"Nioh 3": See Japan and Die
Brutal, but honest: In Team Ninja's "Nioh 3", fans can expect a fast-paced and difficult action spectacle set in ancient Japan.
(Image: Koei Tecmo)
Before Soulslikes, there were Masocores: Japanese development studio Team Ninja is known for extremely difficult action games. A mix of precision, speed, and reflexes has been at the heart of its game concept since “Ninja Gaiden” from 2004. This has also been the case since 2017 in the “Nioh” series. In what is now the third installment, the developers show at least some understanding for newcomers.
History Meets Fantasy
Do you have to play something like “Nioh 3”? Do you even have to like it? This constant balancing act between defeat and frustration on the horizon? Masocores or Soulslikes are merciless, but promise satisfaction. The “Nioh” series is just as difficult but not as capricious as the competition from From Software. “Nioh” games don't hide story and gameplay elements behind cryptic hints. Instead, they are straightforward, direct, and fast. However, players shouldn't expect an exciting narrative with many twists and turns. In “Nioh 3,” everything revolves around combat.
Nioh 3 im Test (5 Bilder)
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)Like its predecessors, the story in “Nioh 3” glorifies Japanese history into mythological fantasy. It all begins in the Edo period, at the beginning of the 17th century. The hero Takechiyo is supposed to become Shogun, but an evil power tricks him. Using a mysterious mirror, he now travels through various historical eras of Japanese history to defeat evil. On his journeys, he encounters not only possessed lords and monsters but also helpers who accompany him through the ages in various incarnations.
In terms of gameplay, little has changed initially. “Nioh 3” is an open-world action RPG in the style of Soulslike games with fast-paced and difficult combat, typical of the development studio Team Ninja. Where From Software demands calm and composure with “Elden Ring” and other games, Team Ninja focuses on speed. Perfect parrying, countering, and dodging are prerequisites for successful combat. In addition to the main story, players can prove themselves in side missions, capture enemy bases as in “Ghost of Yotei”, and improve their equipment and abilities.
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Fast-Paced Combat
The special feature: Players can collect so-called guardian spirits, which they can activate after a few successful battles to unleash powerful blows. As the story progresses or after unlocking certain mission objectives, they become more powerful and are crucial in many boss fights. Players must always pay attention to their stamina, referred to here as "Ki".
In “Nioh 3,” players can choose between two combat styles this time: Samurai and Ninja. While the former is a brute force fighter who battles through enemies with various stances, the Ninja focuses on speed and Ninjutsu abilities, such as deadly kunai or even fireballs. This is not new in principle; already “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” or Team Ninja's own “Rise of the Ronin” featured a similar gameplay principle.
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Takechiyo's adventure is not only a feast for reaction-fast players but also a treasure trove for tinkerers. Players fight or sneak their way through the game world, finding weapons and armor with different properties everywhere. The inventory quickly becomes cluttered, reminiscent of “Monster Hunter” or “Borderlands” with its countless equipment pieces. It can be improved either at the blacksmith or through frequent use of a specific weapon.
Of course, a skill tree is also included, which is similarly complex. Fans of Japanese martial arts will find a colorful mix of different weapon types here, such as dual katanas, large swords like odachis, spears, axes, kusarigamas, glaives, and more. Everything is divided into rarity classes from “Common” to “Legendary,” with just as many abilities.
Each ability, whether it's a quick dodge, jump attacks, or simply a combo, requires quick reflexes and dexterity. Mastering all types is nearly impossible. Instead, players should focus on a few to remember the numerous combinations on the gamepad.
And that's not all. Through scrolls, players learn new combat techniques, and talismans provide bonuses in combat. If they find small, cute little men called Kodamas, players increase the effects of healing potions. Those who wish can replay completed missions.
Much to Discover
In addition to the large selection of weapons, the world of “Nioh” has grown. While it's not as vast as in other open-world games, it still offers enough space for exploration. The time travel takes the hero from seemingly idyllic Japanese villages to icy regions and to the so-called purgatory, where only monsters reign. The missions are clear: kill everything and destroy the “heart” at the end to free areas from evil.
Surprisingly, smaller enemies are just annoying. Only the numerous bosses make the game a challenge. They hide behind fog or in large arenas. There are numerous of them, but due to embargo restrictions, we can only tell you about the first one: a possessed lord who first attacks us on horseback and later transforms into a monster. But that's just the beginning: each boss has different attack patterns and requires different tactics. Every mistake is punished, and those who don't learn to parry or dodge in time will turn away in frustration.
But then, the moment it works. When the plan succeeds, the monster runs into the parry and lies helpless for a short time. Redemption, satisfaction, relaxation. Despite the high difficulty, “Nioh 3” is not unfair. Players can learn the enemies' attacks and time their moves. This is outstandingly realized in its purism. Hardly any game offers this successful mix of breathtaking action and challenge.
Nevertheless, “Nioh 3” is not as merciless as its predecessor. The introduction gives beginners a chance and prepares them for later battles. The game design rewards players who learn from their mistakes and optimize their equipment.
In addition to the solo adventure, players can also replay the story or repeat completed missions online in co-op mode with other fans. In clan wars, players fight with and against each other for glory, honor, and victory points. In addition to the standard version, fans can also purchase a Deluxe version with a season pass. Two DLCs have been announced so far.
Conclusion
With “Nioh 3,” Team Ninja takes its own game principle to the extreme. Different combat styles, numerous weapon types, and seemingly endless possibilities to optimize equipment to succeed in the numerous boss fights. The game is difficult but fair.
On the other hand, the plot and characters lack tension and depth. “Nioh 3” is not “Ghost of Yotei.” The game gains character, especially through its sophisticated combat system, which is unique in the genre. Even the two predecessors and other Team Ninja games like “Wo Long” have to concede defeat in this combat arena.
Furthermore, “Nioh 3” is surprisingly accessible and only noticeably increases the difficulty after many hours. Due to its accessibility and its direct, uncompromising gameplay, it is a welcome change from sprawling action RPGs like “Elden Ring.” A successful action trip to Japan for players who want to be rewarded for their efforts.
“Nioh 3” will be released on February 6th for Windows and PS5. It costs approx. €80. USK 18+. We played through the PS5 version for the article.
(mack)
