The Nioh Collection includes both Nioh and Nioh 2 remastered to take advantage of the PS5 along with every single piece of previously released DLC for both games. Developed by Team Ninja, you’ll face off against other samurai in epic sword battles and intense multi-target missions that will test your skills, strategy and patience.
Nioh Collection Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5
Developer(s): Team Ninja (Koei Tecmo Games)
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Two epics tales filled with bloodthirsty warlords and otherworldly demons
Both Nioh and Nioh 2 take place in a fictional 16th century Japan and feature bloodthirsty warlords along with otherworldly demons to take on. Though each games’ story is fairly straightforward, they are very effective. Let me break down each game’s narrative for you.
Nioh
Nioh is loosely based on the story of the first western Samurai, William Adams. The game takes place in a fictional 16th century Japan that has been overrun by yokai, creatures from a supernatural realm. As William, a warrior who has traveled to the eastern regions, you battle other samurai and yokai in order to take back what was stolen from him.
Nioh 2
Nioh 2’s story is even more intriguing and involved than Nioh’s. Just like its predecessor, Nioh 2 takes place in a fictional 16th century Japan. However, the majority of the game takes place before Nioh from the mid to late 1500s during the Warring States period. And, it is not until the later parts of Nioh 2‘s story that we fast-forward and see the events after the final Battle at Osaka in the first game.
In Nioh 2, you play as a half-human, half-supernatural yokai warrior nicknamed Hide. Originating from the Mino Province, Hide spends his time as a mercenary battling yokai. Your journey begins after a victorious battle against a ferocious yokai that causes your powers to go haywire and become uncontrollable. This doesn’t last long as you meet and befriend a wandering Spirit Stone seller. The two form an alliance and set out to explore the land and the deadly Dark Realm.
Grueling difficulty along with relentless enemies
Both Nioh and Nioh 2 feature very similar combat, with Nioh 2 expanding and adding new gameplay mechanics—more on that later. If you are a fan of the Souls games, you’ll instantly recognize that both Nioh games have a lot of gameplay similarities.
Both games share the same level of difficulty and there are similarities in the combat system. Make no mistake, any enemy can kill you in the blink of an eye. You must be patient, technically ready for battle, and know the strengths and weaknesses of your character.
Nioh 2’s gameplay introduces new gameplay mechanics, systems and features
While Nioh 2‘s gameplay is built on the solid foundations of the first game, it has evolved and introduces new gameplay mechanics, systems and features. Two of my favourite new additions to gameplay include the ability to transform into a demon via Yokai Shift and the ability to call in Spirit Guardians to help fight. Both are linked together in that depending on what Guardian Spirit you have equipped determines what form you can transform into.
The Ki gauge returns and acts like your stamina for a variety of actions including attacks, blocks, running, and evading enemies. Moreover, the game retains the focus on using High, Mid, and Low stances to control the flow of encounters with your enemies. However, in Nioh 2, even the weakest of enemies have unblockable attacks. This means you have to master the Burst Counter move, an essential tool in Nioh 2‘s gameplay, to overcome it. Moreover, there is no shortage of weapons when it comes to fighting your enemies.
Some are returning like the katana, axe and spear. And, there are new additions such as the Switchglaive. It’s a huge scythe that can be folded to deliver some pretty swift attacks. Each weapon gives you points as you use them and have their own skill tree that allows you to unlock special moves, buffs and techniques. Moreover, you can equip either two melee or ranged weapons at a time. And, you can switch at any time—even during boss battles.
An enhanced experience on PlayStation 5
The Nioh Collection on PS5 features a wide variety of enhancements that make use of the PS5’s extended processing capabilities in many ways. First, both games offer three graphical modes. Standard offers increased graphical effects running at 60fps with a dynamic resolution. 4K mode drops the extra effects and runs at 60fps with a native 4K resolution. Finally, there is a 120fps mode that drops the game’s resolution to 1080p and runs at a staggering 120 frames-per-second. Overall the performance across both games regardless of the setting is fairly constant with only a few hiccups here and there.
The PS5’s blazing fast SSD shows its value yet again with near instantaneous load times. And, the game makes good use of the DualSense controller’s haptics and adaptive triggers. You can now feel the pullback of a bowstring and the clunk of your weapon hitting an object. Both games feature new 3D audio, which allows you to hear where enemies are and is great for detecting anyone trying to sneak up on you.
Finally, Nioh Collection offers cross-play and cross-save support for PS4. This means that you can play with friends who have the Nioh and Nioh 2 on PS4 online and you can convert your PS4 saves to use on PS5.
Nioh Collection offers two of the most challenging and rewarding games in recent memory
It’s no secret that the Nioh Collection includes two of the most extremely difficult and sometimes overwhelmingly frustrating games in recent memory. However, as difficult as these games are, they are equally as rewarding. Combat is fast-paced and will, without a doubt, keep you on your toes. With the included DLC, Nioh Collection has somewhere in the neighbourhood of 200 or more hours of gameplay along with an amazing amount of treasures to uncover.
If you enjoy the Souls games and aren’t afraid of a challenge, the Nioh Collection is right up your alley. On the other hand, if you aren’t up for a grueling challenge and aren’t familiar with the Souls games, you should probably pass.
+ Both games along with all every single piece of previously released DLC
+ Worthwhile and noticeable PS5 enhancements
+ Epic boss battles
+ Cross-play and cross-save support with PS4
– Level of difficulty in both games can be overwhelming at times
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF NIOH COLLECTION
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 5/5
Overall Rating 4.4/5 (88%)
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This would be so great to play while I’m teaching Japan to my grade 8s
When this is the right price, I’ll consider it.. I’ve tried the first game and it seemed fun and I’ve heard mostly great things about both.
I’ve always loved everthing I have experienced set in that era of Japan’s past. This is definitely a collection I’ll want to check out if I ever get a PS5.
Thanks for the review Jon!
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