When people think of souls-like games, they usually jump to the namesake Dark Souls, and it’s From siblings, Bloodborne and Elden Ring. Yet the genre has produced some excellent titles beyond these. Lies of P, The Surge and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are just a few. Another is a series that has quietly sat in the corner, not fighting for attention, but offering formidable challenges to anyone who has played it. I’m talking about Team Ninja’s outstanding Nioh series.
It has just received its third entry, Nioh 3, a prequel. Rather than rehash what came before, this prequel builds on what fans love and adds to it in meaningful ways.
A Story
First things first: if you’re returning for an epic story, you may be disappointed. The narrative exists, but its pacing, character work and overall flow are uneven. You play as Tokugawa Takechiyo, grandchild of Tokugawa Ieyasu, battling yokai and the supernatural.
The ingredients are there, but the end result feels more like a loaf of bread than the cake it should have been.
Read More: Lords of the Fallen (2023) review – The AAA Soulslike We Were Promised
Where the story falters, the gameplay shines. Team Ninja have clearly poured their time and skill into the combat, which is razor sharp.
Built on Solid Ground
From the opening moments, Nioh 3 feels both familiar and fresh. Combat remains the beating heart of the experience. Every swing of steel and clash of ki carries a rhythmic precision that becomes deeply satisfying once mastered.
Building on the stance-based system, Nioh 3 introduces seamless switching between Samurai and Ninja styles. You can shift between heavy, powerful strikes and lightning-fast moves on the fly. This isn’t just an aesthetic tweak. It reshapes encounters, demanding more strategy while rewarding experimentation with builds and weapons.
Read More: Nioh 2 Remastered – Compare PS5 vs. PS4 Pro Screenshots
There’s also a major shift towards a loot-driven system. It works well in places, but the sheer volume of drops can quickly become overwhelming. At times it feels closer to The Division or Destiny than earlier Nioh titles.
Another big change is the move to larger explorable spaces. It’s a notable departure from the linear missions of the past. The world is expansive and interconnected, encouraging exploration without losing focus. Hidden upgrades, environmental hazards, side quests and roaming yokai ensure there’s always something to do. Verticality and thoughtful enemy placement make the world feel deliberately crafted, even if some areas can feel a little sparse. A moment to breathe is rarely unwelcome.
Boss Boss
Boss encounters remain the ultimate test: brutal, exhilarating and immensely rewarding. Nioh 3 pushes you to your limits, testing patience and skill in equal measure. Death is part of the journey, not a setback, and few feelings in gaming compare to finally defeating the boss that has flattened you for hours.
Visually, the game is stunning. From shady forests to lived-in Japanese villages, every area feels rich and atmospheric. Enemy designs are magical, menacing and memorable. Performance is smooth throughout. Audio design is equally strong, with cues that hint at incoming attacks and other dangers. Listening closely often gives you the edge you need.
Read More: The First Berserker: Khazan review – Dungeon Enlightener
Nioh 3 is the most confident entry in the series. For veterans, it’s a refined masterpiece that deepens everything they already love. For newcomers, it’s a challenging but inviting entry into one of the best souls-like franchises around.
It’s demanding, yes, but for those willing to invest the time and patience, Nioh 3 delivers some of the most thrilling, high-skill combat I’ve played in a long while.
- Resident Evil Requiem review – Reframing Evil
- Snakebyte Gamepad RGB S2 review – Budget Flash
- High on Life 2 review – Smoother, Tighter and More Confident
Find TechStomper’s games reviews on OpenCritic.com