Nioh 3 Hands On Impressions and Gameplay

Quick Overview

The hands-on impressions of Nioh 3 suggest that despite the reviewer starting from ground zero without prior Nioh experience, the game offers a great deal of depth through its complex systems, refined combat mechanics like Ki Pulse and Style Shifting, and dual-stance build capabilities, all showcased during challenging boss fights against Nuri botoke and Enra.

Key Points: The reviewer spent several hours with Nioh 3, fighting bosses like Nuri botoke and Enra, noting the combat feels familiar yet refined. The game features complex systems that offer significant depth for players to work with. Key combat mechanics demonstrated include Ki Pulse (recovering Ki after an attack), Style Shifting, and Burst Break (using Style Shift or Guardian Spirit Skill with a Red Attack). The reviewer expressed a strong desire to jump back in and learn more about the systems, praising the depth. The combat allows for building entirely new characters in both Samurai and Ninja forms, emphasizing build customization. The reviewer earned titles like "Ki Pulse Expert" and "Wind Master" during the gameplay session, indicating progression rewards.

Context: This video presents first impressions and extended gameplay footage of Nioh 3, specifically focusing on combat mechanics and boss encounters within the 1864 CE - Bakumatsu setting, which the reviewer notes has branching paths and ruins despite not being a fully open world.

Detailed Analysis

The reviewer, new to the Nioh series, spent several hours playing Nioh 3 and came away impressed by the depth of its complex systems and refined combat, particularly noting the familiar yet highly malleable mechanics. The combat involves engaging massive Yokai bosses like Nuri botoke (0:00) and Enra (1:23). Key mechanics highlighted include the Ki Pulse, which increases Ki recovery upon successful execution after an attack, and the Burst Break system, which involves using Style Shift or a Guardian Spirit Skill combined with a Red Attack. The reviewer explored the 1864 CE - Bakumatsu region (0:24), which features branching paths through ruined buildings and chasms, and showcased the ability to build entirely new characters in both Samurai and Ninja forms, utilizing dual Yin and Yang stance abilities. Upon defeating bosses, the player earned reputation titles such as "Ki Pulse Expert" and "Wind Master" (1:28, 10:54), confirming a satisfying sense of progression.