# Nioh 3 Review: The Action RPG That Wants to Break Your Spirit (and Controller)
Welcome, fellow masochists! If you’ve ever stared at the “Game Over” screen so many times that it’s practically tattooed on your retinas, then you’re in for a treat—or torture—with *Nioh 3*. Yes, Team Ninja is back again with their latest installment, and spoiler alert: it’s just as soul-crushing as you’d expect. Who needs happiness anyway, right?
For those unfamiliar with the series, imagine *Dark Souls* and *Sekiro* had a baby, but then that baby grew up, realized life is pain, and decided to make video games to ensure everyone else understood that too. That’s *Nioh*. And in its third iteration, it’s safe to say that Team Ninja has doubled down on its “git gud or get lost” philosophy. Ready? Let’s dive in.
## What’s New in *Nioh 3*? (Or Should We Say What’s Harder?)
### A Storyline You’ll Pretend to Follow
Let’s get the story out of the way first because, honestly, if you’re here for the narrative, you’re probably in the wrong genre. *Nioh 3* picks up centuries after the events of *Nioh 2*, with a new protagonist and—wait for it—ANOTHER demon invasion. Shocking, I know.
The game tries to weave a rich tapestry of historical fantasy, blending Japanese folklore with enough creative liberty to make any historian cringe. While it’s beautifully presented, let’s be honest—most players will skip the cutscenes faster than a Netflix intro. But hey, the world-building is impressive if you actually pay attention. Gold star for effort, Team Ninja!
### Combat: Because Your Current Blood Pressure Isn’t High Enough
The combat is where *Nioh 3* really shines—or blindsides you. It’s fast, brutal, and so unforgiving that even the tutorial feels like an insult to your gaming skills. The game introduces new weapons, stances, and yokai abilities that add layers of complexity to an already overwhelming system.
Oh, and did I mention the new “Rage Mode”? It’s like a power-up, except you’ll probably die before you figure out how to use it effectively. Pro tip: Don’t.
For those who think they’re clever, the enemy AI has also leveled up. Gone are the days when you could cheese your way through fights. These yokai will dodge, counter, and taunt you until you question every life choice that led you to this moment. Fun times!
## The Graphics and World Design: Stunning, but at What Cost?
Visually, *Nioh 3* is a masterpiece. The environments are gorgeous, from misty forests to crumbling temples. But don’t get too distracted by the scenery; an enemy will probably ambush you the second you stop to admire the cherry blossoms.
The game runs smoothly on next-gen consoles, with lightning-fast loading times that give you no chance to mentally prepare for your next death. Thanks, technology?
## Pros & Cons
### Pros:
– **Gorgeous Graphics**: The world is breathtaking—when you’re not too busy dying to notice.
– **Deep Combat System**: If you survive long enough to master it, the combat is immensely rewarding.
– **Replayability**: With multiple endings, diverse builds, and co-op options, you’ll get your money’s worth (assuming you don’t rage-quit).
### Cons:
– **Punishing Difficulty**: Seriously, who hurt you, Team Ninja?
– **Steep Learning Curve**: Newcomers, beware. There’s no hand-holding here.
– **Forgettable Story**: Unless you’re a Japanese history buff, the narrative won’t leave much of an impression.
## Is *Nioh 3* Worth Your Sanity?
If you’re a fan of the series or just love a good challenge, then yes, *Nioh 3* is absolutely worth it. The game delivers everything you’d expect from an action RPG—intense combat, stunning visuals, and enough frustration to keep your therapist employed.
However, if you’re new to the genre or prefer games that let you, you know, have fun, this might not be for you. Consider starting with something a little more forgiving, like *Hollow Knight* or *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*.
## Don’t Just Take My Word for It
For more details, check out the full review on GamesRadar. Or, if you’re still on the fence, see what the folks at IGN have to say. Spoiler alert: They’re also crying.
## Final Thoughts
*Nioh 3* isn’t just a game; it’s an experience—a painful, borderline sadistic experience, but an experience nonetheless. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: you won’t forget it anytime soon.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your controller, prepare to rage, and enter the world of *Nioh 3*. Just make sure you’ve got a sturdy desk and maybe a stress ball. You’ll need it.
### Call to Action
Have you played *Nioh 3* yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other reviews on action RPGs and gaming trends. Who knows, you might find your next obsession—or nightmare.
