Nioh 2
In short: Nioh 2 is an RPG game released in 2020 by Team Ninja, available on PC, PS5 and PS4. Our score: 9.0/10 (highly recommended).
An acclaimed RPG by Team Ninja.
Nioh 2, developed by Team Ninja and released in 2020, dives deep into the Sengoku period of Japan, blending historical fiction with Yokai mythology and demon-slaying action. Players step into the role of a custom-created half-human, half-Yokai protagonist, a 'Shiftling,' who navigates a land plagued by war and supernatural entities. The narrative follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as they grapple with their dual nature, seeking to quell the encroaching darkness and uncover the truth behind the ambitious warlords and mischievous spirits that populate this turbulent era. The story is rich with lore, drawing extensively from Japanese folklore, and presents a compelling saga of power struggles, betrayal, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Gameplay in Nioh 2 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, offering a Souls-like combat experience that is both punishing and deeply rewarding. Players engage in fast-paced, strategic combat, mastering a variety of weapon types, each with its own unique move sets and attack styles. The Ki (stamina) management system is central to survival, demanding players to carefully balance offense and defense. A key innovation in Nioh 2 is the inclusion of Yokai abilities and soul cores, allowing players to harness the powers of defeated demons. This introduces a new layer of customization and tactical depth, letting players transform into Yokai forms or unleash devastating Yokai-specific attacks. The game also features…
Game details
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Publisher: Koei Tecmo
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4
- Category: RPG
Our review
Nioh 2 is a masterclass in action-RPG design, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor while introducing innovative new mechanics. Team Ninja has crafted a brutal yet rewarding experience that challenges players to master its intricate combat system. The Yokai Shift and Burst Counter additions are game-changers, offering new strategic depth to every encounter. While the narrative can be somewhat convoluted at times, the sheer joy of combat and the wealth of content more than make up for it. The game's visual presentation is stunning, particularly on next-gen hardware, and the character customization is extensive. With New Game+ modes and a plethora of side missions, Nioh 2 offers incredible replay value.
Pros
- Deep and rewarding combat
- Excellent enemy design
- High replayability
- Stunning visuals
- Extensive character customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Story can be convoluted
- Some areas can feel repetitive
FAQ
- What type of game is Nioh 2?
- Nioh 2 is an action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Team Ninja.
- When was Nioh 2 released and on which platforms?
- Nioh 2 was released in 2020 and is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4.
- Who is the developer and publisher of Nioh 2?
- Nioh 2 was developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo.
- Is Nioh 2 a continuation of the first Nioh game?
- Nioh 2 is a prequel to the original Nioh, telling the story from before the first game's events.
- What are some key gameplay features of Nioh 2?
- Nioh 2 features intense combat, a deep loot system, character customization, and the ability to transform into a Yokai.
More about this game
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Last updated: 01/04/2026