Released in early 2026, this action RPG blends intense combat, deep customization, and expansive exploration in a way that keeps players hooked for hundreds of hours. Whether you're a veteran of the series or a newcomer drawn to soulslike challenges, Nioh 3 offers a compelling mix of familiarity and innovation.
Gameplay: A Dynamic Shift in Combat and Exploration
At the heart of Nioh 3 is its revamped combat system, which introduces the Style Shift mechanic allowing seamless swaps between samurai and ninja forms. The samurai style retains the series' signature stances and Ki Pulse for heavy, deliberate attacks with weapons like katanas and spears. In contrast, the ninja form emphasizes speed and agility, incorporating Ninjutsu, Mist Step dodges, and tools like shurikens for a more evasive playstyle reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden. This duality not only diversifies builds but also ties into Burst Counters and Yokai abilities, where soul cores provide summons and buffs.
Exploration has evolved from mission-based structures to open zones with increased verticality, including jumps, stealth, and backtracking. Players can fast travel freely between shrines, drop waypoints, and engage in side quests that reward skill texts and collectibles like Kodama spirits or new pets such as Chijiko. The addition of Crucibles - challenging demonic realms where damage corrodes max health - adds tension, though blessings and progression can mitigate the difficulty. Co-op remains robust, with AI allies or online ghosts that uncover map areas and yield items.
Story: Time-Traveling Samurai Saga
The narrative centers on Yokugawa Takechiyo, a future shogun whose brother unleashes yokai chaos in 1622, transforming Japan into a hellish landscape. Armed with the guardian spirit Kusanagi, Takechiyo travels through time to combat the threat, encountering historical figures and altering familiar locations across eras. This time-travel element infuses the story with fresh themes and yokai designs per period, making it more engaging than previous entries. Optional missions expand the world with humorous side-stories and character development, tying into main progression for added depth.
Graphics and Sound: Stunning Yet Familiar
Visually, Nioh 3 impresses with detailed environments and fluid animations, though some assets feel reused from Nioh 2, leading to a sense of familiarity in level design. Transitions between zones can be jarring, and minor performance glitches occur, but the overall presentation is smooth on modern hardware. The soundtrack shines with epic orchestral pieces that heighten boss encounters, complemented by strong sound design for clashing weapons and yokai roars.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Innovative Style Shift and combat tweaks provide unmatched depth and replayability.
- Expansive exploration with rewarding collectibles and side content.
- Engaging story enhanced by time-travel mechanics.
- Quality-of-life improvements like free fast travel and customizable waypoints.
- Addictive progression systems, including weapon familiarity and skill trees.
Cons:
- Reduced overall difficulty may disappoint hardcore fans seeking constant challenge.
- Overwhelming UI and inventory management, especially with dual gear sets.
- Limited early-game variety in locations and visuals.
- Occasional camera issues in tight spaces and technical hiccups.
Conclusion: A Must-Play for Soulslike Enthusiasts
Nioh 3 refines the formula that made the series a standout in the soulslike genre, offering a balance of brutal combat, strategic depth, and vast content that can easily consume hundreds of hours. While it eases up on the punishing difficulty of its forebears, the innovations in gameplay and storytelling make it Team Ninja's most accessible yet rewarding title. If you're ready to lose yourself in a world of samurai, ninjas, and supernatural foes, this is an essential addition to your library.
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