Nioh: Complete Edition
a game by | Koei Tecmo |
Platform: | PC (2017) |
Editor Rating: | 7/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 10.0/10 - 1 vote |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | RPGs, Dark Souls-like Games, Games Like Senran Kagura, Games Like Elden Ring, Nioh Series |
There aren’t many video games that are able to wear their inspirations as proudly as this one. Nioh: Complete Edition is a title that has some clear inspirations on its sleeve, but it manages to avoid being a blatant copycat. Instead, the game is one that brings some much needed creativity to the table.
Souls like to the core
Nioh's is an action game that focuses on familiarizing yourself with adversary attack patterns, maintaining your Ki, and avoiding or blocking strikes while seeking for an opening to strike. You'll fight through gauntlets of foes in pursuit of the monster at the conclusion of each mission, armed with a variety of samurai-themed equipment. Its surroundings are bleak or stormy, and levels need carefully investigating locations in order to discover shortcuts and surprises.
Its adversaries are strange and bizarre, and boss battles are lengthy tests of patience and ability. Elevators are triggered via floor switches. Doors open from only one side for no apparent reason. We're on the same page if this sounds familiar. The Dark Souls gene is present in this title, and nothing is stopping that.
Story
Nioh's tale serves mostly to add spice to your quest. You take on the role of a fictionalized version of actual sailor William Adams, who transforms into an almost hilariously absurd demon-slaying action hero during Japan's Sengoku era. William is terribly undeveloped, but his journey through the misty mountainsides, war-ravaged towns, and horrible battlefields of 1600s Japan remains engrossing, owing to visits by other important historical individuals such as the enigmatic Hattori Hanzo and the powerful Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Characters
While I was never concerned in William's personal tale, I fell in love with Nioh's colorful ensemble of characters and the epic scope of their collective journey, which establishes an incredible tone for more than 70 hours of adventure: a wacky combination of history and fantasy that gives an unexpected lightheartedness to what appeared to be an overly serious action game. I especially like how smoothly it switches tones. Nioh's purposely humorous side never gets in the way of its really epic and horrifying moments, which are plentiful — especially in the last quarter, when it hurtles full-speed towards its spectacular finale.
Engaging quest design
Even the most typical levels, from a cliffside cave network infested with cunning bandits to the countless war-torn towns of the countryside, have an unusual twist that sets them apart from the others. However, the more distinctive levels, such as a deadly, trap-filled ninja mansion and a wide, bloody battlefield teaming with demons, are unforgettable.
Verdict
Checkpoint shrines respawn foes every time you visit them (similar to bonfires in Dark Souls or even Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order), but the twisting pathways, looping shortcuts, and hidden treasures of each level make exploration a fun and crucial part of the adventure in both main and optional side quests.
Nioh: Complete Edition is an engaging experience for players looking for a challenge. If that sounds like you, it’s time to hop in!
Pros
- Fun Challenge
- Interesting setting
- Diverse enemy encounters
Cons
- Bad Co-op integration
Download Nioh: Complete Edition
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP