It matters very little if you’ve never played the original game; Nioh 2 is a fantastic game to play. A sequel to Nioh, the game focuses still on an intimidating Japanese history. It does approach the storytelling in a slightly different way, with more explanation of events and proceedings throughout the game. However, what’s worth emphasizing is the intense gameplay that keeps you at the edge of your seat.

I’ve had to play this game over and over again – each time with an unhappy ending. But it’s not the type of game you give up on. You dust yourself and do it all over again. The missions are long and winding, with victories coming at the heels of a hard fight. For some gainful distractions from the main missions, there are sub-missions you can try. Not once did the sub-missions feel like a distant relative of the games, with each having some sorts of enthrallment that pumps the adrenaline.

The Design Is Nothing Short Of Fantastic

If the levels in Nioh were confusing to navigate, expect a denser one in Nioh. The intricate design on the paths and routes got me wandering several times, but when I eventually got my way around, it was an impressive design, to say the least.

This mazy design of the area provides an incredible advantage during gameplay. For instance, you have a group of monsters right at the main gate. Rather than walking into the danger, you can look for alternative routes around or a great position to fire at them. If such complexity weren’t there, you’d have to continuously embrace limitations in solving problems.

The missions depend heavily on the game’s designs, developing in ways you can hardly predict. This feature, in addition to the missions’ versatility, creates a pure thrill. There’s a dungeon leading to an incredible castle of heavy-flowered towers. On another scene is an expansive rice field surrounding a rather dull garrison.  You’re draining canals in one and fighting scores of enemies in another.

Deplete Your Enemies’ ‘ki’ In Epic Combats

There are several areas where Nioh 2 makes its mark, but where it truly glows is the close combat. Like in the original game, it’s all a battle of whose ki outlives the other. Exhausting your ki paralyzes you for a moment, and a complete depletion knocks you out. Similarly, when your enemy’s ki runs out, a single blow takes them out.

Besides really putting up a good fight, you can keep your ki up by activating ki pulse, which recharges your ki with every attack. That allows you to maintain an unwavering tempo in your combat. Regardless of the enemy’s size or ferocity, they are yours for the taking once you run their ki down. With smaller enemies, it’s easier to take them out.

How do you manage your ki effectively during combat? You still have dodges, finishing moves, and stance switches, but newer features take them to a new level. There are also new weapons to make the attack even better. My favorites so far are the switchglaive and dual hatchets. You also have unique Yokai powers that give you momentarily supernatural abilities. Turn into a monster and rip your opponent apart with a deadly move.

I discovered late in my first playthrough that I could use a special feature, called the burst counter, to ruin an enemy’s often-catastrophic burst attacks. Activating the feature with the right timing not only prevents the attack but shortens their ki levels. You get to use one of the three burst counter types: brute, phantom, and feral. Your Guardian Spirit decides which of them is at your disposal.

In all, the combat is fluid and responsive. While there’s a repertoire of attack methods and defenses to use, winning a fight is usually a great ordeal. Many a time, it boils down to your skill, tenacity, and grit. 

Even More Exciting Boss Battles

If the regular combats are nerve-racking, then the boss battles are even more exasperating. But don’t we all love them that way? Underrate an enemy boss (which some players do base on size) at your peril. They’re usually tough, with several doses of speed and versatility. So falling at their hands isn’t so much to weep over. Instead, every such defeat provides an opportunity to learn and come back stronger. It took me several attempts to bring some enemy bosses to their knees. You should expect the same.

While the many additions to Nioh 2 deserve a great deal of commendation, they seem to be too much. You’ll often come across some environments more often than you accept without a grin. Sometimes, the missions take longer than necessary, and leveling up becomes a too-familiar routine. 

What’s My Verdict?

Without a doubt, Nioh 2 is an imposing sequel to the original game, with many new layers that significantly impact the gaming experience. The combat is improved with the addition of burst counters and new weapons that take a greater dig at the enemies’ ki. Even though the game’s depth sometimes gives it an annoying drag, it’s impressive nevertheless. It does take some time and several gameplays getting used to the dynamic of the game, but that’s about the best thing about Nioh 2 – nothing good comes easy.