They're known for creating games with outstanding action mechanics and a certain '90s style of graphics, which I personally find a bit overwhelming due to the "light pollution" (though the game still sticks to a classic Japanese RPG aesthetic with specific background colors to set the mood). Their notable works include Ninja Gaiden, Final Fantasy Origin, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Nioh, Dead or Alive 6, and Rise of the Ronin.
Strengths of the Game
Excellent Combat System and Weapon Design: The depth and breadth of the combat system showcase Team Ninja's long-standing expertise in action games. The game offers 11 different melee weapons, including the iconic katana, along with ranged weapons, hand-to-hand combat, Onmyo magic, Yokai transformations (Brute, Feral, and Phantom types, plus Yokai skills), and ninja abilities, giving players a wide range of playstyle options. You can carry two melee weapons and two ranged weapons, switching between them anytime during gameplay.
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Each weapon in Nioh 2 represents a complete fighting style with three stances (high, mid, and low), each with its own set of moves and combo techniques. Players need to master Ki pulses (similar to the EX-Act system in Devil May Cry) to recover stamina after attacks, and weapon proficiency unlocks special skills and bonuses as you progress.
Unlike FromSoftware games where many weapons feel like "toys" (e.g., the bubble gun in Elden Ring or the long wind-up weapons in Dark Souls 3), every weapon in Nioh 2, including the katana, has a high skill ceiling, and no weapon is a must-pick for any version of the game. As long as you time your moves well (like Ki pulses, Yokai skills, blocking, dodging, and combos), the combat feedback and visual spectacle are extremely satisfying. However, if you're not careful, you can die quickly.
As the game progresses, you unlock new skills for each weapon type, and different weapons counter different enemy types (e.g., using a katana against human enemies to deplete their stamina or dual swords with water-based attacks against large Yokai). The gameplay evolves as you level up, turning into a sort of action RPG mixed with a loot-driven "build" system similar to Diablo as you explore new weapons in later stages.
Rich Historical Background and Japanese Culture: The story of Nioh 2 unfolds during the Sengoku period, blending historical events with Yokai legends. The game tells the stories of famous figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu through the eyes of different characters and their guardian spirits. The inclusion of meticulously designed Japanese armor and traditional weapons, like the katana, adds to the authenticity of the experience. This narrative inspired me to learn more about Japanese history, making Nioh as impactful as Ubisoft games known for their historical accuracy.
Better Character Customization and Transformation Systems: The character customization in Nioh 2 is highly detailed, offering more freedom than typical Soulslike games, with more attractive character models. The transformation system is also interesting, allowing you to change into NPCs, adding more role-playing elements and unlocking hidden content.
Convenient Online Play: Joining multiplayer games is easy—just enter the Torii gate. Co-op is stable throughout the entire game, which is more user-friendly compared to the multiplayer systems in Dark Souls.
A Few Downsides (But They Don’t Detract from the Game’s Quality)
Level Progression Design Needs Adjustment: There's room for dynamic balancing. If you die frequently and don’t recover your lost experience, you might find yourself under-leveled for the next chapter, making progress difficult. This can force you to backtrack and grind, which can be frustrating in a linear or semi-open-world game.
Map Design Could Be Better Thought Out: Some shortcuts in the maps are too close to each other, making them feel pointless. Also, the navigation can be confusing due to the reuse of assets and complex layouts, leading to players getting lost frequently.
Enemy Spamming and Extended Level Length: In later levels, the game tends to spam large groups of powerful enemies, making progress feel artificially prolonged. This can lead to frustrating deaths, especially with attacks from off-screen enemies.
Conclusion
In summary, Nioh 2 has one of the best combat systems in any action RPG, with a strong story and solid presentation. The inclusion of elements like Japanese armor and the iconic katana enrich the game's cultural depth, making it a must-play for fans of action RPGs. I hope Team Ninja continues to improve their graphics, light effects, and minor flaws. I highly recommend Nioh 2 to anyone interested in action RPGs.