# Nioh 3 Hands On Impressions and Gameplay

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5VxZhuJF9A
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/L5VxZhuJF9A
Generated: 2025-11-21T13:34:17.623+00:00

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## 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.

![Screenshot at 00:00: The player character engages the massive Yokai boss Nuri botoke in a dimly lit, cavernous arena, highlighting the game's dark, action-heavy combat aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/L5VxZhuJF9A/00-00-00.png)

**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.

### Combat Mechanics

- Ki Pulse (recovering Ki after attacking)
- Style Shift
- Burst Break (using Style Shift or Guardian Spirit Skill with Red Attack)
- Dual Stance Build potential

### Boss Fights

- Engaged Nuri botoke (0:00) and Enra (1:23) in challenging encounters
- Nuri botoke utilizes massive physical attacks and fire abilities.

### Progression & Customization

- Ability to build dedicated Samurai and Ninja styles
- Earned titles like 'Ki Pulse Expert' and 'Wind Master' upon progression.

![Screenshot at 00:00: The player character engages the massive Yokai boss Nuri botoke in a dimly lit, cavernous arena, highlighting the game's dark, action-heavy combat aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/L5VxZhuJF9A/00-00-00.png)
![Screenshot at 0:05: A mid-combat shot showing the player successfully executing a move against Nuri botoke, displaying the game's particle effects and UI elements.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/L5VxZhuJF9A/00-00-05.png)
![Screenshot at 0:13: The player character, wielding both a sword and a gun, confronts the boss Takasugi Shinsaku, demonstrating the game's blend of historical and supernatural weaponry.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/L5VxZhuJF9A/00-00-13.png)
![Screenshot at 1:03: The equipment screen showing detailed stats and special effects for the 'Samurai General's Helmet', illustrating the deep gear customization.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/L5VxZhuJF9A/00-01-03.png)
![Screenshot at 1:11: The Samurai Style skill tree is displayed, highlighting the 'Flux' skill, which enhances Ki recovery through stance switching.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/L5VxZhuJF9A/00-01-11.png)