One of the coolest and most successful new gaming IPs in recent years is Nioh. Combining challenging samurai hack and slash action with a supernatural yet historically-inspired setting, the game reminds players of both Onimusha and Soulsborne titles while succeeding on its own. Though the series officially ended with its second entry, there's no reason that gamers can't go back and enjoy the entire adventure again on the newest generation of consoles.
Both Nioh and Nioh 2 will be available for Sony's PlayStation 5, and these aren't simply mere re-releases to pad out the PS5's lineup either. With improved graphics and all of the DLC included, even those who have already beaten both games are sure to get their money's worth with these remasters. Here's what gamers can expect out of these new versions when they drop on PS5 and PC next month.
Nioh 1
Nioh made initially waves because its narrative is based off of an unproduced Akira Kurosawa script. Based off of the life of English samurai William Adams, the 2017 game's real-world inspiration is bolstered with a litany of supernatural elements. These include real-life sorcerer Edward Kelley and the hordes of yokai which his powers summon, with their presence muddying Japan's ability to unify as a nation.
Developed by Team Ninja, the game fit right in with the studio's particular brand of difficult but fun action titles. An action-RPG, Nioh allows players to guide William through a third-person 1600s Japan, battling yokai and gaining experience points along the way. The player can also use the money they gain to obtain new weapons and armor created by a blacksmith, aiding them in their increasingly difficult adventure. Cooperative multiplayer also allows others to join in on the fight.
What Does the Remaster Contain?
The remaster will contain all of the original game's DLC, which include Dragon of the North, Defiant Honor and Bloodshed's End. All of these DLC packs added new weapons, armor, enemies, locations and story, with the remaster giving players the complete story in one package. Releasing on February 5, the PS5 remaster can be purchased individually or as part of The Nioh Collection. This remaster supports 4K resolution and up to 120 FPS gameplay.
Nioh 2
Releasing last year (three years after the long-delayed original), Nioh 2 is both a prequel and a sequel to its predecessor. Most of the game's story takes place during the 1500s, though the grand finale occurs after the first game's conclusion. Instead of a historical protagonist, the new main character is a human/yokai hybrid named Hide. As Japan still wrestles with the concept of unification, Hide himself loses control of his yokai powers as he embarks on an adventure with a merchant named Tokichiro. Though Hide is fictional, Tokichiro and other characters are based off of Japanese historical figures.
Nioh 2 Remastered
February 5 will also see the release both Nioh 2 - The Complete Edition and Nioh 2 Remastered. The former will be available on PlayStation 4 and PC, and contains the base game plus all three of the DLC add-on packs. Buying the PS4 version of Complete Edition will allow you to later upgrade to the PlayStation 5 remastered version for free. The same can be done if you simply own the base game, but the Tengu's Disciple, Darkness In the Capital and The First Samurai DLC would have to be purchased separately. Save data can also be transferred between versions, ensuring that no progress or experience will be lost.
As for Nioh 2 Remastered, it will release for PS5 individually and as part of The Nioh Collection. The PS5 remaster supports 4K resolution and up to 120 FPS. The PC release of Nioh 2 supports 4K Ultra-HD and ultra-widescreen resolutions, as well as HDR and 144Hz monitors, with frame rates of up to 120FPS on capable systems. This all comes together to make the high-octane action move even smoother and faster. The game's load times are also much quicker, fixing one of the original release's biggest criticisms.
While the PS5 remasters can be purchased separately, they are $50 each compared to $70 for both in the collection. This compilation and the graphical upgrades that it offers will be unavailable for the PlayStation 4, so it's all simply a matter of whether or not you've upgraded to the latest console. The PC version also includes exclusive armor called the "Valve Helmet," making that release worth checking out as well.