Nioh

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2628 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,103 out of 2628
  2. Mixed: 252 out of 2628
  3. Negative: 273 out of 2628
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  1. GreenManGaming
    Mar 23, 2019
    9
    Nioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what actionNioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what action RPGs can be.… Expand
  2. my-games
    Apr 29, 2019
    9
    Nioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what actionNioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what action RPGs can be.… Expand
  3. bcaoo
    Jun 19, 2019
    9
    Nioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what actionNioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what action RPGs can be.… Expand
  4. mainman665
    Feb 18, 2020
    9
    A supremely awsome game with quick load times and way too many machanics which could get a little overwhelming but thank you internet. Only gripe being low res. on action mode.
  5. MatthewDavisMed
    Mar 9, 2022
    9
    An epic souls like samurai experience that's full of content. It doesn't really make much sense to me how the protagonist speaks English while everyone else speaks Japanese. But that's just a nitpick. The game still has a lot to offer with it's brutal combat and epic bosses and side missions.
  6. GabFire
    Aug 11, 2020
    9
    No início fiquei com receio porque achei que era mais um jogo tentando copiar o Demon's Souls, porém quando fui jogá-lo, percebi que é muito bom quanto, achei incrível e amei o visual, super recomendo para quem gosta do estilo.
  7. OvoxRubenxovO
    Feb 15, 2020
    9
    Wie soll man dieses Game bewerten?!?
    Es ist eine Art Souls/Borne Game, es mit diesen Monumenten zu vergleichen wäre jedoch nicht fair.
    Nioh ist schwer und knackig, es bietet viel Raum seinen eigenen Spielstil zu finden und ein nettes Item/Lootsystem. Das Setting ist für mich top auch wenn es an den meisten Orten doch zu dunkel ist. Story ist anfangs etwas sehr konfus aber mit den Stunden    Wie soll man dieses Game bewerten?!?
    Es ist eine Art Souls/Borne Game, es mit diesen Monumenten zu vergleichen wäre jedoch nicht fair.

    Nioh ist schwer und knackig, es bietet viel Raum seinen eigenen Spielstil zu finden und ein nettes Item/Lootsystem.
    Das Setting ist für mich top auch wenn es an den meisten Orten doch zu dunkel ist.
    Story ist anfangs etwas sehr konfus aber mit den Stunden immer packender.
    Das Gameplay war 2 Durchläufe lang ohne Fehler und immer flüssig, mit einer präzisen Steuerung.

    Ich finde es ist dem Hype gerecht.

    PS: es ist kein Vergleich zu Dark Souls usw. soll und muss es aber auch nicht sein.    … Expand
  8. TanjReview
    May 25, 2020
    9
    A great alternative to the famous Dark Souls franchise, Nioh provides an interesting plot with a likeable protagonist and a variety of characters along the way.

    The difficulty is, unlike their FromSoftware rivals, adequate and less punishing than you may expect. The level boss fights are challenging but not frustrating, giving a sense of reward when defeated, with with additional aspect    A great alternative to the famous Dark Souls franchise, Nioh provides an interesting plot with a likeable protagonist and a variety of characters along the way.

    The difficulty is, unlike their FromSoftware rivals, adequate and less punishing than you may expect. The level boss fights are challenging but not frustrating, giving a sense of reward when defeated, with with additional aspect of an AI companion for certain levels adding another dimension to combat. The controls take time to get used to, but once mastered make the game very enjoyable.

    The art-style rings true to the aesthetic of the game the developers were going for, with the samurai/ninja emphasis and the range of levels is fairly diverse, with each level incorporating their own "quirks" that make them unique. Levels are not too long and if you are feeling "short changed" with a level, Nioh provides sub-missions that let you take on further challenges to hone in your skills as a samurai.

    While I usually struggle with vast amounts of item-collecting and typically caring about the rarity of items, this does probably speak to those "scavenger" type players who love to collect and understand the lore of the items within the game, matching the items to the clear Japanese aesthetic the developers were aiming for. I appreciated the blacksmith options to "soul match" items to level up familiar weaponry ad armour, and the "refashion" option to style your protagonist to your suiting. While to some this may seem over the top, it allows for a broad range of options and likely enhances the "replay-ability" should you choose to explore all aspects of the game.

    I was fortunate enough to get this in the PS Plus monthly free games, and I consider myself lucky for this! I am thoroughly enjoying the game and I feel the story, the challenge/reward elements, as well as the possibility of options available make this a fantastic game for anyone who is wanting something along the "Dark Souls" lines but with possibly less frustration, a perhaps clearer narrative and a unique aesthetic.    … Expand
  9. DevilSurvivor
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    There's a lot of Darksidephill's in this review section. Even a dude complain about bosses being impossible to kill without glitches? Bro check youtube and see people do them all Level 1 Naked legit.

    The only thing bad with this game is the uninspired locations and the absolute trash music it has.

    Other than that, it's flawless. And the best thing is, it only gets better in the sequel.
  10. ArisManimal
    Jul 20, 2020
    9
    amazing game that is based on Soulborne philosophy, exceeds the combat one step further with the low-mid-high stance
  11. Jajooka
    Sep 25, 2020
    9
    It is Dark Souls 2.0 imo. It builds ( / steals / copies whichever you prefer ) on everything that is good in dark souls, and improves it in several places and also let go some of the 'harder to like parts'. For example I really don't mind that I dont have to cross half of the map every time to reach a boss. In Nioh there is always a shrine near the bosses. ( I feel like thats why Nioh canIt is Dark Souls 2.0 imo. It builds ( / steals / copies whichever you prefer ) on everything that is good in dark souls, and improves it in several places and also let go some of the 'harder to like parts'. For example I really don't mind that I dont have to cross half of the map every time to reach a boss. In Nioh there is always a shrine near the bosses. ( I feel like thats why Nioh can afford to have more difficult bosses then DS, because you don't have to spend 50% of your efforts just to reach them after they killed you again ) Also the stance system ( low stance when you have faster, but weaker attacks, and best dodge - mid stance with superior blocking - high stance with powerful but slow attacks ) is a definitely a great improvement. The other aspects like story and music are also fine.… Expand
  12. hector_bcn98
    Nov 17, 2022
    9
    Como primera experiencia "Souls" que tuve, con todas sus diferencias y matices, la sensación de satisfacción fue impagable. Team Ninja está tocado por la varita cuando quiere, claro.
  13. JohnTargaryen
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Jogo muito bom, a temática e a jogabilidade são muito boas, fortemente recomendado para fãs de dark souls
  14. Flounder
    Mar 30, 2022
    9
    Es macht wirklich Spaß, mit vielen ungewöhnlichen Mechaniken und hat ein großartiges Setting. Der Kampf ist sehr ungeeignet für 2 gegen 1, was zum Glück größtenteils für das Nachspiel übrig bleibt.
  15. SuperClaudio64
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    Questo gioco è stato il mio primo souls like ed è stato brutale nella sua fase iniziale. Nioh è un gioco molto scorretto verso il giocatore e nella prima regione del gioco ci sono alcuni dei boss più forti del gioco base, uno in particolare in una missione secondaria. Ma con il proseguire dell'avventura, se si impara a capire il sistema di avanzamento del gioco e gestionale delQuesto gioco è stato il mio primo souls like ed è stato brutale nella sua fase iniziale. Nioh è un gioco molto scorretto verso il giocatore e nella prima regione del gioco ci sono alcuni dei boss più forti del gioco base, uno in particolare in una missione secondaria. Ma con il proseguire dell'avventura, se si impara a capire il sistema di avanzamento del gioco e gestionale del equipaggiamento, il gameplay diventerà sempre più facile. Per me è stato un ottimo battesimo del fuoco che poi mi ha portato a divorare Dark Souls1 qualche mese dopo, e sicuramente anche uno dei giochi più frustranti mai giocati. Ma lo adoro proprio perchè è un gioco molto teso e difficile a modo suo.… Expand
  16. VanCan72
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    This game is gonna hit for some and miss for others. I really like the stance system with different specialties, as well as the ki pulse system as a quick stamina recovery and a way to combat zones made by yokai. From there its standard Soulsborne fare in mechanics and whatnot. Beyond that it's very Diablo-esque with its need for number crunching and grinding for loot. Your mileage isThis game is gonna hit for some and miss for others. I really like the stance system with different specialties, as well as the ki pulse system as a quick stamina recovery and a way to combat zones made by yokai. From there its standard Soulsborne fare in mechanics and whatnot. Beyond that it's very Diablo-esque with its need for number crunching and grinding for loot. Your mileage is definitely gonna vary on that aspect alike. I personally enjoyed it very much, from its setting, combat mechanics and and its multitude of bosses that all provide a fantastic challenge… Expand
  17. Tiziown
    May 22, 2021
    9
    Amazing gameplay, probably even better than Dark Souls in that regard.(Not for level design, lore ecc though)
  18. CheetoPhingers
    Aug 18, 2021
    9
    One of them 'git gud' games. Unlike a lot of souls games, it's nice to look at. Exciting and challenging gameplay. Weird having a white guy as a protagonist in feudal(?) Japan.
  19. luminous15cf
    Feb 25, 2022
    9
    The critics score is somehow higher than the sequel, but I think if this game was 88 Nioh 2 is like 93 and most people would agree that the sequel is better than the original. Both amazing games though.
  20. xRodge
    Sep 1, 2021
    9
    Nioh was my first "Souls-like" game, and it had me hooked very early. For a newcomer, the difficulty rating is "off the chart", as I REALLY struggled with the first level. If you're new to this kind of game, you have to throw away everything you know about gaming - "not getting hit" becomes your new goal in life. Healing is very limited and savepoints are few and far between - with evenNioh was my first "Souls-like" game, and it had me hooked very early. For a newcomer, the difficulty rating is "off the chart", as I REALLY struggled with the first level. If you're new to this kind of game, you have to throw away everything you know about gaming - "not getting hit" becomes your new goal in life. Healing is very limited and savepoints are few and far between - with even minor enemies doing huge amounts of damage to you. With this in mind, I can understand anyone who gets frustrated and gives up - maybe even writing a bad review of the game.

    If you can get by the extreme learning curve, you'll find a masterpiece of a game. You can learn what enemies do, and can predict their behaviour (though fighting groups of enemies is never advisable!). Boss fights are, pretty much, all unique and are all difficult in their own way. If you go into boss fights "blind", it's always a challenge to win without at least one death! Still, as mentioned, that's how you learn!

    The graphics are dark and forboding, but do look good throughout. The story is decent, though not overly gripping - I doubt you'll end up caring too much about the main character, throughout. Voice acting is done well enough, though nothing exceptional to report here. Game performance was great, I experienced no performance issues and no bugs worth mentioning.

    Overall, this starts as a frustrating game which evolves into a truly amazing experience, if you stick with it!    … Expand
  21. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 14, 2022
    9
    Nioh is easily the best of the FromSoftware Souls imitators. It doesn't offer quite the same level of quality boss fights as FromSoft's classic, but its combat system is fast paced and challenging, with some high quality level and enemy design. It also features a more robust co-op mode than Souls games, which makes it a far more engaging game to play with a friend.

    However, Nioh's    Nioh is easily the best of the FromSoftware Souls imitators. It doesn't offer quite the same level of quality boss fights as FromSoft's classic, but its combat system is fast paced and challenging, with some high quality level and enemy design. It also features a more robust co-op mode than Souls games, which makes it a far more engaging game to play with a friend.

    However, Nioh's greatest flaw is its inventory system. Nioh's action is constantly being interrupted by incrementally better loot drops and dull menuing.    … Expand
  22. SomeGamerRequal
    May 23, 2022
    9
    The game closest to From Software games, but here the story is more drawn we play William who is an Irish sailor who travels which under certain circumstances ends up in Japan to save his dear Saoirse from alchemist Edward Kelley
  23. ThiefBrRj
    May 30, 2023
    9
    I don't have any criticism against this game. This title is a must play for any souls-like enjoyer. I did it 100% with pride.
  24. nth11
    Mar 3, 2017
    8
    Ok so i'm about 7 or 8 main story bosses in, I am extremely satisfied with the combat system, the loot and the different variations in fighting styles. I love the fact that this game is no walk in the park too. The main story is not too special though, sometimes i find myself pondering whats going on during the cutscenes, this is just sometimes though. My only real dissatisfaction is theOk so i'm about 7 or 8 main story bosses in, I am extremely satisfied with the combat system, the loot and the different variations in fighting styles. I love the fact that this game is no walk in the park too. The main story is not too special though, sometimes i find myself pondering whats going on during the cutscenes, this is just sometimes though. My only real dissatisfaction is the recycled level designs for the side missions, which seem a bit uninspired and just quickly mashed up with a few random enemies. For me this game is solid, and would recommend to anyone. The bosses can be extremely tough though, and the game can be a bit of a grind too, but it feels good overall.… Expand
  25. Harvo
    Aug 5, 2020
    8
    Tons of fun when it lasts. I'm glad i gave this game a second chance, first time i tried I got wrecked but a year later i got good and gave it a another try. Combat is very engaging and challenging but it's fair. It got to the point where I rarely died getting through a level until I got to the boss for a nice challenge.

    Map design could've been better, I understand they want to test    Tons of fun when it lasts. I'm glad i gave this game a second chance, first time i tried I got wrecked but a year later i got good and gave it a another try. Combat is very engaging and challenging but it's fair. It got to the point where I rarely died getting through a level until I got to the boss for a nice challenge.

    Map design could've been better, I understand they want to test people's ability to fight in small spaces and on ledges but it can get very frustrating dying because you fell in water or off a cliff especially after you killed the enemy in your way.

    However it got really boring by the third region(for me at least) the enemies stayed the same, their attack patterns never changed. They just set you up against the mutiple enemies to make it a bit more challenging but not interesting.    … Expand
  26. anubis424
    Feb 20, 2017
    8
    Solid game, great filler for Souls-Borne fans and new comers alike and I have enjoyed almost every minute of my 40 hour experience. While the early game felt as brutal as what I have come to expect from the influential From Software, Team Ninja fail to deliver the same epic scale in terms of boss difficulty and enemy variety that leaves the game stretched thin in some places by the end.Solid game, great filler for Souls-Borne fans and new comers alike and I have enjoyed almost every minute of my 40 hour experience. While the early game felt as brutal as what I have come to expect from the influential From Software, Team Ninja fail to deliver the same epic scale in terms of boss difficulty and enemy variety that leaves the game stretched thin in some places by the end. The loot system is engaging and addicting, preferring an MMO-style loot fest versus Souls fixed gear system. I constantly found myself wanting new gear and doing what I could to improve the stats on my current set. Overall, I would strongly recommend it to any Souls-Borne fans or someone looking for a new type of challenge, but as well as it mirrors From Software, it doesn't quite dethrone the king.… Expand
  27. Ormegasm
    Mar 27, 2017
    8
    Really tight gameplay that is fast paced and keeps you in the game and a story that you wont care about, if you have yet to play this style of game I would recommend an easier stamina management style game like DS2 and then immediately come back and play this.
  28. Rox22
    Apr 16, 2017
    8
    I got to admit, I enjoyed this game more than I thought I would.

    You can see it is trying really hard to be like the Dark Souls and Bloodborne series. However I felt it was far more like the Onimusha series with elements of Souls game. Regardless of its influence, it's great and manages to be it's own thing too. Visually the set pieces are fantastically detailed yet some of the    I got to admit, I enjoyed this game more than I thought I would.

    You can see it is trying really hard to be like the Dark Souls and Bloodborne series. However I felt it was far more like the Onimusha series with elements of Souls game. Regardless of its influence, it's great and manages to be it's own thing too.

    Visually the set pieces are fantastically detailed yet some of the stages were a tad too dark. The camera angle was also irritating at times, often not adjusting properly or positioning itself in poor spots hampering combat at times.

    While I like loot based games, Nioh kind of went overboard. You get too much of it too quickly and too much variety making the crafting and fusing systems almost redundant for most of the first playthrough. Only in NG+ does it calm down to more manageable frequency.

    Combat is allot of fun and gets better once you find the weapon you like the most (personally, I like the lance the most.) However it can get a bit repetitive oce you have a high level character with all skills unlocked. Spamming strong combos can become a thing. Also to note that unlike the Souls games, this game is not difficult, in fact it can be too easy allot of the time. What this game does is punishes carelessness and reckless behaviour. If you don't pay attention to what's going on and your environment you will die. But keep your eyes open and be careful, and the game will be a breeze.

    Overall:
    Nioh is a worthy competitor to the Souls, but still needs a bit more polish in some areas to be what it could be. I hope Nioh 2 learns and improves on this.    … Expand
  29. houyi111
    Mar 12, 2017
    8
    platinumed the game and had a lots of fun... it has a few basic mechanisms as souls series but also unique in many ways. the major problem i have with this game is how unbalanced it is... too many oped spells and cheap ways to beat the bosses...i think the level design, the enemy variety and the boss design are a little lacking... the gameplay, however, is very very good and feels betterplatinumed the game and had a lots of fun... it has a few basic mechanisms as souls series but also unique in many ways. the major problem i have with this game is how unbalanced it is... too many oped spells and cheap ways to beat the bosses...i think the level design, the enemy variety and the boss design are a little lacking... the gameplay, however, is very very good and feels better than souls imo. it is a solid game and could be 9 or 10 out of 10 for a lot of people, but after finished the game i have no desire to replay it for some reasons...i feel the game has its moment but also very grindy and repetitive, so it is a 8 for me.....… Expand
  30. Klotz
    Mar 19, 2017
    8
    PRO:
    -Very cool Combat Mechanics
    -Extensive Skill system -Charakter Customisation NEUTRAL: -Sound and Soundtrack -Story -Crafting -Atmosphere -NPCs -Balancing CON: -Enemy Variety -Level Variety -Backtracking (in Side missions) -The quality and amount of loot -time spend in menus Tldr:Combat and Customisation even better than Dark Souls, Level/Enemy design and    PRO:
    -Very cool Combat Mechanics
    -Extensive Skill system
    -Charakter Customisation

    NEUTRAL:
    -Sound and Soundtrack
    -Story
    -Crafting
    -Atmosphere
    -NPCs
    -Balancing

    CON:
    -Enemy Variety
    -Level Variety
    -Backtracking (in Side missions)
    -The quality and amount of loot
    -time spend in menus
    Tldr:Combat and Customisation even better than Dark Souls, Level/Enemy design and Atmosphere is lacking.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PS4 Game of 2017
10
#10 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
8
#8 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. games(TM)
    May 26, 2017
    80
    Challenging, beautiful and unique. [Issue#105, p.82]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Apr 11, 2017
    90
    The small, scattered levels live in the shadows of the Souls/Bloodborne worlds. Otherwise, Nioh matches - and occasionally surpasses - FromSoftware's genre giants. [Apr 2017, p.77]
  3. CD-Action
    Apr 5, 2017
    85
    After a series of letdowns Team Ninja returns to form it displayed with Ninja Gaiden Black. Nioh is a variation on the Souls series, and although it is not as intriguing story wise, its gameplay is much more enjoyable. [04/2017, p.46]
See all critic reviews »