Alright, fellow gamer, you’ve come to the right place! Nioh 3 reviews, you say? Well, grab your katana and get ready, because *Nioh 3* just dropped today, February 6, 2026, and the critics are already sharpening their blades (and their keyboards!).

Developed by the legendary Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, *Nioh 3* is the latest entry in the brutal, fast-paced dark fantasy action RPG series, available on PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam). This time, the game takes place *after* the events of the previous titles, following a new protagonist, a young warrior destined to become the next Shogun, as they navigate a war-torn Sengoku period Japan filled with deadly yokai and mythical creatures.

So, what’s the verdict from the gaming experts?

**The Good, The Bad, and The Yokai-Slaying Ugly:**

* **Combat is King (and Queen, and Shogun!)** Unsurprisingly, *Nioh 3*’s combat is receiving high praise, with many calling it the best in the series to date. The game retains its trademark speed but introduces a more deliberate feel, emphasizing positioning and timing. A significant new feature is the “dual-style combat system,” allowing players to seamlessly switch between Samurai and Ninja techniques, adding even more depth and strategic options to the already meticulously crafted mechanics. Reviewers highlight the consistently engaging battles, well-designed bosses, and satisfying impact of weapons. One reviewer even stated, “This is Nioh at its absolute peak, and an early contender for one of 2026’s best games.”
* **Open World, Open Questions:** *Nioh 3* ventures into an “open-field” or “open zone” design, a departure from the more linear levels of its predecessors. While some reviewers appreciate the compelling reasons to explore and the increased environmental density, others feel it can lead to some repetition and “bloating,” preventing it from reaching the “sense of wonder” found in games like *Elden Ring*. It seems the open-world aspect is a bit of a mixed bag, with some finding the side quests to be “busywork”.
* **Story and Presentation:** While Team Ninja isn’t always known for its groundbreaking narratives, *Nioh 3* offers a “strangely relatable narrative” of sibling jealousy and ambition, which resonated with at least one reviewer. The game has also significantly upped its production values, with excellently produced cutscenes and voice acting, and impressive graphical fidelity. However, some found the abundance of particle effects and environmental detail could be “a little overbearing” during intense fights.
* **New Mechanics – A Few Stumbles:** Not every new addition lands perfectly. The “Burst Breaks,” a new skill designed to repel powerful attacks, are noted by some as feeling “underpowered and oddly unsatisfying” compared to other core combat mechanics.
* **Endgame and DLC:** Historically, Nioh games truly shine in their endgame with New Game Plus cycles and deeper loot tiers. *Nioh 3* is confirmed to have two DLCs planned, with the first expected by the end of September 2026 and the second by the end of February 2027, which will likely expand on the endgame experience.

In summary, *Nioh 3* is being hailed as a strong, highly polished, and incredibly satisfying addition to the franchise, particularly for its combat. While the narrative and open-world design have a few minor stumbles, the overall consensus is that Team Ninja has delivered their best game and combat system to date.

If you’re a fan of challenging action RPGs and intense, strategic combat, it sounds like *Nioh 3* is a must-play. Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk of yokai and katanas has me itching to jump back into a game. What’s next on your gaming agenda? Perhaps some tips for mastering the new Ninja Style?