Nioh 2 Review

Combat: The Deepest System in the Genre

Nioh 2's combat system is staggering in its depth. Fifteen weapon types — each with unique movesets across three stances — create a matrix of options that takes hundreds of hours to fully explore. The stance system is not cosmetic: High Stance's heavy attacks break enemy guard; Low Stance's rapid attacks build Ki damage; Mid Stance balances both. Top-tier Nioh 2 play involves stance switching every few attacks to access the optimal moves for each situation.

The Ki Pulse timing turns stamina from a limiting resource into an active combat skill. A perfectly timed Ki Pulse after a combo recovers nearly all spent Ki, letting players sustain aggressive offense indefinitely. Missing the pulse leaves you vulnerable and forces retreat. This timing-based resource recovery, combined with managing three stances and Yokai abilities, creates a skill ceiling that few action games approach.

Gameplay and Progression

Missions are selected from a map rather than explored as a connected world — a divisive but functional design. Each mission has multiple difficulty ratings and hidden objectives that reward completion. Loot drops constantly from every enemy, and the endgame loop of farming specific missions for specific gear rolls is compelling for min-maxers. The three DLC campaigns each add new mission chains, weapons, and Yokai abilities without requiring the previous campaigns.

Story and World

Nioh 2 is a prequel set during the Sengoku period alongside historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga, blended with Yokai folklore. The story is more accessible than typical FromSoftware lore but still requires attention to follow. The character creator lets you build your protagonist from scratch, giving the narrative a personal dimension that the original Nioh lacked.

Graphics and Performance

The Complete Edition on PC is the definitive version — supporting high frame rates, high resolution, and excellent texture quality. The PS5 version also runs at 60fps. The visual style blends historical accuracy with supernatural spectacle effectively, though it doesn't reach the artistic heights of Bloodborne or Sekiro.

Verdict

Nioh 2 is the most mechanically complex Soulslike ever made. If you've mastered FromSoftware's output and want something harder and deeper, Nioh 2 is the answer. The Complete Edition is exceptional value.

Pros & Cons