Nioh Alpha Demo Impressions - G4@Syfygames

Josh Barnes of G4@Syfygames writes, "When a game gets stuck in development hell, it's difficult not to worry about how well the end result will actually turn out. In the case of Nioh, fans have been waiting 12 years for something they could finally get their hands on. No doubt there's a lot riding on this game for the folks at Team Ninja, who have finally managed to bring this samurai action title to life. To help assuage the worries many might have had, they made the smart decision to release a playable demo this week. After playing it all the way through, I can safely say I'm no longer worried about Nioh's future."

[andrewsquall]

Holy crap, this Alpha is actually called an Alpha? So that means its really a Pre-Pre-Alpha then? If Gears of 4's Pre Alpha was anything to go by, this Nioh is going to be absolutely insane looking by the time it launches.

[Perjoss]

what?

[MRMagoo123]

I think they mean because the gears "beta" was referred to as a "pre alpha" build and that's why it looks like a 360 game graphically then nioh being an "alpha" means it must be a "pre pre alpha" and looks better than gears already. completely off topic but yeh I think that's what they mean.

[Brazz]

japanese standards dude... when they want to show a game, they show it polished, a alpha that almost looks like the final game...

[rocketpanda]

Calm down, they game is slated for 2016, so I don't think it will look "insanely" better if it is expected to release this year. It's like other devs releasing a beta just before a game launches, but in reality the final product is almost identical.

The good thing in the demo you can either play it with better visuals at 30fps or slightly downgraded with 60fps. I think optimization is more important than just looking good, and if they can keep the 60fps as an option, then that will be a big benefit.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Its fun, no doubt about it. Ive actually been longing for some good samurai/ninja action. Wish tenchu would come back.

[Majin-vegeta]

Hoping for Ninja Gaiden 4 after this.Lets forget NG3 ever happened.

[starchild]

I want a new Tenchu so badly. Please, gaming gods, hear our pleas!

That said, the Ni-Oh demo is awesome. It has a Tenchu-like atmosphere, but with SoulsBorne-like gameplay. Truly addictive.

[PFFT]

Same here! I wish From Software would release a new Tenchu. As for Nioh, the game is amazing! I am having a blast with the Demo.

[windblowsagain]

Haven't played it yet, looks like it could be Ninja souls.

[starchild]

It's very much like that. The gameplay is like the Souls games, but with somewhat faster combat overall. Kind of like a cross between Dark Souls and Ninja Gaiden.

Honestly, the demo completely sold me on the game.

[nitus10]

Personally I think game-play is more like what you have in Bloodborne than in a Souls game although they all have similarities. The game is also allot more visceral as well (more along the lines of The Witcher 3) where there is allot of dismemberment rather than lots of blood although there is plenty of that as well.

The lock-on which actually does work seems odd and many times I died with a back stab.

This game looks very promising.

[GrimDragon]

It's Exactly like demon souls in every way. Only more complicated combat, a companion, and more stats to level up. But in a samurai setting. So if you enjoy dieing a lot you'll love this game.

[Goldby]

it isn't the dying we love, its overcoming our obstacles.

[GrimDragon]

By dieing I know.

[nitus10]

IMHO it is more along the lines of Bloodborne with a dash of The Witcher 3 for dismemberment and buckets of blood.

I do agree that for a first time player you will die allot, however like Bloodborne and the Souls games you should play for one or two hours so you can get used to the mechanics of the game then restart, but this time you will have a better handle on the game. That initial what I would call a training session can save hours of frustration.

Just starting a game like this and trying to persevere is IMHO asking for a lesson in frustration. I am well aware there are some really excellent players out there who can get into games like this very easily but most people just give up, not because the game is too hard (which IMHO it isn't) but because they don't approach it a pragmatic way.

Of course we always have what I call the "gung ho" player who just charges in without any thought or preparation and get slaughtered. They may be good at FPS's but games like Bloodbone, Souls and now Nioh require you to plan tactically before you fight and the only time you die is when you make a mistake.

[GrimDragon]

Looks like niohs motto will be "prepare to cry"

[q8kik]

I'm really digging this game.

[trywizardo]

takes difficultly to a new level,one hit from a normal soldier does more than 100% damage....

[starchild]

At first I was convinced it was much harder than the SoulsBorne games, but once I started to get better and level up my attributes I realized it's of a similar difficulty to those games. Maybe just a bit harder.

But the combat is very good. Very tactical, deep, precise and nuanced.

[rocketpanda]

Booted up the demo, felt confident in my gaming skill. Some half arsed samurai scrub runs at me and one shots me!
That said, you learn fast from playing this games, like the souls games, and not some DMC mash up. I am really looking forward to the finished product. The loots system is also pretty interesting, Kill mobs gains you random loots and soon you can take more hits whilst taking on hire levels foes for better loots. It is a nice mix.

[PaleMoonDeath]

Anyone getting a PS2 Onimusha vibe from it? surprisingly enjoyable, despite feeling like a direct Souls rip off it grew on me like crazy.

[Blastoise]

Anyone manage to kill the boss? I did it earlier but it wasn't easy. You unlock exclusive content for the retail release

Game is really cool, very positive first impressions. If it manages to keep the combat fresh throughout the whole game it could be great

[VsAssassin]

This demo is spectacular! Seriously, I haven't played a demo and got hooked in my life until Nioh Alpha Demo! I submitted my feedback just now and I hope they take into consideration all of my suggestions! :)

[downwardspiral]

The demo was fantastic and addicting. I think the game has to potential to be something big.

[Moe-Gunz]

I love this game.

[PFFT]

As i stated in another post i am loving this game. Ive died so many freaking times its awesome! And in my honest opinion it makes Dark Souls 3 look like a walk in the park. Its a day one purchase from me!

[Goldby]

@calmb4thestorm
"denial shouldnt be existant dude ive had my ps4 longer then you have and i can say that this game is a total shocker"

first you dont know how long i have had my ps4, let alone my sony account. i had launch ps1, ps2, ps3 and ps4. sorry sir, but seems like i've had mine longer than you, not to mention having an account on N4G longer than you too bud. you're still in your training diapers.