Nioh 2: The Complete Edition

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 8,527 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Nioh 2: The Complete Edition Game Cover
Raising the genre's high bar, Nioh 2 runs and plays beautifully. But perhaps you can have too much of a good thing.
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Nioh 2 is a historical hack and slash game set in Sengoku-era Japan, where you play as a half-human, half-supernatural Yokai warrior. Experience a challenging action RPG with a revamped combat system and the ability to transform into a full Yokai. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a Season Pass, exclusive armor and weapons, and additional PS4 customization options. Play solo or with up to 2 players in multiplayer mode.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,527 reviews
story360 positive mentions
grinding230 negative mentions
  • story1,707 mentions

    The story in Nioh 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it serviceable but lacking depth and coherence. While some appreciate the incorporation of historical figures and events from Japan's Sengoku period, others criticize the storytelling as disjointed and underdeveloped, often relying on character bios for context. Overall, the narrative serves primarily as a backdrop to the game's challenging combat and extensive gameplay mechanics, with many players prioritizing the action over the plot.

    • “The story is engaging but could have been crafted better, taking players on a journey through feudal Japan filled with mythological creatures and political intrigue.”
    • “The story is interesting and well written, and the level design is astonishing.”
    • “The story is practically non-existent, but that's not why you are playing this game for.”
    • “The story is a joy ride and I highly recommend not skipping them because it offers a narrative that augments what your motives are at different parts of the game.”
    • “The story is both well-done, and wholesome; one capable of dragging tears from my eyes on two occasions.”
  • gameplay1,467 mentions

    The gameplay of Nioh 2 is widely praised for its depth and complexity, featuring a variety of mechanics such as stance switching, ki management, and yokai abilities that enhance combat fluidity and customization. While the steep learning curve can be daunting for newcomers, many players find the rewarding combat and extensive build options to be highly engaging, making it a standout in the souls-like genre. However, some criticisms arise regarding the overwhelming number of mechanics and occasional balance issues, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The gameplay is incredibly addicting, rewarding to those who explore and make full use of the skills while also punishing every single decision or input error heavily.”
    • “Nioh 2 is a perfect blend of the souls-like gameplay and difficulty with added superb combat system and RNG system (similar to Diablo).”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and fluid, and very responsive.”
    • “The game has so many mechanics that it can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning.”
    • “The mechanics can be complicated such as ki pulsing, flux I and flux II, but upon taking my time and understanding the tutorials the game gives you, really makes me feel like a samurai learning the way of the katana, as you level up your character and gear you can combine buffs and combos which makes the gameplay fast and intense.”
    • “The gameplay loop of the boss kills me in 2 hits and I have to hit him 200 times is wholly unsatisfying.”
  • graphics447 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the art style, character designs, and overall visual aesthetics as beautiful and immersive. However, some players noted issues with performance, such as frame rate drops and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. While the visuals are generally considered good, they do not reach the high standards set by other recent AAA titles, leading to some criticism regarding their fidelity and optimization.

    • “The graphics are really good in this game with detailed models and environments.”
    • “The graphics hold up and the gameplay is just as good.”
    • “The visuals are gorgeous at times and the yokai elements add a bit of flair to keep it interesting.”
    • “The graphics are blurry and headache-inducing.”
    • “The graphics of the game seem dated for a 2020-2021 release.”
    • “True, it's still got a steep learning curve, and the unremarkable graphics coupled with bare bones and often lazy level design means it'll never match Dark Souls in the aesthetic department.”
  • optimization285 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting smooth performance and high frame rates, while others experience significant stuttering and frame drops, particularly in graphically intensive areas. Many users suggest that adjusting settings, such as lowering effects quality, can alleviate performance issues, but overall, the game is seen as needing further optimization, especially for those with mid-range hardware. Despite these concerns, some players have noted improvements since launch, indicating that ongoing patches may address many of the initial performance problems.

    • “Performance-wise, I had no issues, despite the game having beautiful graphics and me not having the best PC.”
    • “Nioh 2 instead launched with all of its DLC included, for a discounted price, completely DRM-free, and it's an extremely well-optimized port that looks great, runs great, and isn't overly demanding in terms of computer specs.”
    • “Despite some issues, like incorrect button prompts for mouse and keyboard controls, optimization problems, and visuals not much improved over the PlayStation 4 release, the PC version is a solid port that's worth your money, especially if you have the system capable of taking advantage of exclusive features like ultrawide resolutions and up to 120 fps gameplay.”
    • “This game is atrociously badly optimized.”
    • “Game is horrendously optimized, filled with random frame drops (i.e. when Mezuki launches rocks) despite a capable hardware system that is above the recommended specs.”
    • “Nice game, but the optimization is just shit.”
  • grinding244 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it can be tedious and time-consuming, it is often seen as rewarding for those who enjoy deep customization and character builds. Some players appreciate the loot system and the ability to farm gear from defeated enemies, while others find the inventory management and repetitive nature of grinding to be overwhelming and detracting from the overall experience. Ultimately, the game's grindiness is a double-edged sword, appealing to hardcore players but potentially alienating those who prefer a more streamlined experience.

    • “If I had a slight gripe about it, and perhaps this is a problem unique to me, but I experienced it in Nioh 1 as well, I always seem to fall behind the recommended level curve. It isn't stopping my progress, but maybe I'm just not grinding as much as this game anticipates.”
    • “And this game is not grindy at all; you don't really need to farm because there are enough side levels to help you on main levels.”
    • “Nioh 2 is much better than the first Nioh. The story is cool and gameplay is great, challenging enough if you're running a lightweight build or not grinding a lot.”
    • “The late game is just too tedious; I can't be bothered to chip away at another physics-defining boss for 20 minutes.”
    • “It feels like I've spent more time farming for perfect drops than I have actually playing the game.”
    • “The game is extremely grindy if you're going to push your way to the Way of the Nioh difficulty.”
  • music167 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its blend of orchestral, digital, and traditional Japanese elements that enhance the overall experience. While some tracks are described as memorable and emotionally impactful, a few players noted that certain pieces can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and immersion.

    • “First, the music is a mix of orchestral band, digital sound and mixing, and traditional Japanese instruments, which came out great and has a lot of impact on how you experience the game.”
    • “The music is simply a treat to listen to, the graphics are absolutely beautiful, the gameplay is solid and the story is well written.”
    • “The soundtrack complements the game really well and the main theme is phenomenal.”
    • “Some of the music is short repeating loops that can grate after awhile, even though for the most part the music is great.”
    • “The music is a bit weaker side; there are only a lot of strong music pieces, though many of them aren't very memorable.”
    • “Music: 4/10. All the music sounds flat and nothing really sticks out as a track you would want to listen to again.”
  • replayability119 mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by diverse weapon options, character builds, and multiple New Game Plus modes that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the depth of the combat system and the variety of challenges, making it rewarding to explore different playstyles. While some feel that replayability may hinge on personal enjoyment and difficulty preferences, the overall consensus highlights a wealth of content and opportunities for repeated play.

    • “There are even some two-ending missions where if you do a specific thing, you can get a different ending, get an NPC to partner up with you in another mission, or unlock a new quest line for that NPC near the end of the game, which is really dope and allows for some replayability.”
    • “The game has unparalleled replayability and is worth every single penny.”
    • “The stance switching, the skills, the weapon types, the skill trees, the stat points, the level cap, the spells, the combat, the damage numbers, the lootsplosions, the difficulty, and most importantly the builds and almost infinite replayability when it comes to making multiple builds and testing them out is what makes me fall in love with Nioh 1 and 2.”
    • “Unless you really liked the game and want to play on harder difficulties, there really isn't much replayability.”
    • “So I just finished my first playthrough including all DLC, maybe it's just me but the replay value this game has is abysmal compared to other games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne in my opinion, there's so much more complexity when it comes to how you can build your character and combat itself.”
    • “The story may be lackluster to some people but it makes up for it 100-fold in its combat, builds, and replayability.”
  • stability73 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a generally smooth experience on various hardware setups, while others encounter significant bugs, crashes, and performance issues, particularly in online modes. Many users noted that while the game can be fun despite its glitches, it often suffers from inconsistent performance, especially on PC. Overall, stability seems to vary widely depending on the platform and individual system configurations, with some patches improving the situation for certain players.

    • “Nioh 2 launched with all of its DLC included, for a discounted price, completely DRM-free, and it's an extremely well-optimized port that looks great, runs great, and isn't overly demanding in terms of computer specs.”
    • “Personally, my game is stable with patch 1.27.02 and runs great (Ryzen 5600X/RTX 2080).”
    • “No bugs and runs great; it just takes the same system from the first game and expands it.”
    • “Very buggy, especially when online.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess post the 1.27 patch—crashes, black screens, and vanishing menu text galore.”
    • “It freezes, the mouse and keyboard controls randomly do not work, and on top of that the on-screen prompts, status bars, and all information disappear.”
  • atmosphere45 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is described as a mix of beautiful visuals and a haunting soundtrack, with many reviewers praising its mystical and eerie qualities, particularly in relation to Japanese mythology. However, some critiques highlight that it lacks the depth and coherence found in other titles like the Dark Souls series, with opinions varying on whether it surpasses or falls short of its predecessor, Nioh. Overall, while the atmosphere is generally appreciated, it is noted that it may not reach the same heights as other acclaimed games in the genre.

    • “Fluid combat, beautiful visuals and sound design, a foreboding atmosphere, plenty of loot, and unique monsters from Japanese mythology.”
    • “It oozes a mystical and eerie Japanese atmosphere; the presentation reminds me a lot of some Fatal Frame games in the levels I have done so far, which is a good thing.”
    • “The atmosphere, the scale of the story, historical touch, design... sure, gameplay-wise Nioh wasn't that special, but like I said, there was something in it.”
    • “The overall atmosphere of the game is worse compared to the original Nioh, because it seems as if sometimes it’s just too much; an example of this would be the addition of the new switchglaive weapon, which looks and feels as if it came straight out of a mediocre shonen manga.”
    • “This is also one of the reasons why the game's atmosphere suffered compared to the first Nioh.”
    • “I am really disappointed in Nioh 2 not only for not being an upgrade from Nioh, but rather being a downgrade, both in its atmosphere and mechanics.”
  • humor35 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of slapstick and absurdity, with players finding amusement in quirky animations, unexpected moments, and the often ridiculous interactions with NPCs. While the storyline may not be deeply engaging, it features comedic elements that lighten the overall experience, making it more enjoyable, especially when played with friends. Players appreciate the blend of humor with challenging gameplay, resulting in entertaining and sometimes hilarious scenarios.

    • “Results in some very funny animations.”
    • “The story isn't depressing like Dark Souls; there is some humor and stuff I think many will enjoy.”
    • “Very entertaining and funny storyline with cinematics.”
    • “Nioh is either so easy it's not funny or it's a complete joke how hard it is.”
  • emotional29 mentions

    Players have expressed that the emotional depth of the game is profound, with many moments evoking strong feelings ranging from joy to heartbreak. The story, enriched by historical context and character development, resonates deeply, often leading to tears and a sense of connection to the narrative. Despite the game's challenging mechanics causing frustration, the overall experience is described as emotionally rewarding, with a soundtrack that enhances the emotional impact of key moments.

    • “I can't remember a game where the story has moved me so and made me feel so many strong emotions.”
    • “The story is both well-done and wholesome; one capable of dragging tears from my eyes on two occasions.”
    • “The tale of Tokichiro is just beautifully done and managed to be quite emotional at times, with an absolutely excellent ending that ties into the first game in an amazing way.”
  • character development23 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while the character design is praised for its innovation and aesthetic appeal, many reviewers feel that the narrative lacks depth and fails to create emotional investment in the characters. Some highlight the RPG elements and skill trees that allow for customization and progression, but overall, the storytelling is seen as disjointed, leaving players wanting more intimate character arcs and connections to the plot.

    • “The depth of combat, the depth of character development and creation as the game goes on, is incredible.”
    • “Fantastic and punishing combat action combined with deep character development makes for hundreds of hours of enjoyment, and perhaps a few hours of tears.”
    • “Lightning-quick intense combat, RPG-style character development with lots of viable options, weapon and armor optimization, skill trees, a billion and eight mechanics, multiplayer co-op, etc.”
    • “The storytelling is all over the place with no real character development to even make it worthwhile.”
    • “It lacks the necessary character development to make players invested in the story and the fate of each character.”
    • “The game's story is wide in scale, but lacks any intimate character development and plotlines that make you care about the events unfolding.”
  • monetization8 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the reliance on ads during boss fights and the grinding mechanics tied to daily missions, which they find frustrating for a primarily single-player experience. However, others appreciate that the game avoids microtransactions and loot boxes, suggesting that it focuses on delivering a complete experience without resorting to exploitative practices. Overall, while some view the monetization as a cash grab, others commend the absence of typical monetization pitfalls.

    • “While other sequels and new entries in the latest history have been anything in-between extremely disappointing and criminally unfinished, Nioh 2 surpassed its predecessor and didn't need microtransactions, loot boxes, or other scummy practices to excel.”
    • “So many times they ramp up the difficulty by using gank fights and especially putting in ads in boss fights, which is just lazy poor design.”
    • “It's very dishonest and seems like a simple cash grab.”
    • “Complete wasted opportunity again by a cash grab console port.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Nioh 2: The Complete Edition

Play time

127hMedian play time
199hAverage play time
39-300hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 70 analyzed playthroughs

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