Nioh: Complete Edition

Developer: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Release: Nov 7th 2017
Platforms:
Action
RPG
Addictive
Deep Combat
Challenging
Repetitive
Steep Difficulty
Nioh: Complete Edition Poster

" Brutal action RPG with deep stance combat and strategic stamina, but steep difficulty frustrates "

Nioh: Complete Edition Review

Nioh: Complete Edition is a challenging and rewarding action RPG that combines deep, intricate combat mechanics with a rich Japanese folklore setting. Players control William, an English samurai navigating a brutal world filled with difficult enemies and punishing bosses. The game features a unique stance-based combat system, multiple weapon types each with distinct movesets, and a stamina management mechanic called Ki Pulse that adds rhythm and strategy to battles.

While the gameplay is highly praised for its depth, fluidity, and satisfying progression, the game is notably difficult with some bosses and enemy attacks feeling unfair or overwhelming. The story is serviceable but considered generic and not a major focus. Level design is mixed, with some cleverly crafted missions but also repetitive environments and reused enemy types. The loot and gear system is extensive but can become tedious. Despite some technical and UI issues, especially on PC, Nioh offers a unique and intense Souls-like experience that rewards patience and skill.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the combat mechanics, highlighting the stance system, weapon variety, and Ki Pulse timing as innovative and deeply satisfying. The game's boss battles offer tough but mostly fair challenges that reward learning and mastery. The setting, inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore, provides a unique atmosphere with well-designed armor and enemy aesthetics. The inclusion of ranged weapons, magic, and ninja skills adds versatility to playstyles. The Complete Edition’s DLCs expand content and difficulty, enhancing the overall experience. The game runs smoothly at 60fps on modern hardware, maintaining combat fluidity.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the steep difficulty spike and moments of perceived unfairness, especially with certain bosses and enemy combos that can lead to instant death. The storyline is viewed as generic and poorly delivered through stiff cutscenes. Level design is inconsistent, with some areas feeling confusing or tedious due to reused tilesets and repeated enemy encounters. The loot system, while extensive, can become overwhelming and a chore to manage. The PC port suffers from poor control mapping and UI issues, displaying controller prompts even for keyboard users. Multiplayer summoning restrictions and some technical bugs also detract from the experience.

Pros

  • Deep and satisfying stance-based combat system with varied weapons.
  • Ki Pulse mechanic adds rhythm and strategic stamina management.
  • Challenging yet mostly fair boss encounters rewarding skill mastery.
  • Rich Japanese folklore setting with unique enemy and armor designs.
  • Extensive build variety including magic, ranged, and ninja skills.
  • Smooth and responsive gameplay running well on modern hardware.
  • Complete Edition includes DLCs that expand content and difficulty.

Cons

  • Steep difficulty and some unfair boss/enemy mechanics cause frustration.
  • Story is generic, poorly delivered, and lacks emotional engagement.
  • Level design is inconsistent with reused environments and confusing layouts.
  • Repetitive enemy variety leading to less engaging late-game encounters.
  • Loot system can be overwhelming and tedious to manage.
  • PC port has poor control scheme and UI showing incorrect prompts.
  • Multiplayer summoning is restrictive and unintuitive.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.

Release Date Nov 7th 2017
Publisher KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Developer KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (8,114)
81% Positive 19% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
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