Nioh 3 ReviewNioh 3 continues Team Ninja’s evolution of its hardcore action RPG formula, refining the series’ signature combat while expanding its scope with more dynamic environments and deeper build variety. It doesn’t completely reinvent the franchise, but it represents its most polished and mechanically rich entry **** in a dark fantasy interpretation of feudal Japan, the story once again blends historical conflict with supernatural elements. While narrative has never been the series’ main focus, Nioh 3 delivers a more structured and cinematic approach than its predecessors. Cutscenes are better directed, and key characters receive more development, even if the plot still primarily serves as a backdrop for combat encounters.Combat remains the heart of the experience, and it is exceptional. The stance system returns with greater fluidity, allowing faster transitions between aggressive and defensive playstyles. Ki management is more responsive, and new weapon types introduce additional layers of strategy. Boss fights are intense, demanding precision, patience, and mastery of mechanics. The game rewards skill more than ever, making victories feel earned and satisfying.Level design has also seen improvements. While still mission-based rather than fully open world, stages are more interconnected, with branching paths, vertical exploration, and hidden encounters that encourage replayability. Environmental variety is stronger, ranging from war-torn villages to supernatural realms filled with corrupted spirits.Loot and progression remain deeply customizable. Players can fine-tune builds through armor sets, weapon affixes, and skill trees, allowing for highly specialized playstyles. However, the sheer volume of loot can still feel overwhelming at times, especially for newcomers.Visually, Nioh 3 is a noticeable step forward. Character models are more detailed, lighting is improved, and enemy designs are more creative and intimidating. That said, some environments still reuse assets, and performance can dip during particularly chaotic battles, though overall stability is **** game’s difficulty remains uncompromising. While accessibility options have been expanded slightly, Nioh 3 is still firmly aimed at players who enjoy punishing but fair combat systems. It is not designed to hold the player’s hand, and mastery is expected rather than optional.Compared to other action RPGs, Nioh 3 stands out for its mechanical depth rather than cinematic presentation. It prioritizes gameplay systems over storytelling spectacle, making it especially appealing to players who value combat complexity above all else.Despite its steep learning curve and occasional visual repetition, Nioh 3 succeeds as a refined evolution of the series. It doesn’t drastically change the formula, but it perfects it in meaningful ways, offering one of the most rewarding combat experiences in modern action RPGs.Pros* Deep and highly refined combat system* Excellent boss design and encounter variety* Strong build customization and replayability* Improved visuals and presentation* More structured and engaging level designCons* Still very difficult for newcomers* Loot system can feel overwhelming* Some reused environmental assets* Occasional performance drops in heavy combat

Nioh 3 is a solid evolution to the series, adding an entirely new ninja combat style that encourages fast, aggressive play and an implementation of a satisfying open world to explore that is not too big to the point where it could overstay its welcome. I am frustrated with some of its uneven difficulty though, and the story is once again uninteresting nonsense, but Team Ninja's soulslike franchise is otherwise still going strong.

Nioh 3 is a phenomenal entry to the series, it has improved upon Nioh 2 in nearly every single aspect. Best combat in any soulslike game.