Welcome, brave soul, to the world of Nioh — where death is not just an inconvenience; it’s a way of life! Developed by Team Ninja, The Nioh Collection compiles both the original Nioh and its sequel, delivering a heaping dose of samurai action and an avalanche of monstrous yokai. So sharpen your blades and prepare for a challenge that will have you yelling 'not again!' more times than you care to admit.
Jumping into the dangerous waters of Nioh means you’d better come prepared. We’re talking about a combat system that requires the finesse of a surgeon and the timing of a seasoned pianist playing 'Chopsticks' after a few too many energy drinks. Combat is all about managing Ki, your stamina bar that, if depleted, leaves you vulnerable to even the scrappiest of foes — yes, that includes the one-eyed demon who looks like it skipped leg day. Nioh’s complexity involves different stances: High, Mid, and Low — which are not just fancy names for your yoga class. Each stance affects your attacking and defensive capabilities, making the right choice essential to victory. High Stance means dealing heavy damage (think of it as swinging for the fences), while Low Stance offers more rapid attacks but with less oomph. The Mid Stance is there for those who can’t commit to either because, let’s be honest, commitment is hard. And just when you think you’ve grasped the controls, enter the Ki Pulse! Executing this little magical maneuver at the right moment will refill your Ki and grant buffs. It’s like hitting the ‘undo’ button, but with way more swordplay and a lot less regret. You die a lot, yes, but the thrill of revenge is what keeps you going. You can even harness guardian spirits for added abilities, making every encounter feel like a mini boss fight — more like a boss fight where you are ARE the boss… until you’re not.
Oh, the visuals! Nioh is a feast for the eyes, showcasing beautifully recreated Edo-period Japan, accompanied by imaginative designs of its yokai enemies. The textures are crisp enough to see the sweat on your character’s brow as they struggle against a particularly nasty foe. The dynamic lighting and environments often feel alive, reacting to your presence (or is that just the impending doom?). The PS5 enhancements mean smooth framerates and stunning graphics, so you can appreciate all the artistic effort while dying repeatedly like a true warrior.
If you’re a fan of challenging gameplay, rich lore, and the chance to shout at your TV in frustration, The Nioh Collection is your playground. It’s not just a game; it’s a commitment, a journey, and perhaps, a lesson in humility. But don’t let the fear of failure hold you back – embrace the struggle, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the beautiful chaos of battle. After all, every death brings you one step closer to enlightenment… or at least to stunningly beautiful death screens. This collection is worth every single penny and all the rage you’ll inevitably exude. So, strap in and get ready for the samurai experience of a lifetime.