Eurogamer [Recommended]
Nioh isn't a masterpiece then. It's not quite fresh or original enough to be. But it is a return to form for Team Ninja, a studio many feel had lost its way after the departure of its founder Tomonobu Itagaki in 2008. Nioh's loot-heavy hack and slash doesn't fire on all cylinders - though to be fair its aims seem more singular than that of its competitors - but it's a refreshing reminder of just how thrilling a solid Team Ninja combat encounter can be. Primarily single-player games are on the decline right now, but Nioh is a strong argument for the merits of this withering form.
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.
UsGamer [4/5]
Nioh is Koei Tecmo and 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.
Push Square [8/10]
Nioh is about as approachable as a game of this ilk can be, and while that may offend the hardcore sensibilities of some Souls fans, it's a title that will likely appeal to many players who want a gameplay challenge but are turned off by the obtuse nature of Dark Souls' storytelling and the murky explanations of its mechanics. The experience is marred by some unfortunate difficulty spikes and lacklustre bosses, but the rich loot, levelling systems, and fast, often thrilling combat do more than enough to justify Nioh as a worthy contemporary to From Software's efforts – and an impressive return to form for Team Ninja.
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.
IGN [in progress 9/10]
Attack of the Fanboy [4.5/5]
Team Ninja took their time to ensure that Nioh was as good as it could possibly be, and that time wasn't wasted. The finished product is a fantastic action RPG that may borrow a lot from the Souls series, but nevertheless adds plenty of great twists to the formula to allow it to stand proudly on its own.
Next-Gen Gaming Blog [9/10]
A more accessible yet still challenging take on the tried and tested Souls-like Action RPG, Nioh adds enough nuance and depth to the formula to make it feel fresh and provide a new challenge for players coming out of the back of last year’s Dark Souls 3. With a compelling story, bright visuals and new and interesting locales to visit, Nioh is a must have for Action RPG fans.
JeuxVideo-Live [18/20]
Nioh n’est rien d’autre de plus que la promesse de vivre une aventure palpitante, addictive et exigeante. Doté d’un gameplay qu’il va falloir apprivoiser, le titre de la Team Ninja offre en retour une expérience gratifiante, savoureuse et inoubliable. Un voyage à parcourir seul ou en compagnie d’un ami, dans l’univers fantastique d’un Japon féodal mystique qui manquait cruellement depuis quelques années sur console. Tout simplement un incontournable sur PlayStation 4.
NDTV/Gadgets 360 [8/10]
On the surface, Nioh is a compelling take on a sub genre of role-playing games created by the Souls games and its ilk. However by putting stamina at the core of its combat and thoughtfully borrowing mechanics from other titles, it results in a game that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re a Souls veteran or have a passing interest in such games, Nioh is well worth checking out.
Critical Hit
It’s an absolutely engaging game that’s soul-crushing, yet addictive and satisfying. It’s still early days, but if it manages to keep up this pace, and the story doesn’t completely fall flat, then we could be looking at one of the best games this year and Team Ninja’s explosive comeback.
Eye Eye [8.5/10]
Nioh è un’esperienza brutale, intensa e appagante, che sfida il giocatore ad attraversare panorami altamente suggestivi, colmi di pericoli letali. Sebbene il gioco di Team Ninja sia forte di uno dei migliori combat system mai visti nel panorama di genere, permangono alcuni piccoli dubbi sul bilanciamento generale del gameplay, cui si aggiunge la delusione per l’occasione sprecata di una storia senza mordente e per un comparto tecnico piuttosto claudicante. Malgrado tutto, però, il soulslike di Koei Tecmo ha personalità da vendere e sa come picchiare duro per far felici gli appassionati di genere. Per questo, non possiamo che consigliarvi di insonorizzare le vostre stanze da gioco e lasciarvi trascinare - nel sangue - dall’atroce spasso offerto da Nioh.
XGN [9.2/10]
Toegegeven is het verhaal niet altijd te volgen en worden na verloop van tijd de vijanden nogal vaste kroeggasten, er is een enorme lading aan features die dit goed maken. Nioh is verplichte kost voor iedereen die de genres een warm hart toedraagt. Dit is namelijk de levensweg van de samoerai zoals het bedoeld is.
Gamespot [in progress]
Trusted Reviews [4/5]
Nioh can’t match the gothic grandeur of a Dark Souls and the boss battles may give you nightmares for all the wrong reasons. All the same, by merging aspects of From Software’s classics with elements of its own ninja hits, Team Ninja has crafted its finest game in years. Nioh is every bit as compulsive and challenging as its inspiration, but is smart enough to add some interesting new twists. Love Dark Souls? Love samurai, ninjas and weird oriental fantasy? Jump onboard and prepare to die, cry and experience the magic in-between.
