be tough to follow due to a confusing arrow system, The game only offers a challenge if you refrain from upgrading your skills; otherwise, you may find it a breeze