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Nioh 2 refines the challenging yet rewarding gameplay of its predecessor, offering a deep and engaging experience for players willing to dedicate themselves to mastering its intricate mechanics. This isn’t just about difficulty for difficulty’s sake; it’s about the satisfaction of overcoming adversity through patience, learning, and understanding the game’s nuances, much like the acclaimed titles from FromSoftware. While “difficult” is often associated with these games, the true appeal lies in the triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds.

FromSoftware’s success hinges on creating fair challenges where every death is a learning opportunity. This encourages careful observation, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of enemy behavior and environmental cues. The reward isn’t always tangible loot, but the intrinsic feeling of accomplishment. This approach has not only redefined action RPGs but also spawned the entire “Souls-like” genre.

Many developers have attempted to replicate FromSoftware’s formula, with varying degrees of success. Games like Lords of the Fallen attempted a direct imitation, while others, like the original Nioh, took inspiration while forging their own unique identity. Nioh carved its niche with its compelling historical setting, fast-paced combat, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay, proving that the Souls-like formula could be successfully adapted and innovated upon. The question remains: does Nioh 2 live up to its predecessor’s legacy?

Refining the Formula

Nioh 2 successfully builds upon the foundation of the original, expanding existing features and introducing exciting new mechanics. The most immediate change is the character creator, allowing players to personalize their experience beyond the fixed protagonist of the first game. While not revolutionary, it offers a welcome level of customization.

Nioh 2 Character Customization

Returning are all the weapon types from the original Nioh and its DLC, joined by two new additions: Dual Hatchets and the Switchglaive. While the Dual Hatchets might seem like a simple reskin of the Dual Swords, they offer a distinct playstyle, focusing on slower, ranged attacks. Holding the attack button in low stance throws a barrage of hatchets, mid stance throws both simultaneously, and high stance throws a single, piercing hatchet.

The Switchglaive, reminiscent of a transforming weapon from Bloodborne, offers three distinct forms. High stance transforms it into a scythe, pulling enemies closer for devastating attacks; mid stance functions like a spear, effective for thrusting and breaking guards; and low stance creates a swift, large blade ideal for close-range combat.

Nioh 2 Switchglaive

Instead of simply empowering the player’s weapon, the “Living Weapon” mechanic is replaced by the Yokai Shift, a full-fledged transformation into a demonic form. Guardian Spirits grant access to one of three Yokai forms: Brute (power-focused melee), Feral (speed and agility), and Phantom (ranged attacks). Even without activating the full Yokai Shift, players can briefly assume a Yokai form to perform a Burst Counter against red-glowing enemy attacks. Each form’s Burst Counter offers different advantages, from powerful counter-attacks to evasive maneuvers.

The Power of Anima

These abilities are fueled by Anima, a new resource introduced in Nioh 2. Anima is crucial for Burst Counters and summoning Yokai abilities. Defeated enemies may drop Soul Cores, which can be attuned at Shrines to unlock these powerful abilities. Starting with one Guardian Spirit and two Soul Cores, players can gradually expand their arsenal throughout the game. These Anima-powered abilities are invaluable for depleting enemy Ki, opening them up for devastating attacks.

Nioh 2 Anima and Yokai Abilities

Returning from the first game are the collectible Kodama spirits hidden throughout the levels. Nioh 2 introduces Sudama, purple Kodama that trade items with the player, and Scampuss, cat-like spirits that follow the player, providing minor offensive support and Anima regeneration.

• Sudama Spirit
• Scampuss Spirit

These additions might seem to make Nioh 2 easier, but they are balanced by the introduction of the Dark Realm.

Embracing the Darkness

The Dark Realm expands on the Yokai Realm from the first game. While the Yokai Realm was a localized area that hampered Ki regeneration, the Dark Realm engulfs larger areas and significantly increases enemy strength and aggression. It’s a persistent threat that demands strategic thinking and resource management.

Players must venture into the Dark Realm to defeat its source, often a powerful Yokai or environmental hazard. Inside, Ki regeneration is severely limited, forcing players to adopt a more cautious approach. Bosses can also temporarily create Dark Realms during combat, adding another layer of complexity to encounters.

Nioh 2 Boss Fight in Dark Realm

These Dark Realm phases force players to adapt, either by weathering the storm, strategically utilizing Yokai abilities, or focusing on Ki damage to dispel the darkness and create an opening for a decisive strike.

A Faster Pace

The new mechanics significantly alter the flow of combat. While Nioh emphasized careful observation and punishing enemy openings, Nioh 2 allows for a more proactive approach. Burst Counters provide opportunities to create openings and disrupt enemy attacks, leading to a faster and more dynamic combat experience.

Nioh 2 Fast-Paced Combat

Nioh 2 demands not only mastery of combat mechanics but also the ability to control the pace of battle, using Anima abilities, Yokai Shift, and Burst Counters to manipulate the flow of combat to your advantage.

A Visual Feast

Carrying over from the first game is the impressive character and enemy design. Team Ninja blends historical accuracy with fantastical elements, creating visually striking and memorable characters. This is particularly evident in boss designs, such as Saito Yoshitatsu and Magara Naotaka.

Nioh 2 Character Design

The Yokai designs are equally impressive, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore and mythology. Each creature has a distinct visual identity and unique attack patterns, contributing to the game’s rich and immersive world.

Nioh 2 successfully expands upon its predecessor’s foundation, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for those willing to master its intricacies. It’s a game that respects the player’s dedication, rewarding patience and skill with a profound sense of accomplishment.