Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have flung open the gates of hell with Nioh 3's full official release on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC via Steam. The dark samurai action RPG invites players to embody Tokugawa Takechiyo, future shogun of Edo-era Japan, as he battles yokai hordes unleashed by his jealous brother Kunimatsu. Guided by the Guardian Spirit Kusanagi, Takechiyo time-travels across history to reclaim peace, facing non-stop demonic onslaughts in the new Crucible mode.
The story spans unprecedented scale, from Edo Castle to Warring States Totomi, Heian Kyoto, and franchise-first Bakumatsu era. Vast open fields let players roam beautiful, yokai-infested landscapes, blending exploration with brutal combat. A launch trailer showcases relentless foes and era-hopping chaos, setting the tone for high-stakes Soulslike action.
Combat evolves with switchable Samurai and Ninja styles. Samurai emphasizes grounded stances, new Arts Proficiency for Martial Arts boosts, and Deflect parries to counter at the last second. Ninja prioritizes agility: aerial assaults, Ninjutsu from range, Mist afterimages for distraction, and Evade dodges for backstabs.
Before diving in, grab the free demo to try the game out. The demo has features like solo/multiplayer (up to three players cross-platform), custom characters, and Warring States action capped by boss Jakotsu-baba. Saved data carries over; complete the demo by February 15th for the Twin-Snake Helmet bonus.
Game Editions to cater to collectors: Standard (base game), Digital Deluxe (items + Season Pass for two future DLCs), SteelBook Launch (premium case). Early purchase bonuses apply across versions via PS Store/Steam. NIS America Store exclusives include a TREASURE BOX with artbook, soundtrack CD, keychain, and desk pad.
Reception for the game has been rolling in pretty strong. Metacritic sits at 84-86, with IGN praising it having "best-in-class combat" revitalizing the formula. Steam boasts Very Positive (83% from 1,256 reviews), shattering series concurrent peaks thanks to simultaneous PC/PS5 launch. Demo feedback glows: Reddit users call its open world "better than Elden Ring," with 5+ hour sessions common despite bugs. We will see what more people think about the game as more time passes, however it appears to be pretty positive so far.
Japanese/English audio supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish text. Whether parrying yokai in Kyoto or ninja-flipping through Bakumatsu, Nioh 3 delivers punishing mastery. Download the demo or grab it now; hell awaits the shogun-to-be.
What are your thoughts on the game so far? Have you already played it or are you planning on it playing it soon? Let us know what you like about it in the comments below! As always, stay tuned to Gamefragger.com for more video game news and updates!