...
Combat in Nioh is top-class and feels like the natural progression of a game of this type. Using their experience with both the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchise, Team Ninja has supercharged the ‘souls’ formula with more responsive assaults.
A 3-stage ‘stance’ system for experts to weave through mid-combat keeps things flowing, and a ‘ki focus’ gauge that acts a little like the Active Reload function found in Gears of War rewards well-timed micro-management with more nimble movements and follow-up strikes. You’re encouraged to regularly swap weapons to deal with specific foes, but sticking to your guns (so to speak) isn’t impossible.
Additional combos are unlocked with skill points as you master its complex systems, but you’re never forced to duck, weave and stance-dance like a pro; you’ll just find things massively more satisfying if you do.
[...]
