Nioh 3 Successfully Blends Soulslike Combat with Open World Loot Loops

AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·

Nioh 3 Successfully Blends Soulslike Combat with Open World Loot Loops

Rock Paper Shotgun reviews Nioh 3, praising its successful blend of soulslike combat, open-world exploration, and Diablo-style loot loops.

Team Ninja is back with Nioh 3, and early critical consensus points to another punishing yet deeply rewarding entry in the action role-playing space. According to a recent review by Jeremy Blum over at Rock Paper Shotgun, the latest installment successfully borrows from heavy hitters like Elden Ring, Assassin's Creed, and Diablo. Players step into the shoes of Tokugawa Takechiyo across a time-jumping campaign set in the Sengoku era, dealing with a convoluted plot full of historical and mythological figures. While the narrative might require a bit of patience, the actual moment-to-moment action easily justifies the trip.

Where the game truly shines is its refined combat system, which builds on the stance-switching mechanics of its predecessors while introducing a fluid dual approach to playstyles. Players can instantly toggle between a fast, ranged Ninja setup and a heavier, methodical Samurai approach that relies on strict stamina management and precise parries. This flexibility accommodates different skill levels and keeps encounters dynamic. The addition of Diablo-style loot drops and sprawling open environments ensures that there is always a new weapon to master or a better gear piece to hunt down.

For cross-platform players looking for their next major time sink on PC and console, Nioh 3 offers a dense package that rewards mechanical mastery and deep build crafting. Koei Tecmo has clearly doubled down on what they do best, delivering complex combat encounters and satisfying progression loops. You can read the full review over at Rock Paper Shotgun to dive deeper into the weapon variety and technical performance before jumping in.

Tags: Nioh 3, Team Ninja, Soulslike, PC Gaming, Action RPG

Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun