Are the Nioh Games Worth Playing? A Deep Dive into Team Ninja’s Soulslike Masterpieces
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Absolutely, the Nioh games are absolutely worth playing! For fans of challenging action RPGs with deep combat systems, engaging lore steeped in Japanese history and mythology, and a rewarding sense of progression, both Nioh and Nioh 2 deliver an exceptional experience. They aren’t mere Dark Souls clones; they carve out their own distinct identity with faster-paced combat, a robust loot system, and a mission-based structure that sets them apart. Whether you’re a seasoned Soulslike veteran or a newcomer looking for a compelling entry point into the genre, Nioh offers a rich and satisfying adventure.
A Unique Soulslike Experience
While drawing inspiration from the Dark Souls series, Nioh distinguishes itself in several crucial aspects:
- Combat System: Nioh‘s combat is faster, more aggressive, and more technical than Dark Souls. The Ki Pulse mechanic allows players to recover stamina quickly after attacking, encouraging a relentless offensive style. Additionally, the three weapon stances (High, Mid, Low) provide diverse movesets and tactical options for different situations. Mastering these mechanics is key to survival.
- Loot and Customization: Unlike the more limited weapon and armor choices in Dark Souls, Nioh boasts a Diablo-esque loot system with a massive variety of weapons, armor, and accessories, each with unique stats and special effects. This allows for extensive character customization and build variety, catering to different playstyles.
- Mission-Based Structure: Instead of an interconnected open world, Nioh uses a mission-based structure, where players select missions from an overworld map. This allows for a more focused and streamlined experience, with each mission offering unique challenges and rewards.
- Japanese Setting and Lore: Nioh is deeply rooted in Japanese history and folklore, featuring real-life historical figures and mythical creatures from Japanese mythology. The story is engaging and well-written, offering a unique cultural experience.
Nioh vs. Nioh 2: Which One Should You Play?
Both Nioh and Nioh 2 are excellent games, but there are some key differences to consider:
- Nioh: Introduces the core mechanics and story of William Adams, an Irish sailor who becomes a samurai in feudal Japan. It’s a solid foundation and a great starting point for the series.
- Nioh 2: Serves largely as a prequel that expands upon the gameplay mechanics and adds new features like Yokai Shift, which allows players to transform into powerful demonic forms. Many consider Nioh 2 to be the superior game due to its increased polish, refined combat, and quality-of-life improvements.
While Nioh 2 is technically a prequel, many suggest starting with Nioh (1) to appreciate the evolution of the gameplay.
Why Nioh Stands Out in 2024 and Beyond
Even years after its release, Nioh remains relevant for several reasons:
- Challenging and Rewarding Gameplay: The difficulty of Nioh is a major draw for many players. Overcoming challenging enemies and bosses requires skill, strategy, and perseverance.
- Deep Combat System: Nioh‘s combat system is incredibly deep and rewarding, with a high skill ceiling. Mastering the Ki Pulse, weapon stances, and various skills takes time and effort, but it’s incredibly satisfying.
- Replayability: The abundance of loot and character customization options, combined with multiple difficulty levels (NG+, NG++, etc.), provides immense replayability.
- Co-op Multiplayer: Playing with friends in co-op makes the game even more enjoyable. Tackling challenging missions together and coordinating strategies adds a new layer of depth.
- Availability: Both Nioh and Nioh 2 are readily available on PlayStation and PC, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Is Nioh for You?
If you enjoy:
- Challenging action RPGs
- Deep and technical combat systems
- Loot-driven gameplay
- Japanese history and mythology
- A rewarding sense of progression
Then Nioh is definitely worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nioh
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Nioh series:
Is Nioh really that hard?
Nioh is definitely a challenging game, but its difficulty is often overstated. It requires learning the mechanics and being patient, but it’s not unfairly difficult. The game rewards skillful play and strategic thinking. Some find it more challenging than Dark Souls 3, especially early on, due to its complex combat system.
Is Nioh too hard for casual gamers?
While Nioh might be intimidating for casual gamers initially, it’s not insurmountable. With perseverance and a willingness to learn, even casual players can enjoy the game. The early game can be brutal, but the learning curve eases as players become more familiar with the mechanics.
Which is harder: Dark Souls 3 or Nioh?
This is subjective, but many players find Nioh to be harder due to its faster pace, more complex combat system, and reliance on specific mechanics like Ki Pulse. Dark Souls 3 is arguably more difficult because of its reliance on ‘clunky’ control inputs, causing delays.
Should I play Nioh 1 first before 2?
It’s generally recommended to play Nioh 1 first, even though Nioh 2 is largely a prequel. Playing Nioh 1 provides a better understanding of the story and eases you into the gameplay mechanics before introducing the more complex features of Nioh 2.
Is Dark Souls harder than Nioh?
Opinions vary, but many argue that Nioh‘s difficulty comes from its complex combat system and reliance on specific mechanics, while Dark Souls relies more on its level design and enemy placement.
Which Nioh game is easier?
Nioh 2 is generally considered easier than Nioh 1 due to its refined combat system, additional abilities, and quality-of-life improvements.
Should I get Nioh or Sekiro?
This depends on your preferences. If you prefer a loot-driven game with extensive character customization, Nioh is the better choice. If you prefer a more focused and streamlined experience with a strong emphasis on parrying and posture breaking, Sekiro is a better fit.
Why are the Nioh games so hard?
The difficulty of Nioh stems from its steep learning curve, complex combat system, and unforgiving enemy encounters. Mastering the Ki Pulse, weapon stances, and various skills is essential for survival.
Is Nioh 1 a long game?
Nioh: Complete Edition takes around 43½ hours to complete the main story. Completionists can expect to spend around 143 hours to obtain 100% completion.
How many hours is Nioh 1?
Focusing on the main objectives, Nioh takes about 35 hours. Completionists will spend around 97 hours to see everything.
Is Nioh OK for kids?
Nioh is rated M for Mature due to its violence and gore. The game is likely suitable for ages 16+.
Is Sekiro or Nioh harder?
Many players find Nioh to be more difficult than Sekiro due to its complex combat system and unforgiving nature. Sekiro‘s difficulty relies more on mastering the parry mechanic.
Will I like Nioh if I like Dark Souls?
If you enjoy the challenging combat, rewarding sense of progression, and dark fantasy setting of Dark Souls, you’ll likely enjoy Nioh. However, it’s important to approach Nioh as its own game, rather than expecting a direct clone.
In what order should you play Nioh?
Although Nioh 2 is a prequel story-wise, it’s generally recommended to play Nioh 1 first to familiarize yourself with the basic gameplay mechanics.
Is Nioh a Dark Souls rip off?
While Nioh was inspired by Dark Souls, it’s far from a rip-off. It boasts its own unique combat system, loot system, setting, and story. Understanding how games can positively impact learning is a topic explored by the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more. Both games offer compelling experiences and are worth trying.