The original Nioh packed quite a punch when it released in 2017, the samurai Soulslike letting players go to town on Japanese yokai demons in typical fast-paced style from developer Team Ninja. Teased over the last several months, a prequel titled Nioh 2 has now also seen release, presenting a new half-yokai protagonist and touting much more comprehensive gameplay than in the original. With a deeper array of combat options, co-op mechanics, and character customization, the newly-released sequel has so-far looked to have upped the ante in every possible respect.

However, how are the critics responding to Nioh 2? Well, it appears that fans of the original Nioh will likely find this new adventure very fulfilling, especially when it comes to the game’s well-oiled and action-heavy combat. That being said, some reviews note that the sequel’s impressive depth may prove to be overwhelming for those unprepared or uninterested in managing these new systems.

Eurogamer – “Recommended”

“An absorbing, tense and well-wrought samurai adventure let down by a little too much recycling and some muddled new systems.”

Game Informer – 85/100

“Nioh 2, like Nioh before it, is an unrelenting and extremely punishing ride that has you weighing every resource available. Despite some flaws, this experience carves you from an unrefined button-mashing flailing pustule into a precision-striking samurai.”

GamesRadar+ – 90/100

“Nioh 2 might play it safe in some respects, but the fluidity, depth and intensity of its combat is incredible.”

IGN – 90/100

“Nioh 2 is an impressive evolution of its predecessor, strengthening everything that was already great, while mostly leaving its already existing issues alone. Its stellar combat is elevated by the addition of Soul Cores, Burst Counters, and the ways in which those two main new mechanics affect enemy AI and how you approach battles. It’s depth is impressive, even though that can also make it feel a little overwhelming due to how much time must be spent managing Nioh 2’s many systems. If you’re up to the challenge, Nioh 2 is no doubt one of the most difficult and rewarding games of this generation.”

Kotaku – “Truly Special”

“Nioh 2 is a big improvement on an already impressive initial outing. With more weapons and powers, combat expands into something truly special, while the story holds more emotion and impact. Fans of the first will enjoy returning to Japan and seeing familiar characters; they’ll also welcome the fresh challenges. If you’ve never played Nioh or shy away from Soulslike experiences, I can’t stress enough that Nioh 2 is worth checking out. It’s an incredibly smart game that rewards you for your time and patience.”

Nioh 2 is available now on PlayStation 4 with a PC version expected to release sometime in the future. What do you think? Do these reviews have you hoping to get a crack at Nioh 2, or have you already been playing the samurai-themed sequel? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news as soon as it goes live!

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