In our recent hands-on experience with Nioh 3 during the Bakumatsu period, it became evident that Team Ninja is striving to elevate Nioh 3 as their most refined Soulslike game yet. Among Soulslike franchises, Nioh stands out as a polished and dynamic alternative to the challenging gameplay style pioneered by FromSoftware. The game offers players a sense of empowerment with its fluid combat mechanics, diverse weaponry, and intriguing Yokai abilities.
During our four-hour preview of Nioh 3, it was apparent that Team Ninja is pushing the boundaries of the series with a larger scale, introducing a new ninja combat style and more expansive level designs while staying true to the essence of Nioh. The narrative incorporating time travel plunges players into the Bakumatsu era of Japan, embodying the new protagonist Tokugawa Takechiyo. Engaging in familiar combat tactics like blocking, dodging, and utilizing Guardian Spirit skills, the gameplay retains the signature Nioh experience.
Setting itself apart from its predecessors, Nioh 3 introduces an innovative “open-field” level structure, departing from the linear paths typical of the genre. Players now have the freedom to explore multi-area maps, encountering diverse combat scenarios and optional challenges that enhance the protagonist’s abilities. Notable additions include enemy bases that offer strategic battles and rewarding loot upon completion.
The introduction of the Ninja combat style in Nioh 3 injects a faster-paced dynamic into the gameplay, complementing the existing Samurai combat style. Players can seamlessly switch between combat styles to counter different foes effectively. While the Ninja style adds complexity to combat strategies, it enriches the gameplay experience by enabling swift and agile combat maneuvers.
Despite the abundance of combat options in Nioh 3, the game maintains a challenging and engaging experience, balancing the intricacies of combat mechanics with the thrill of battling Yokai adversaries. The core gameplay mechanics, such as the Ki Pulse system, remain integral to the combat strategy, with the Ninja style offering a refreshing take on combat dynamics.
The diverse combat options, coupled with the new open-field level design, enhance the depth and versatility of Nioh 3, promising a compelling experience for both seasoned players and newcomers. As we anticipate the full release, it is evident that Team Ninja’s innovative additions enhance the series’ core strengths, setting the stage for an immersive and captivating gameplay experience.