Nioh

Nioh is an action role-playing game developed by Team Ninja and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released for PlayStation 4 in February 2017 and later for Windows in November 2017. A version compiling the base game and its three DLC packs was released as The Nioh Collection for PlayStation 5 in 2021.

Set in Sengoku-period Japan, Nioh blends historical settings with supernatural elements. Players assume the role of William Adams, a Western adventurer who travels to Japan and becomes embroiled in a conflict with yokai and rival warlords. The narrative places heavy emphasis on exploration and combat rather than a strictly linear plot.

Gameplay combines fast-paced melee action with a stamina-like resource called Ki and a three-stance system (high, mid, low) that affects reach and defense. The game features a wide array of traditional Japanese weapons, including katana and other blades, spears, axes, kusarigama, and firearms, along with Onmyo magic that summons elemental and yokai powers. Character progression revolves around loot drops, skill trees, and weapon forms. Boss encounters are a core component and are often decisive.

Nioh received generally favorable reviews for its combat depth and challenge, while its difficulty and arcade-like checkpoints drew some criticisms. The game spawned a sequel, Nioh 2, released in 2020, which introduced a new customizable protagonist and expanded combat systems. The series is often cited as a prominent example of modern Soulslike action RPGs.