Nioh (PS4)

I have both played the alpha and beta of this game and I got to say this game is pretty good. There are some aspects that are similar to dark souls in a way. This game features 3 modes which are action, movie and movie (variable). Action prioritizes frame rate over resolution, movie prioritizes resolution over frame rate and movie variable tries to balance out both. When it comes to combat there are 3 stances; the High, Mid and Low stance that go in hand with the weapons you have. I don't really know how to write reviews on game, but it's a buy for me although I will still wait for reviews by video game reviewers or professionals just in case.

Nioh is an immensely layered experience. Through its Dark Souls-inspired combat, you're taught the virtues of patience and the value of defense. At times, enemies fight with the unpredictability of a PvP match. It's normally comforting when you can recognize the patterns of a enemy combo. Yet there's another layer of difficulty when that foe can switch up attacks mid-combo. Each area has its own sense of character not just by conveying widespread destruction in its detailed backgrounds but also by challenging you with environmental puzzles. It is though exploration that you increase your chances of finding weapons and items, often by searching through the seemingly countless corpses strewn throughout the game.

If you're reading this and trying to decide whether or not to pick it up I would say you take the plunge. It's a game that shares a lot of design philosophy with the Dark Souls series but with a very difference aesthetic. It adds a few things to the formula that are welcome additions. The change in scenery is pretty neat too. Overall the only thing I'd have changed would be to allow for character customization and the like. Everyone is playing the same guy with a few hair/beard choices unless you buy specific character models. I'd rather we have more time to customize ourselves, but that's a minor quibble. The game is fun! Give it a chance!

I'm just gonna get straight to the point: Ninja Gaiden influence - fast paced action with learnable skills and maneuvers. Cant find and equip weapons such as Katanas, Axes/Hammers, Spears, Dual Swords, and Kugarishima (sickle and chain) Onimusha - Vibe and feel with setting taking place in a sort of feudal Japan era, enemies and monster designs influenced by this as well "Souls" influence - hard difficulty, leveling up system by collecting Amrita, (Souls in this game) enemies respawn at savepoints and finding shortcuts On its own, it has a Stance based combat system which allows for more dynamic and tactical combat options. Pick this game up NOW

I bought Nioh on a friends suggestion when it came out in February. It was the first time I played a game in the same vein as a Dark Souls or Bloodborne. I instantly fell in love with the feudal Japanese backdrop, which is exquisitely crafted. The attention to detail in the armour and weapons in the game is staggering, as are the amount of options for customization. I loved the story and the super fast paced gameplay (I later played Dark Souls 3 and find the sluggishness to be really bothersome). I even got all the DLC and must say this is one of the best games I have ever played. I cannot wait for the sequel coming later this year.