Nioh 3 Review: A Masterful Soulslike That Outshines Elden Ring in Combat
One of the most exceptional Soulslike games ever created has arrived, standing proudly distinct from Dark Souls and its many imitators, while drawing inevitable comparisons to Elden Ring. It has been fifteen years since Dark Souls revolutionised the gaming industry's approach to difficulty, proving that players crave genuine challenge over hand-holding simplicity. This legacy has spawned countless clones, but the Nioh series, first appearing in 2017, has consistently risen above the rest through its focus on intricate, rewarding combat.
A Franchise Reborn with Refined Ambition
Following the assumption that 2020's Nioh 2 would be the series finale, the arrival of Nioh 3 is a welcome surprise. Should this prove to be the franchise's final chapter, developer Team Ninja can rest assured they have crafted a title worthy of admiration, even from Dark Souls creator FromSoftware. The narrative, however, remains a weak point. Loosely inspired by an unfinished Akira Kurosawa script about English navigator William Adams, the story transforms the protagonist into an Irish descendant of a former shōgun, embroiled in a conflict with an evil brother amidst yōkai-infested ancient Japan. This thin premise primarily serves to justify time-travel across four distinct historical eras, adding little substance to the core experience.
Dual Combat Styles: Samurai Precision Meets Ninja Agility
The most significant evolution in Nioh 3 is the introduction of two completely separate combat styles, fundamentally altering the gameplay dynamics. The familiar samurai style retains the series' hallmark three-weapon stances and the crucial Ki Pulse mechanic, allowing skilled players to reclaim stamina mid-combo. In contrast, the new ninja style focuses on evasion, aerial manoeuvres, and ranged attacks, replacing weapon stances with specialised tools like shuriken and caltrops, alongside fantastical special abilities.
This ninja archetype cannot use the Ki Pulse but gains the ability to create clones as distractions, enabling stealthy backstabs—a subtle nod to classics like Tenchu. Impressively, players can switch between these styles at will, though equipment remains exclusive to each class. This versatility is layered atop deep skill trees for both types and the return of Guardian Spirits, which enable elemental Ki draining, temporary transformations, and even summoning defeated bosses to fight alongside you.
Accessible Depth in a Demanding Genre
Despite its complexity, Nioh 3 is arguably the most accessible entry in the trilogy. The ninja style's straightforward approach, devoid of stances, offers a gentler learning curve, while the game gradually introduces its myriad systems. It demands attention but not superhuman reflexes, rewarding player effort with immensely satisfying, physical combat. The sheer variety of enemies, drawn from Japanese mythology, ensures encounters remain fresh and engaging throughout.
Open World Design: A Departure from Elden Ring
While comparisons to Elden Ring are inevitable, Nioh 3's open world is distinctly different. Rather than a single seamless map, it features multiple separate areas, reminiscent of Team Ninja's earlier Rise Of The Rōnin. These range from linear, Dark Souls-inspired layouts to more open-ended environments brimming with secrets. Another key divergence is the inclusion of explicit side quests, occasionally venturing into Ubisoft-style territory with enemy camp clearances and collectible hunts. This structure allows players to tackle challenges at their own pace, providing alternatives when faced with daunting bosses.
Graphical Flaws and Persistent Series Issues
Visually, Nioh 3 is a mixed bag. Some areas showcase impressive detail and artistry, while others suffer from inconsistent frame rates—a surprising flaw for a PlayStation console exclusive. The game also perpetuates the series' longstanding loot problem, where excessive item drops render gear almost meaningless. Although new automation features for picking up and recycling loot alleviate some busywork, the core issue remains unaddressed.
A High Bar for the Soulslike Genre
In a genre that saw a quiet 2025, Nioh 3 revitalises the Soulslike landscape with daring innovation and polished execution. It stands as the pinnacle of the trilogy and the best non-FromSoftware entry in the genre, setting a remarkably high standard for future titles. While its storytelling falters and loot system frustrates, its combat depth, accessibility, and sheer variety cement its status as a modern classic.
Score: 9/10
Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed) and PC
Price: £64.99
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
Release Date: 6th February 2026
Age Rating: 18
