“Nioh 3” Review by Nick Navarro
Steel clashes echo long before I ever see my first yokai, and within minutes it’s clear that “Nioh 3” isn’t interested in easing anyone back into its world. Team Ninja’s latest entry drops me into a version of Japan where peace is a fragile illusion, bandits roam freely, and supernatural horrors lurk behind nearly every corner of an expanded, tension-soaked open field. From the outset, the game feels like a culmination of everything the studio has learned over the years, carrying forward the bruising identity of the series while pushing its structure and combat systems further than before.
Set during an alternate Warring States period, “Nioh 3” follows Tokugawa Takechiyo, the grandchild of Tokugawa Ieyasu, as he navigates political turmoil and supernatural catastrophe on his path toward becoming shogun. In 1622, Edo Castle stands at the center of a fragile transition of power, but that moment of calm is violently shattered when Takechiyo’s younger brother, Kunimatsu, succumbs to hatred and a sinister force that empowers him to command a horde of yokai. What begins as a succession dispute quickly spirals into a nightmarish descent, forcing Takechiyo to transcend time itself using the mysterious power of his guardian spirit, Kusanagi, in an attempt to alter fate and save Japan. The story remains relatively straightforward, but it provides enough context and momentum to justify the constant escalation of threats and challenges.
The most significant evolution in “Nioh 3” comes from its dual combat styles, which fundamentally reshape how encounters unfold. At any moment, I can seamlessly switch between Samurai and Ninja styles, allowing battles to flow dynamically based on enemy behavior and terrain. Samurai style stays true to the series’ roots, offering three weapon stances and a heavy emphasis on precise timing, Ki management, and positioning. Every attack consumes Ki, and mastering the rhythm of Ki Pulse remains essential for survival, especially during extended fights. As I deal damage, my Arts Proficiency gradually builds, eventually unlocking powerful attacks that can turn the tide of a battle. A newly introduced parrying mechanic adds another defensive option, rewarding skillful reactions with satisfying counter opportunities. Ninja style, by contrast, feels like controlled chaos. It emphasizes speed, evasion, and verticality, trading traditional weapon stances for three specialized ninja tools that encourage aggressive, mobile play. Instead of Ki Pulse, this style introduces Mist, a mechanic that allows me to create a clone to distract enemies before dashing behind them for devastating strikes. Aerial attacks and ranged options become far more viable here, making Ninja style especially effective against certain yokai and in crowded encounters. While the two styles don’t share equipment, the freedom to switch between them at will creates a flexible combat system that constantly encourages experimentation.
Beyond combat, “Nioh 3” breaks away from the more linear mission structure of its predecessors by embracing larger, interconnected open fields. These environments maintain the oppressive atmosphere the series is known for, filled with menacing villages, corrupted landmarks, and ominous hints of the Crucible’s influence. Exploration is no longer just a means to reach the next fight, as I frequently stumble upon optional combat challenges, side quests, and hidden points of interest that flesh out the world. That said, the open-field design isn’t without its drawbacks, as some activities begin to feel repetitive over time, and enemy reuse becomes increasingly noticeable the deeper I venture. Customization also returns in familiar fashion, allowing me to fully adjust Takechiyo’s appearance, much like in “Nioh 2.” Guardian spirit transformations, Soul Cores, and a vast array of skills remain integral to character progression, further layering an already complex system of mechanics. This depth is undeniably impressive, but it can also be overwhelming. There were moments when the sheer number of systems left me unsure of the optimal path forward, and more than once I found myself frustrated rather than challenged. A more streamlined approach might have resulted in a tighter experience overall.
Difficulty has always been a defining trait of the series, and “Nioh 3” does nothing to soften that reputation. The game is punishing, sometimes to a fault, and demands a level of patience and commitment that won’t appeal to everyone. Enemies often hit hard, boss fights can feel relentless, and progress is rarely handed out freely. However, perseverance is rewarded, and learning to fully utilize the game’s mechanics transforms seemingly impossible encounters into hard-earned victories. Multiplayer options return to support those who prefer not to face every challenge alone. Summon Visitor allows me to call in another player for assistance during particularly brutal boss fights, while Expedition mode lets players explore the open fields together. These features don’t dilute the difficulty but offer a welcome sense of camaraderie in a world that otherwise feels relentlessly hostile.
As an overall package, “Nioh 3” represents an ambitious evolution for Team Ninja. It builds upon the foundation laid by the first two games while incorporating design philosophies seen in “Ninja Gaiden,” “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty,” and “Rise of the Ronin.” The combat system stands as one of the best the studio has ever produced, delivering some of the most intense and rewarding action and boss encounters in the genre. While the open-field structure introduces some bloat and repetition, and the game’s complexity can occasionally work against it, the experience remains undeniably compelling. By the time the credits rolled fifty or so hours later, my journey with Tokugawa Takechiyo had left me exhausted, frustrated, and deeply impressed in equal measure. “Nioh 3” doesn’t reinvent the series, but it refines and expands it with confidence, delivering a demanding yet exhilarating ride that stands tall among Team Ninja’s strongest works.
8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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