It has been almost 10 years since I played the first Nioh title. I did not care for it; at the time, however, anything in the soulslike genre was an instant turn-off for me in gaming. Fast forward to now, and several soulslike and soulsborne titles under my belt, I am reinvigorated and ready to dive into Nioh 3.
After the events of both previous Nioh titles, we find ourselves the next Shogun of Japan, that is, until the yokai return in vast numbers and cut down everyone we hold dear. Thankfully, more time-travel shenanigans have occurred, and we are shunted back into the past of the Nioh timeline. As you battle through time to get back home, there are many forces, both human and yokai rallied against you. Can you save your country from ruin?
Hold fast to your honour
Nioh 3 is possibly the most entertaining soulslike I have ever played. The combat, like previous entries, is fast-paced, aggressive and no-nonsense. This time around, your character is not only fully customisable, but there are 2 separate play styles to master, along with several different weapons, each with its own skill tree and style. You can play as the Samurai and go the traditional route, learning different stances and becoming an old-fashioned powerhouse.
Or you can do what I did and master your Ninja side. The Ninja form is faster, utilising ninjutsu and speed to evade the enemy while also dealing damage. It is, of course, weaker in both offensive and defensive elements, but it makes up for them in spades with the variety of abilities you can learn.
There are also the Guardian Spirits that bolster both forms. As in previous Nioh titles, they give you access to powerful attacks, deadly transformations, and buffs that can turn the tide of battle in any encounter. That is something calming about the Nioh titles, not too much is changed when the next title is released.
You will need all of these abilities and more to survive the world of Nioh 3. Ancient Japan has never been more deadly. Within this open world, yes, you can traverse an open world; there are many humans to help, spirits to exorcise, and yokai to defeat. All the while, a monstrous being is constantly watching in the sky. It’s ever looming crimson presence is felt throughout the entire game, and I loved it.
Strike hard, strike fast
The yokai are all over Japan, in bases that you can capture, as well as Crucibles you can conquer, which are a kind of battle arena and if you do, you will reap many rewards. The risk is not too high, I’ve not found any bases yet that I can’t handle. The Crucibles, on the other hand, have conditions within them that can put you on the backfoot often.
Nioh 3 is also a very pretty game, if that makes sense in a world drenched in blood and mud. The stark contrast when you meet beings from the heavenly realms is blinding. The Kodama, the Guardian Spirits, etc., are all filled with lush, vibrant colours. While the yokai are drenched in crimson and dull browns. There are obviously exceptions, and when they show up, wow, does it showcase the macabre beauty of this game.
If I had any issues, and these are minor, it would be that some of the button inputs are confusing at times. You can fully customise your skills, which has always felt daunting to me, especially with so many options at my fingertips. I’d have half a dozen things going on in my head as I prepared to enter a new area, and for the most part, it’s fun, but every now and then, I would get overwhelmed. Who knows, maybe I’m showing my age.
Nonetheless, Nioh 3 is an absolutely stellar title, a great early contender for Game of the Year. It’s so good, I’m going to go back now and finish Nioh and Nioh 2.
Stay tuned to GamEir. Come talk with us on Twitter (@gam_eir), Facebook (@GamEir), and Instagram (@GamEir).