Team Ninja once stated they had no plans for a third Nioh, but here we are with Nioh 3, and it might just be the best entry in the series yet. Considering the high bar set by its predecessors, that's saying something. This isn't just a sequel for sequel's sake; it's a genuine evolution that builds on the series' strengths while daring to introduce meaningful changes.
Gameplay: A Masterclass in Refined Combat
Here's the thing: Nioh 3 takes the familiar, brutal combat you know and love and expands upon it in significant ways. The most notable change is the shift from linear missions to more open fields. Team Ninja has been careful not to call it fully open-world, and that's fair. You won't find the sprawling freedom of an Elden Ring, but you do get a sense of openness, with various paths, opportunities for combat, and plenty of loot to discover. What most players miss is that this design choice makes it easier to step away from a tough boss, level up, or upgrade your gear before returning to the fray.
The new open fields offer more exploration
The combat itself remains the core draw. The game introduces a central new aspect: the duality of Samurai and Ninja styles. The Samurai style feels familiar, focusing on weapon stances, precise Ki management, Ki-Pulse, and powerful martial arts. Timing, positioning, and clean counters are still paramount. This deep system ensures that every encounter feels deliberate and requires mastery. Pro tip: Experiment with both styles to find what suits your playstyle and specific enemy encounters. You'll want to master Ki-Pulsing, as it's more crucial than ever.
Deep character and gear customization options
Graphics & Audio: Brutal Beauty with a Catch
Visually, Nioh 3 continues the series' tradition of atmospheric and detailed environments, showcasing a Japan steeped in historical fantasy. Sharper character models and dynamic lighting elevate the art direction, painting a gorgeous, if often grim, picture. The enemy designs are as varied and terrifying as ever, with many familiar Yokai returning alongside new, monstrous threats. The sound design complements this perfectly, with satisfying weapon impacts and chilling enemy roars that immerse you in the brutal world. However, the game isn't without its technical issues, particularly on PC. Many users have reported significant optimization problems, including stuttering and FPS drops, even on high-end hardware. While some have found workarounds like updating Windows or tweaking specific settings, it's a notable drawback at launch. Team Ninja should address these ASAP.
Story: A Journey Through Time
Nioh 3's narrative takes an ambitious leap, sending you on a restless journey through multiple historical periods, including the Warring States, Heian-time, and Bakumatsu. This isn't just a stylistic choice; these time travels are deeply integrated into the overarching lore. The story begins in 1622, as Tokugawa Takechiyo is poised to become Shogun, only for his younger brother Kunimatsu's envy and hatred to plunge Japan into chaos. You'll encounter a myriad of historical figures and face off against Yokai across these different eras. Fans of the previous games will appreciate the thematic parallels and narrative connections, while newcomers can still easily dive into this dark, compelling world. The key here is that the expanded narrative scope truly makes this feel like an epic journey, far beyond a simple continuation.
Formidable bosses await in every era
Verdict: An Exceptional Evolution
Nioh 3 is an unbelievable game from start to finish, excelling in almost all aspects of game development. It's a masterclass in soulslike design, delivering everything fans wanted: refined combat, smoother progression, and gorgeous visuals, all without sacrificing the brutal challenge that defines the series.
While the initial PC optimization issues are a clear con, the sheer depth and satisfaction of the gameplay more than make up for it. This game feels like the culmination of Team Ninja's evolution, masterfully blending engaging open-field exploration with a dual-style combat system that bridges the gap between 'Masocore' and character-action.
It has truly evolved into a genre of its own, setting a new benchmark for action RPGs, much like other great titles in the MMORPG space push their own genre boundaries. If you're struggling with a particular encounter, our Nioh boss guide and Nioh boss list can be incredibly helpful.
