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Screenshots and conceptual sketches (above) started appearing on computer gaming websites. ActiVision briefly had an official page that said:
"As a young ronin, a samurai without honor or allegiance, you are visited by a sorceress promising a chance at redemption. You must travel through the Emerald Empire of Rokugan, collecting pieces of a sacred artifact foretold to contain tremendous power. But your journey is fraught with peril, treachery and terror. To survive, you must master the arts of warfare and magic."
Here's a press release that originally appeared on GameGirlz.
In the mythical world of Rokugan, you, a young samurai are about to embark on a quest to find the seven segments of a sacred artifact. When you have joined all the pieces together, you will hold the power to defeat the most evil creature imaginable... Rokugh.
During your quest, you will develop your skills in both magic and the Japanese fighting art of kenjutsu. As you defeat your own enemies, your abilities will become more powerful.
Game Features:
Legend of The Five Rings is an action/roleplaying game based on the popular collectible card game and role playing system developed by Wizards of the Coast. The game is currently in development by Engineering Animation, Inc. and will be published by Activision. You can see Legend of The Five Rings at the at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Atlanta [May 1998].
A post-E3 show review described Ronin as, "Reportedly a lot like Diablo with an oriental theme."
The promo card below was distributed in convention goers' goodie bags at GenCon 1998.
Production went to the point were some motion capture was done by House of Moves.
Unfortunately, the game was never released. According to gossip, the game's designer quit ActiVision, leaving Ronin unfinished.