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Nioh 2 was one in all my favourite video games of 2020. It polished up most of the tough edges of the unique recreation, whereas including enhancements to character customization, stage design, and extra, which in the end landed it as one in all RPG Web site’s high 5 video games of that yr. If there was any important criticism that would simply be levied on the recreation, it is that it was clear to see it was extra of an iterative sequel, largely fine-tuning what got here earlier than within the authentic Nioh. There is definitely no drawback sticking primarily to refinement, however for 2026, Crew Ninja has different plans.

Nioh 3 seems to shake issues up extra this time round. Having an opportunity to go to Koei Tecmo’s places of work to play a brand new demo of the sport and to talk with key builders at Crew Ninja, it is clear that Nioh 3 is not only sticking to refinement. It is making a couple of substantial swings in its scope and design.

Kite already went over a few of these modifications in his impressions of the sport’s Alpha Demo again in June. From a pure gameplay perspective, switching between the basic ‘samurai type’ and the brand new ‘ninja type’ is likely to be probably the most instantly clear distinction from the earlier video games. Samurai Type will really feel acquainted to veterans of the sequence, with numerous sword stances and a Ki Pulse mechanic to regain stamina as you confront enemies. So for these coming to Nioh 3 and wanting a heat acquainted feeling, that is the type you need.

Whereas earlier entries did have some ninja parts and weaponry, the brand new implementation in Nioh 3 is clearly extra devoted right here. Whereas ninjas can not use a Ki Pulse, they use much less Ki typically whereas additionally relying extra on instruments like bombs and caltrops. You possibly can instantly change between the 2 modes on the press of a button, with every stance holding its personal devoted set of weapons. It took me a little bit of time to get used to having two modes and successfully 4 completely different weapon sorts at my disposal, however by the top of my demo session, I began to really feel like I used to be discovering utility during which conditions to make use of which type.

Switching between the 2 kinds can be one of many methods in which you’ll counter enemy assaults, together with the massive wind-up assaults you’re *supposed* to counter (you recognize, those with the massive glowing purple auras.) Ninjas even have another benefits, for instance, they deal extra injury when attacking from behind an opponent. Concerns like it will in all probability come into play relating to strategizing the most effective methods to take out enemies and executives.

There are a couple of different new fight components as properly, corresponding to extra talents accessible based mostly in your chosen Guardian Spirit. Whereas earlier Niohs had Guardian Spirits, there is a bit extra flexibility in selecting choices accessible in Nioh 3. These numerous assaults additionally don’t drain out of your traditional stamina meter, which makes working these Spirit talents into your rotation an important part to battle success. 

Koei Tecmo and Crew Ninja have revealed that Nioh 3 will take you to varied eras of Japanese historical past, together with the Heian, Sengoku, Edo, and Bakumatsu intervals. Contemplating the earlier Niohs have already well-traveled a lot of the Warring States interval, having the setting bounce by time to varied intervals and locales ought to hopefully enable Nioh 3 to not really feel fairly like a retread, narratively talking, though I count on some acquainted historic faces to as soon as once more make an look.

Throughout my demo periods, I acquired to play a newly-revealed zone happening throughout the Bakumatsu interval, within the Shimabara Pleasure District. On this zone, I finally discovered myself dealing with off in opposition to Takasuki Shinsaku, a personality that those that have performed Rise of the Ronin will probably acknowledge. Armed with a flintlock-style pistol and his personal guardian spirit, this boss encounter is what I come to the Nioh sequence for – energetic and difficult bouts with quite a lot of opponents, myths, and monsters.

After defeating Shinsaku, I anticipated to be thrown again onto the sport’s world map menu, as can be the case in both of the earlier titles within the sequence. Nevertheless, as a substitute, I used to be merely allowed to proceed exploring the zone I used to be in, with a brand new goal in hand. Admittedly, it felt just a little bizarre! I am so used to the stage-based design in earlier Niohs that not having that construction right here type of feels improper, in some way.

Within the pleasure district, the explorable zone type of felt acquainted to the levels in prior Nioh titles, however significantly greater. In my interview with Crew Ninja, Fumihiko Yasuda emphasised making an attempt to keep up a steadiness between rewarding exploration whereas sustaining the acquainted density of Nioh’s ranges. This was nonetheless evident to some extent, like discovering shortcuts again to the latest shrine, such you could extra shortly traverse a portion of the extent (or maybe ‘run again’ to an enemy to regain your fallen Amrita).

There’s additionally a map now, type of. There are additionally ‘exploration ranges’ that the participant can earn for every open zone within the recreation. By clearing bosses and discovering shrines on the map, you will elevate your exploration ranges, which might present stat bonuses, objects, and spotlight the place numerous collectables will be discovered. It is right here that the affect of Rise of the Ronin appears most evident. Exploring the world, opening treasure chests, discovering Kodamas (and different creatures, like the brand new Chijiko flying weasels), and elevating your ‘exploration ranges’ are considerably altered parts this time round.

My hesitations in the direction of Nioh 3 are in all probability predictable ones – I am undecided how properly the more-open area design goes to work within the grand scheme. That is a type of issues that is tough to judge purely on a three-hour demo session. Having simply performed by Rise of the Ronin, whose open-world parts felt considerably by-the-numbers, I can not assist however be just a little bit cautious concerning the stage design modifications. Opening my map menu and seeing checklists for collectibles prompted one thing of a sigh out of me. I actually hope Nioh 3 does not really feel like I am icon-hunting on the map an excessive amount of, besides, glorious fight and boss battles that Nioh is understood for ought to be capable to maintain the sport up on their very own. I hope so, anyway.

That mentioned, I am prepared for extra Nioh, and I am glad Crew Ninja is making an attempt one thing just a bit bit completely different. We’ll see how this experiment seems in February 2026.