Nioh 1 vs. Nioh 2: Which Game Reigns Supreme?
The question of which Nioh game is better is a complex one, sparking debate among fans of the soulslike genre. While both games share a similar foundation of brutal combat, deep character customization, and a captivating feudal Japan setting infused with supernatural elements, they differ in crucial aspects. The short answer? Nioh 2 is generally considered the superior game, offering a more polished experience, enhanced mechanics, and a wealth of new features that build upon the foundation of the original. However, the first Nioh still holds its own and has several strengths that make it a worthwhile experience, particularly for those seeking a tougher challenge and a more grounded narrative. Let’s dive into the details to see why.
Nioh 2: Refined and Expanded
Nioh 2 isn’t just a sequel; it’s a significant evolution of the formula established in the first game. It’s often lauded for its substantial improvements across the board, offering a more robust and enjoyable experience. Here’s why it often takes the top spot:
Superior Gameplay Mechanics
Nioh 2’s combat system is a notable upgrade. While the core mechanics of stances, Ki management, and weapon variety remain, the addition of Yokai Shift and Soul Cores significantly enriches the player’s options. Yokai Shift transforms the player into a powerful demon form, while Soul Cores allow you to steal abilities from defeated Yokai, adding unique tactical layers to battles.
The Ki pulse system is also more forgiving in Nioh 2. Any level of Ki pulse now purifies Yokai realms, which simplifies a mechanic that was often considered difficult to master in the first game. This adjustment contributes to smoother and more intuitive gameplay.
Furthermore, Nioh 2 introduces new weapon types and expands enemy variety, making each encounter feel fresh and challenging.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Nioh 2 boasts a plethora of quality-of-life improvements compared to its predecessor. These include better inventory management, a more streamlined user interface, and enhanced customization options. These changes collectively contribute to a more enjoyable and less frustrating gaming experience.
Enhanced Polish
Overall, Nioh 2 feels more polished. The game runs smoother, with fewer technical issues than the first title. The improved graphics and animations also contribute to a more visually appealing and immersive experience.
Story and Setting
Although the story of Nioh 2 is a prequel to the first game, it is often considered less compelling by fans than the original’s narrative. The first Nioh’s story, with its blend of historical events and fantastical elements, is lauded for its engaging characters and compelling plot, while Nioh 2’s story, while good, is considered a bit less impactful.
Nioh 1: The Foundation and Its Strengths
Despite being surpassed by its sequel in many aspects, Nioh 1 retains its own unique appeal and is still very much worth playing.
A More Grounded and Challenging Experience
Many players find that Nioh 1 offers a stricter and arguably more difficult experience than Nioh 2. The game’s bosses are often considered to be much tougher. While Nioh 2 offers more challenging areas, the initial game presents a sharper difficulty curve. It demands a deeper understanding of its mechanics early on.
A Unique Story
As mentioned earlier, Nioh 1’s narrative, centered around William Adams, a historical figure, provides a more captivating and grounded story. It is highly praised for its characters, and its historical accuracy. For those invested in narrative, the first Nioh may be preferred.
A Great Starting Point
For newcomers to the series, Nioh 1 can be a good starting point to appreciate the evolution that Nioh 2 later achieves. It’s a more straightforward game, less complex than its successor, which may help in easing the learning curve to the intricate mechanics.
Conclusion: Weighing the Options
Ultimately, while both are fantastic games, Nioh 2 is the better overall package. It refines the mechanics of the first game, adds exciting new features, and generally provides a more seamless, polished, and accessible experience. However, Nioh 1 is by no means obsolete and remains worthwhile for players who are fans of a difficult challenge and a compelling story. If you have a choice, playing Nioh 1 first is not essential to understand Nioh 2, but it will definitely enhance the overall experience and appreciation for what Nioh 2 has achieved. If you are only choosing one game, choose Nioh 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Nioh game is easier?
Nioh 2 is generally considered easier than Nioh 1. This is due to quality-of-life improvements and more forgiving mechanics such as any level of Ki Pulse purifying Yokai realms.
2. Should I play Nioh 1 or 2 first?
While Nioh 2 is a prequel to Nioh 1, you don’t need to play the first game to understand or enjoy the second. However, playing Nioh 1 first may add context to certain characters in the second. If you are only buying one, start with Nioh 2 due to its enhanced mechanics and polish.
3. Is Nioh as hard as Dark Souls?
Nioh’s difficulty is often compared to Dark Souls, but they present different types of challenges. Nioh focuses more on fast-paced combat and complex mechanics, with enemies that can punish mistakes quickly. Dark Souls tends to be slower and more methodical, relying on timing and stamina management. Many find the speed and aggressive AI of Nioh more difficult. Dark Souls 3 is sometimes cited as harder than both Nioh 1 & 2.
4. Is Nioh 2 a long game?
Both Nioh 1 and 2 have similar lengths for their main campaigns, typically around 43-45 hours. To achieve 100% completion, you can expect to spend around 120-150 hours in either game.
5. Is Nioh worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely, Nioh is still worth playing in 2024. Both Nioh 1 and Nioh 2 offer a unique and engaging experience in the soulslike genre, with challenging combat, deep character customization, and a rich atmosphere.
6. Is Nioh 2 more balanced than Nioh 1?
Yes, Nioh 2 is generally considered more balanced than Nioh 1. The first game had noticeable balance issues, particularly at the start, and some difficult peaks. Nioh 2 provides a more consistent level of challenge throughout the game.
7. What are the major differences in combat?
Nioh 2’s combat introduces Yokai Shift and Soul Cores, expanding the player’s combat options. Ki pulse purifies Yokai realms and the weapon variety is bigger than in the first Nioh.
8. How does Nioh compare to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
Nioh and Sekiro are both challenging action games but have different focuses. Sekiro is all about deflect mastery and rhythmic combat. Nioh has a larger emphasis on loot, builds, stances, Ki management, and weapon variety. Sekiro is often considered easier due to its simpler core gameplay.
9. Is Nioh too hard for casual gamers?
Nioh games can be very challenging and may not be suitable for all casual players. These games require patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn complex mechanics. If you dislike repeating moves and grinding, you might find the game frustrating.
10. Which game has better boss fights?
Nioh 1 has more difficult boss fights while Nioh 2 has a wider variety. Many players find the boss fights in Nioh 1 to be more challenging overall, though Nioh 2 has better designed and more varied encounters.
11. Does Nioh 2 have more content?
Yes, Nioh 2 generally offers more content, including more weapons, Yokai abilities, and additional enemy variety, expanding on the original’s foundation.
12. Is the story better in Nioh 1 or 2?
Nioh 1 has the stronger story, with a more compelling and engaging narrative. Nioh 2’s story, while decent, is considered less impactful.
13. Is Nioh a Japanese-themed Dark Souls?
While Nioh draws inspiration from the Dark Souls series, it’s not just a Japanese-themed clone. Nioh offers a more unique and fast-paced combat system with its emphasis on Ki pulses, stances, and a loot system, which is quite different from FromSoftware’s games.
14. Which game has better loot?
Nioh 2 has a superior loot system, with more options for gear customization. Finding items like Soul Cores significantly enhances the character progression and improves gameplay.
15. Are the Nioh games on Playstation and PC?
Both Nioh 1 and Nioh 2 are available on PlayStation consoles and PC. Both games are often bundled together in a “Complete Edition” which includes the DLC content.