Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Jan 8, 2021
    69
    Nioh 2: The First Samurai feels like the least complete DLC out of the three, and its not an exciting finale as it should be.
  2. Jan 21, 2021
    75
    The First Samurai doesn’t end the tale of Nioh 2 in a satisfying way but it does provide a meaningful and fun loot experience. Bbrutal new enemies and new gameplay modes makes the complete package of this game something truly special.
  3. Dec 21, 2020
    60
    I have so much love for this game as a complete package, and I'm excited to keep going with next year's PlayStation 5 remaster, but I can't shake the feeling that The First Samurai could've done more.
  4. Dec 22, 2020
    72
    An epilogue that is not exactly explosive, but totally consistent with the creative path of the development team, which over time has composed a content offer able to offer players dozens and dozens of hours of heart-pounding fun, including loads of loot, levels of additional difficulty, new mechanics, new weapons and extraordinarily tough enemies.
  5. Dec 24, 2020
    80
    The First Samurai is a lovely, if bloody way to wrap up the Nioh 2 saga. From its vibrant levels to its imaginative yokai to its crushing difficulty, this DLC does almost everything base Nioh 2 did but better aside from the superfluous storytelling. Team Ninja may have been honing its craft to get to this level for the final expansion, but in doing so the developer has saved the best for last.
  6. Dec 29, 2020
    70
    The First Samurai is a good extension for a very good game, and concludes the adventure in a good way.
  7. Dec 22, 2020
    80
    The First Samurai is the worthy conclusion of a long journey, which reunites (without too many surprises) the beginning with the end in this epic narrative of a cycle of events that seems destined to repeat itself forever. Team Ninja recycles the formula of the first Nioh to bring to the most insatiable players an end-game able to entertain them for some time, without shining for inventiveness, but aiming for a pleasant more of the same.
  8. Jan 27, 2021
    78
    A mixed bag that gets a tentative recommendation, I’ll always welcome new content to one of my favourite games but I'd appreciate it if Team Ninja didn't make it feel like busy work just so I can pop those last few trophies.
  9. Dec 23, 2020
    80
    The third and final DLC of the Team Ninja action rpg confirms all the good things about this game.
  10. 60
    The First Samurai is the first piece of content in the entire Nioh franchise that feels underwhelming. Outside of the great boss battles and boss designs, the rest of DLC just feels bland and uninspired. The First Samurai simply doesn't do enough to give the franchise the farewell it deserves.
  11. Dec 22, 2020
    70
    As a whole, I’d feel bad not saying this: Nioh 2 is one of the best games you could play this year, and a weak narrative in its trilogy of DLC won’t change that. The First Samurai might disappoint but this is still Nioh 2 and, in a way, that’s enough.
  12. Mar 5, 2021
    70
    Nioh 2 is already a remarkable game, still its additional content was not good enough to complement it. The First Sammurai is supposed to serve to complete the previous story of the franchise, but it does not offer anything beyond minor adjustments in the endgame. The latest Nioh 2 DLC offers a challenging new dungeon but getting through it may not bring great satisfaction to players. Despite its production levels with great designs on enemies, this DLC feels forced and very poorly planned.
  13. Dec 22, 2020
    70
    That is about all there is to Nioh 2: The First Samurai: a few new missions, a few new skills, and endgame content geared almost exclusively for the top 1% of players. The Season Pass of the game is worth it for the first two DLCs, but the third DLC is so incredibly limited that you have to be a Nioh die-hard. If you are a Nioh die-hard, The First Samurai gives you more things to test your skills on and more ways to optimize your builds, and it's good at that. If you just want to put your Nioh 2 skills to the ultimate test, there is a lot here to potentially kill the heck out of you.
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  1. Mar 1, 2021
    Unfortunately, even these side quests feel lazy, with some occurring as what would be a “boss rush mode” in many other games. While such a mode isn’t necessarily unwelcome, for this to be the bulk of what’s offered is inappropriate. For those seeking a challenge, though, you will certainly find it here. For the completionists, or those who simply want to see the journey through, The First Samurai will sate, not “wow.” For all others, you are likely better off saving your $10. I can’t say I didn’t have fun, but I can say that as epic as Nioh 2 is, the material deserves better.
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 46
  2. Negative: 8 out of 46
  1. Jan 3, 2021
    10
    Very good exclusive Sony PlayStation, nice graphics and a sustained atmosphere of play.
  2. Jan 20, 2021
    10
    Not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of time and commitment. Steep learning curve and very frustrating at the beginning. Having saidNot for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of time and commitment. Steep learning curve and very frustrating at the beginning. Having said that, once you understand the mechanics and make it pass the first difficulty, you will not be able to put it down. One of my all time favorite games. Full Review »
  3. Dec 18, 2020
    9
    3rd dlc was spectacular. Fantastic new yokai, really challengeling and awesome bosses.
    It is sad that is over now but great ending of the
    3rd dlc was spectacular. Fantastic new yokai, really challengeling and awesome bosses.
    It is sad that is over now but great ending of the series.
    Thank you Team Ninja! for having fun, a lot of emotions and adrenalin playing your game
    Full Review »