REVIEW: Nioh 3

April 4, 2026 - 07:43

The acclaimed and demanding Nioh series returns, solidifying its place as a premier title within the soulslike genre. This latest installment feels like a reunion with a trusted, if brutally honest, old friend. Veterans will immediately recognize the intricate, stamina-based combat that demands precision and punishes carelessness, yet find it more refined and fluid than ever.

The game continues its unique blend of dark fantasy and historical Japanese settings, plunging players into beautifully realized yet treacherous landscapes. New enemy types and formidable bosses ensure that the challenge remains fresh and relentless, testing the skills honed in previous adventures. The deep weapon and stance system offers a rewarding complexity, allowing for extensive customization of playstyle and approach to each deadly encounter.

While unmistakably Nioh in its core identity, subtle improvements in movement and mechanics provide a palpable sense of evolution. The result is an experience that masterfully balances nostalgic familiarity with polished execution. It stands not as a revolution, but as a confident and highly competent evolution of a proven formula, promising to satisfy longtime fans and masochistically-inclined newcomers alike with its depth and unflinching difficulty.