Introduction
Released in 2020 by Team Ninja, Nioh 2 serves as both a prequel and a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Nioh. Building on the solid foundation of its predecessor, Nioh 2 brings an even more intricate combat system, deeper RPG mechanics, and an engaging narrative steeped in Japanese mythology and history. The game not only refines what made the first Nioh so beloved but introduces new gameplay elements that elevate the overall experience.
In this article, we will dive into the world of Nioh 2, exploring its story, combat mechanics, character customization, and how it stacks up against the original game. Additionally, we’ll cover what makes it a standout action RPG in a highly competitive genre.
The Storyline of Nioh 2
A Darker Tale Set Before the Events of Nioh
Nioh 2 takes place in the late 1500s during Japan’s Sengoku period, a time of intense civil war and political unrest. Players assume the role of a custom-created protagonist, referred to as Hide, who is a half-human, half-Yokai warrior. As a shift from the first game’s protagonist, William, Nioh 2 allows players to forge their own character, offering a more personalized experience.
The story follows Hide’s journey to stop Kashin Koji, a powerful sorcerer who seeks to use spirit stones to plunge Japan into chaos. As the player uncovers Koji’s dark ambitions, they become entangled in both the political struggles of the era and the supernatural battles with Yokai, Japan’s mythical demons.
Meeting Legendary Figures
Much like the original Nioh, historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu play prominent roles in the narrative. These characters, interwoven with the game’s supernatural elements, create a fascinating blend of real history and fantastical storytelling. The historical accuracy of the settings, combined with the ever-present danger of Yokai, lends Nioh 2 a unique atmosphere, capturing the chaos of the period.
Nioh 2’s Enhanced Combat System
Refining the Intensity of Combat
One of the core strengths of Nioh 2 is its refined combat system. While it retains the fast-paced, punishing nature of the original, several new mechanics make the experience even more dynamic and engaging.
- Ki Pulse: Returning from the first game, Ki Pulse remains integral to combat. Players must time button presses after attacking to recover stamina (Ki). Mastering this mechanic is crucial for maintaining fluid combat and avoiding exhaustion.
- Stances: Nioh 2 retains the high, mid, and low stance system, giving players versatility in how they approach each battle. Each stance offers different advantages in terms of speed, power, and defense, allowing for highly strategic play.
Yokai Abilities: Embracing Your Inner Demon
A major new feature in Nioh 2 is the introduction of Yokai abilities. Since the player character is part Yokai, they can transform into powerful demon forms. These transformations grant temporary invincibility and access to devastating attacks, known as Burst Counters, which are essential for taking down some of the game’s toughest enemies.
Players can also collect Soul Cores, dropped by defeated Yokai, which allow them to summon Yokai abilities in battle. These abilities vary depending on the enemy from which they are obtained, adding a layer of strategy to which Yokai powers to equip and use.
Burst Counter and Yokai Realms
The Burst Counter is another new mechanic that allows players to parry powerful enemy attacks. Timing a Burst Counter correctly can turn the tide of a battle, especially against bosses who use devastating burst attacks. Mastering the Burst Counter is a key component of success in Nioh 2’s hardest encounters.
In addition, certain areas of the game are infested with Yokai Realms, which disrupt the player’s Ki regeneration and empower enemies. Clearing these areas requires precise timing and the use of Ki Pulse to remove the corruption, providing an additional challenge in already difficult zones.
Customization and Character Progression in Nioh 2
Deeper Character Creation
One of the standout features of Nioh 2 compared to the first game is its character creation system. From the very beginning, players can design their own protagonist, customizing every detail of their appearance. This feature allows for a more immersive experience, as players can create a character that feels personal to them, whether they wish to resemble a traditional samurai or a fearsome Yokai warrior.
Expansive Skill Trees
Character progression in Nioh 2 is highly customizable, offering multiple skill trees based on weapon types, Yokai abilities, and Onmyo magic or Ninjutsu techniques. The weapon skill trees allow players to unlock powerful combos, special moves, and passives that enhance their combat effectiveness. The flexibility of the system encourages experimentation, as players can develop builds around their preferred playstyle, whether it be melee-focused, magic, or ranged combat.
Guardian Spirits and Soul Cores
In Nioh 2, Guardian Spirits return with an added twist. Guardian Spirits still provide passive bonuses and enable the Living Weapon transformations, but players can now augment these spirits with Soul Cores. These cores are collected from defeated Yokai and allow players to harness the powers of these creatures in battle. The customization of Guardian Spirits with Soul Cores adds a layer of depth to character progression, allowing for powerful synergies between spirit abilities and Yokai attacks.
Weapon Variety and Loot System
A Plethora of Weapon Choices
Nioh 2 expands on the original’s weapon variety by introducing new weapon types, such as the Switchglaive, a transforming weapon that shifts between scythe, spear, and sword forms depending on the player’s stance. Other weapons like dual katanas, spears, odachis, and tonfas return from the first game, offering a broad range of options for players to experiment with.
Each weapon comes with its own skill tree, enabling unique playstyles that cater to different combat preferences. The depth and diversity of weapons ensure that no two playthroughs feel the same, as players can constantly evolve their strategies by switching between weapons.
A Rewarding Loot System
Nioh 2 features a robust loot system, with equipment drops offering randomized stats and bonuses. This encourages players to continually upgrade their gear and experiment with different builds. Players can tailor their character’s stats and skills to complement their chosen weapons and playstyle, whether it’s focusing on high damage output, defense, or magical abilities.
Boss Battles: A Test of Skill and Strategy
Memorable Boss Fights
One of the highlights of Nioh 2 is its challenging and diverse boss battles. Each boss is designed to test the player’s understanding of the game’s mechanics, including Ki management, Burst Counter usage, and stance switching. Boss fights in Nioh 2 often require patience and persistence, as learning attack patterns and adapting to the Yokai’s abilities is crucial to overcoming them.
Human and Yokai Enemies
Nioh 2 features a mix of human and Yokai bosses, each with distinct fighting styles. Human bosses often rely on traditional weapon-based combat, while Yokai bosses employ devastating magical and supernatural attacks. The variety keeps each encounter fresh and forces players to adapt their strategies on the fly.
Multiplayer and Co-op Features in Nioh 2
Summoning Friends for Help
Nioh 2 retains the co-op multiplayer mechanics from the first game, allowing players to summon friends or other players to help tackle difficult levels or bosses. This system encourages cooperative gameplay and offers a way for less-experienced players to progress through the game’s more challenging sections.
Benevolent Graves
A new addition in Nioh 2 is the Benevolent Grave system, where players can leave behind AI-controlled versions of their characters to aid others. Summoning these AI allies can help players overcome particularly tough areas when playing solo, providing additional combat support.
Visuals and Sound Design
A Stunning Depiction of Feudal Japan
Nioh 2’s environments are beautifully designed, with each location bringing the war-torn Sengoku period to life. From ancient temples and mist-covered forests to desolate battlefields, the game’s attention to detail is remarkable. The infusion of Yokai influence in many areas creates an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere that enhances the game’s tension and mood.
Immersive Soundtrack
The soundtrack in Nioh 2 complements the game’s tone perfectly, combining traditional Japanese instruments with modern, atmospheric compositions. The music shifts dynamically based on the situation, whether it’s the quiet exploration of an eerie Yokai realm or the intense, adrenaline-pumping moments during a boss fight.
Conclusion
Nioh 2 stands as a masterclass in action RPG design, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor while introducing new gameplay mechanics that make it feel fresh and challenging. Its refined combat system, deep customization options, and immersive world combine to create an experience that both rewards and punishes players in equal measure.
The addition of Yokai abilities and transformations offers a new layer of strategy, while the intense boss battles and multiplayer options ensure that players have multiple ways to tackle the game’s toughest challenges. Whether you’re a veteran of the Soulsborne genre or new to these types of games, Nio
h 2’s complex systems and rewarding gameplay make it a standout title that will keep you engaged for hours.
