Nioh 3 Demo, Full Review: A Brutal, Confident Return to Form

Team Ninja is back with Nioh 3, and the demo gives us a surprisingly generous look at what the full game will offer when it launches on February 6th. This is the third entry in the series, but instead of continuing the story of William or the characters from Nioh 2, the game introduces a new protagonist and a fresh narrative direction. And right away, it’s clear the studio isn’t playing it safe.

The demo covers the game's opening chapter, and, importantly, your save data carries over into the full release. Even better, if you complete the demo before launch, you’ll earn a special in-game item as a reward. It’s a smart incentive, and it makes the demo feel like a meaningful head start rather than a throwaway slice.

A Battlefield Full of Tension

Nioh 3 wastes no time throwing you into danger. The opening area is an open field filled with enemies, ambushes, and environmental challenges, and it sets the tone immediately: this is a world where every step matters.

The level design leans into verticality and branching paths, rewarding exploration with shortcuts, loot, and hidden encounters. It’s familiar territory for Nioh fans, but the pacing feels tighter and more deliberate this time around.

Every fight feels like a test. Every corner feels like a threat. And that’s exactly what you want from a Nioh game.

Two Fighting Styles, One Brutal Combat System

The biggest mechanical twist in Nioh 3 is the introduction of two distinct fighting styles:

• Samurai Style: A direct, powerful stance built for players who want to face enemies head-on. Heavy strikes, strong blocks, and a focus on precision.

• Ninja Style: Fast, agile, and technique-driven. You weave in and out of danger, using special moves, mobility, and trickery to overwhelm enemies.

Switching between these styles mid-combat adds a new layer of strategy. It’s not just about choosing a stance; it’s about adapting to the enemy in front of you. Some fights practically demand that you switch styles on the fly, and mastering that rhythm feels incredibly satisfying.

The core combat is still very much Souls-like, but the style‑switching gives Nioh 3 its own identity. It’s fast, punishing, and deeply rewarding.

Character Creation: Deep, Flexible, and Stylish

Team Ninja continues to deliver one of the best character creators in the genre. The demo lets you fully customize your character with:

• Detailed facial sculpting

• Hairstyles and accessories

• Body proportions

• Armor previews

It’s robust without being overwhelming, and the results look fantastic in-game thanks to the improved visuals.

Graphics and Presentation

The graphics are a noticeable step up from Nioh 2. Environments feel sharper, lighting is more dramatic, and character models have more detail and expression. It’s not pushing the absolute limits of modern hardware, but it’s clean, stylish, and unmistakably Team Ninja. Animations are fluid, enemy designs are striking, and the Yokai look as terrifying as ever.

A Strong Story Hook

The demo opens with a surprisingly engaging narrative setup. You play as a shogun to be, a rising leader betrayed by your own allies, allies who have secretly aligned themselves with the Yokai.

It’s a classic setup of ambition, betrayal, and supernatural corruption, and it fits perfectly within the Nioh universe. The cutscenes are well-paced, and the voice acting feels more grounded than in previous entries. If the story maintains this level of intrigue, Nioh 3 could end up being the most narratively compelling game in the series.

Online Features: Help or Challenge Other Players

Online functionality returns with two major features:

• Summon Help: You can call in other players to assist you with difficult encounters. It’s a lifesaver for newcomers and a fun co‑op experience for veterans.

• Fight Player Remnants: If another player dies in your world, their “remnant” appears. You can challenge it for rewards, but be warned, these fights can be brutal.

These systems add replayability and unpredictability to every run.

Final Thoughts

The Nioh 3 demo is a confident, polished slice of what looks like a strong sequel. The combat is fast and flexible, the story starts with real momentum, and the new fighting styles give the series a fresh identity.

If the full game maintains this level of quality, Nioh 3 could easily become one of the standout action RPGs of the year.

For now, the demo is absolutely worth your time, especially since your progress carries over and you earn a bonus for completing it.

You can pre-purchase the game now, but as always, don’t preorder until you’ve seen the full game. The demo is promising, but the industry has taught us to be cautious.