As the launch date for Team Ninja’s action-RPG Nioh nears, reviews for the long-anticipated title have begun to emerge online.
If you’re eager to get a head start, you can check out our Nioh beginner’s guide, or our in-depth interview here. GameSpot also has a Nioh review in progress up; like many, we haven’t had chance to play enough to deliver our final verdict yet, so that will come later. Until then, take a look at a collection of opinions in the list below. We’ll continue to update this as more reviews surface and as scores are finalised.
For a wider view on Nioh’s critical reception, check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
- Game: Nioh
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Platform: PS4
- Release: February 7 (North America), February 8 (Europe and Australia)
- Price: US $60/£45/AU $85
GameSpot — No score (review in progress)
“Even after spending roughly 40 hours battling my way through Nioh, its progress menu implies that I still have a ways to go. And given that its collectibles have practical value, I have additional incentives to fully explore the world’s many engrossing environments. With any luck, the increased levels that result from these thorough searches also help make the boss fights less of a headache. Given the varying degrees of hardships I’ve encountered up to this point, I can’t wait to see what devious tricks the remaining bosses have up their sleeves as I forge through the rest of the game.” — Miguel Concepcion [Full review in progress]
Game Informer — 9/10
“Nioh will break you down (and note this clearly, this is an uncompromising game that does not mind crushing your dreams) before it lifts you up, but you soon crave the thrill of mastering a new weapon or toppling a titanic boss. Endless optimization and customization, engaging encounters, and unparalleled combat by yourself or with a friend make Nioh an excellent choice for your next dark action-RPG.” — Daniel Tack [Full review]
IGN — 9.6/10
“Nioh could well take over 100 hours if you set out to master its many side missions on top of its tough campaign, but it’s a challenge well worth taking. The way it builds on its most obvious inspirations with a highly refined combat system and an unexpectedly charming, yet gritty style all its own allows it to boldly carve out its own identity, standing as a shining example of what action-RPGs can be.” — Chloi Rad [Full review]
Destructoid — 9/10
“With its emphasis on challenging combat and light storytelling elements that are at times bordering on parody (in a good way), Nioh feels like a true successor to the Ninja Gaiden series and fills a nice void that Souls left behind. Did Team Ninja ever leave? Whatever the case might be, it’s back.” — Chris Carter [Full review]
USgamer — 4/5
“Nioh is Team Ninja taking a more measured approach to what they do best, and is a surprisingly feature-heavy and battle-focused heir to the Soulsborne method. But it ultimately stands on its own, and is a worthy addition to any action-RPG library.” — John Learned [Full review]