Overcome thematic puzzles to bring back a lost life in a mythic sci-fi narrative
CATANIA, Italy – 5 Feb. 2026 –Mirage 7, the narrative-driven action-adventure from developer Drakkar Dev and publisher Blowfish Studios, tells a timeless tale on Friday, 6 March 2026 for PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam, Epic Game Store, and GOG.
A determined spirit and a desperate wish drive Nadira on a harrowing adventure across a hauntingly beautiful world. Venture across atmospheric deserts infusing the tales of Arabian Nights into futuristic sci-fi to ask the impossible: how far will Nadira go to find the lost Princess Taishma, the only person capable of resurrecting her beloved sister?
Traverse rolling waves of sand and investigate forgotten ruins to decode a series of unsolved mysteries. Team up with Jiji, Nadira’s lizard companion, to solve intricate environmental puzzles and gather valuable resources along the way to craft life-saving tools. The road ahead is fraught with dangers: wield a humble dagger to defeat towering insects, and slay ghostly warriors with a deadly-accurate slingshot.
Navigate a lost paradise inspired by the award-winning short story, Miraggio. Tailor the experience with three different difficulties, featuring added puzzle hints in Story mode or stronger enemies in Challenge mode. Unveil the true intentions behind the Witch of Jala and the enigmatic overseer, Vizier (voiced by Dying Light 2 and Chernobylite’sAndy Mack).
“The narrative plays a key role in Mirage 7, and everything from the environmental puzzles to the mysterious characters contributes to this core element,” said Manlio Greco, founder of Drakkar Dev. “Explorers will soon be able to embark on a fateful journey of courage, loss, and betrayal, and we can’t wait to unfold the whole story very soon.”
Mirage 7 will launch on Friday, 6 March 2026 for PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam, Epic Game Store, and GOG. To learn more, visit Mirage 7’sofficial site, follow the team on X and Facebook, join the community on Discord, and search #Mirage7, #DrakkarDev, and #Blowfishstudios on social media.
About Drakkar Dev
Drakkar Dev was created in 2010 by Domenico Gallo and Manlio Greco. Based in Catania, Italy, the studio is focused on creating handcrafted original experiences that respect the player and reward them with valuable content and unforgettable adventures.
Blowfish Studios is an award-winning game developer and publisher based in Sydney, Australia. The studio strives to release original multi-platform games, while also collaborating with developers from around the world. As developers first, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any partnership. The studio provides development services to get the game release ready, porting to all major platforms, platform approval, marketing, and promotion to the world. Blowfish Studios is a part of Animoca Brands’ gaming-focused endeavors. To learn more about Blowfish Studios please visit the team’s official website,
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 4, 2026 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, has announced a major Lunar New Year update for its brutal dark fantasy MMORPG Raven2. Players can experience multiple events that offer valuable rewards including El’s Summon Selection Chest and 2026 Ancient Coffer.
To honor the holiday season, various events are running until February 25:
Garden of Dawn Event Dungeon: Explore this Lunar New Year-themed event dungeon to collect New Year Messages and Dawn Lucky Pouch. The New Year Messages can be used to craft diverse items and Dawn Lucky Pouch, which can be exchanged for valuable items such as 2026 Ancient Coffer and even offer an opportunity to craft El’s Summon Selection Chest.
Garden of Dawn Check-In 1: Log into the game during the event period and claim a Lunar New Year-themed Holy Garment “Crimson Reaper.” The Garden of Dawn Gift Bundle, which contains 2026 Ancient Coffer, Dawn Lucky Pouch: Heroic, and Gold Bar, will be provided on the 14th day of logging in as a reward. This event also rewards players with Dawn Lucky Pouch for checking in.
The 2026 Ancient Coffer provides players a chance to obtain high-value rewards that range from Heroic-grade summons up to Legendary-grade summons. The El’s Summon Selection Chest allows players to acquire various Summon Scrolls, including a Heroic Holy Garment Summon Scroll and a Holy Garment of Favor Summon Scroll, which offers a chance to obtain Legendary Holy Garments and Familiars.
Additionally, players can receive daily special rewards from February 4 to February 11 when joining the game in celebration of the game’s 100th day anniversary. Daily login rewards include the 2026 Ancient Coffer, 100th Day Summon Special Chest (x10), 100th Day Blueprint Special Chest (x10), 100th Day Growth Special Chest (x10), Heroic Crafting Blueprint, and more.
An official sequel to Raven (EvilBane: The Iron King), Raven2 is a blockbuster MMORPG set in a dark fantasy realm reimagined with unrivaled graphics. As a member of the Special Corps, players will onboard on a journey to investigate dangerous and bizarre incidents under royal order, and engage in a large-scale, cruel war.
For more information about Raven2, stay tuned to the game’s official forum, YouTube channel and Facebook. Players can also visit the official website to find out more about the game.
About Netmarble Corporation
Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Raven2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.
Get ready for frenzied co-op shooting and off-road driving action with a limited-time game demo, coming to Steam on February 19!
PARIS –Feb. 4, 2026 – Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment have premiered a new Gameplay Overview Trailer for the ‘80s-inspired action-horror video game John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, releasing March 12, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Check out this new video and see how the creative team behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, World War Z and SnowRunner are bringing their expertise to this new IP – from story and missions to weapons, classes, vehicles and more!
Get ready for non-stop zombie destruction
Today’s new trailer introduces the highly trained team of mercenaries you’ll be cleaning the zombie mess with in four-player co-op action made using Saber Interactive’s hellish Swarm Engine technology. Take on multiple missions through a semi-open world, surviving endless waves of mutated monstrosities coming straight at your face!
Luckily, you’ll have a slime-proof line-up of badass vehicles tosmash foes under and navigate this hellscape. Expect a lethal menu of 16 primary weapon types and all kinds of secondary weapons to unleash on zombie heads, from shotguns, SMGs and sniper rifles to pistols, machetes and crowbars.
With four classes to choose from, manage your own kickass abilities as Strike, Medic, Operator or Defender. Tag team with up to three buddies using matchmaking or create a private lobby with friends, including full crossplay that lets anyone join from any platform!
Go commando in a limited-time demo
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is getting a first playable demo, available from February 19 to March 2 on Steam! So get your favorite carnage-minded buddies ready!
Pre-order the Standard or Blood Edition and Get Free DLC!
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando will come in two editions – the Standard Edition and the Blood Edition, both available to pre-order now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Pre-order any edition to get the “Leon’s Secret Stash” DLC for free!
On top of the base game, the Blood Edition includes the Bloody Pass, featuring:
Two post-launch DLCs including unique skins for characters, weapons and vehicles – make sure you’re the most fashionable crew in the apocalypse!
A golden Cosmetic Pack for weapons featuring a weapon charm and character skins
Streaming Sensations Dodger and Jesse Cox Confirmed as Hosts for the Two-Hour Livestream Featuring Highly Anticipated Titles Across Console and PC Coming in 2026
BRISTOL, UK – February 4, 2026 – Fourth Floor today confirmed the lineup of indie and AA titles appearing as part of the Convergence Games Showcase. Streamed LIVE on 19th February from 11:30AM PT / 14:30PM ET / 19.30PM GMT / 20:30PM CET across YouTube, Twitch and Steam, Convergence continues its mission to champion the ever-flourishing indie scene where established studios including Secret Mode and Kwalee stand alongside first-time developers such as SlugGlove. Returning hosts Dodger and Jesse Cox will guide viewers through over 30 indie and AA games, featuring exclusive announcements, creator-led walkthroughs and new trailers premiering during Convergence.
Indie players from around the world will have a virtual front-row seat to the two-hour livestream featuring some of the most promising games coming in 2026, including MOUSE P.I. For Hire (Fumi Games/PlaySide Studios), DenshAttack! (Undercoders/Fireshine Games) and the highly comedic How Many Dudes? (Butterscotch Shenanigans). Publishers and developers confirmed include Secret Mode (NUTMEG!, Everything is Crab), Kwalee (Grime II, Modulus), andSuper Rare Games (Teeto, Townseek), with many more revealed on the night. The livestream will include extended live gameplay from favourite creators including ChilledChaos, Laimu, TayderTot, Yenkoes, Preach, BearBoo, Cheebiez, Shakey, The Hot Cross.
“We’re now into year three and excitement around the Convergence Showcase continues to grow. We remain dedicated to spotlighting the indie gaming scene and giving smaller studios their moment to shine. With full support from IGN, Convergence Showcase broadcasts to over 1.5m gamers, making it the ideal platform for players to discover some of the most exciting, anticipated, and creative games from talented studios around the globe,” said Rich Keith, CEO of Fourth Floor.
Similar to last year, co-streamers will host Convergence watch parties for their communities. For any creators wishing to participate in the co-streaming programme, applications are open now at: https://www.convergenceshowcase.com/co-streaming. Those who sign up can get access to a bespoke Discord channel for exclusive news, graphics for the channel and game key giveaways.
Players can sign up for the new Convergence Substack, which takes a broader look at the games industry, offers thoughts on the indie scene, and includes a few recommendations for the hottest games to play. ABOUT FOURTH FLOOR
Established in 2017, Fourth Floor is a global games marketing services business. The firm specialises in helping brands reach gaming communities and players by creating campaigns that engage audiences and build emotional connections. Services include influencer marketing, campaign strategy and insight, advocacy programs, event management, merchandising solutions and creative video production supplied by the award-winning in-house studio Explosive Alan Productions — all driven by its proprietary Insight Engine technology. Fourth Floor’s clients include AAA publishers like Activision-Blizzard, EA and Square-Enix; indie champions such as Curve Games, Secret Mode and Yogscast Games, and tech providers including Nvidia.
The annual speedrunning event supports Race Forward, advancing racial equity through community organizing
February 4, 2026 – Back to Black, Games Done Quick’s speedrunning event organized by the Black in a Flash community, will run its online event February 5-8, with the entire event broadcast on Games Done Quick’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.
Returning during the first week of Black History Month, Back to Black 2026 will spotlight Black speedrunners as they race through games, complete zany challenges, and more. This year’s event supports Race Forward, a nonprofit that works across communities most affected by systemic racism to build collective power for racial equity. Last year’s Back to Black event raised $44,000 for Race Forward.
The 2026 event will feature nostalgic classics and recent releases, such as Donkey Kong Country, Hades 2, Cuphead, Silent Hill 4, and many more. You can browse the full schedule here.
Games Done Quick is a series of charity video game marathons featuring high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for good causes. Over the past 15 years, GDQ has partnered with some of the world’s most impactful charities, including AbleGamers, Doctors Without Borders, Organization for Autism Research, and Prevent Cancer Foundation. To date, Games Done Quick events have raised more than $59.8 million for charity.
Nantes, France – February 4, 2026 – Helios Studio today announced a major technical and visual overhaul for Black One Blood Brothers, the tactical military shooter currently in Early Access on Steam. Built and developed by a solo dev, today the game has now migrated from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5.7, delivering sharper visuals, more immersive lighting, better performance, and a more stable experience for players.
At the same time, the studio is partnering with Gamevestor, a new European investment platform dedicated to video games, giving players and investors a chance to support the next phase of development and potentially unlock future features like a console version and cooperative play for the game if specific funding tiers are reached.
Unreal Engine 5.7 major upgrade Black One Blood Brothers puts you in command of an elite squad on high-risk missions, where planning and precise squad control are key. Rebuilt on Unreal Engine 5.7, the game has been overhauled to make operations clearer, smoother, and more immersive.
Players will see brighter interiors, more readable nights, and consistent weather across maps, along with cleaner visuals, better performance, faster loading, and more graphics options.
This upgrade lays the foundation for the future: adding controller support, more interactive environments, smarter AI, and more, while regular updates continue to refine missions and expand the tactical sandbox toward full release in 2027.
Join Gamevestor to fund the next steps To support this new phase of development, Black One: Blood Brothers is joining Gamevestor, a European-regulated crowd-investment platform dedicated to video games. It allows players and investors to take part in financing selected projects through a revenue-sharing model, linked to the game’s commercial performance once it is released.
European players and investors can join the project through investment tickets, while players located within or outside the European Union can also participate via contributions, in the form of more traditional crowdfunding by purchasing one of the available packs. This approach enables broad community involvement, regardless of country of residence.
This crowdfunding campaign would allow Helios Studio to accelerate development while remaining fully independent, with potential milestones including a console version, dedicated cooperative play, and deeper improvements to content and immersion. Gamevestor participants may also gain early access to selected content during development.
Victor, solo developer and founder of Helios Studio, commented:“Moving Black One Blood Brothers to Unreal Engine 5.7 has honestly been both daunting and exciting. I had to rebuild a lot of things I thought were ‘done,’ but it felt necessary to make each mission feel tighter, more immersive, and more intense. With Gamevestor, players and investors don’t just watch from the outside, they can directly help me push it further and maximize its potential.”
The game is available in Early Access on Steam, and should release in 1.0 in 2027.
About Helios Studio Helios Studio is a video game development studio founded and led by Victor. Specializing in Unreal Engine development for the past 9 years, Victor is passionate about creating immersive worlds. His latest project, Black One Blood Brothers, a tactical military FPS, is available on Steam. Victor strives for excellence to deliver a unique and immersive gaming experience.About Gamevestor Gamevestor is a France-based, European-regulated crowd-investment platform dedicated exclusively to video games. Its mission is to create a transparent and compliant framework where studios, players, and investors can participate in game financing through revenue-sharing models, without crypto or speculative instruments.
Blast your way through the underworld in this new roguelite set to debut a demo for Steam Next Fest.
[February 4, 2026] – Venture through the charred depths in Hell Architect: Survivors, a spinoff of management sim Hell Architect, developed by Leonardo Productions and published by Leonardo Interactive! It’s hell enough getting the paperwork turned in for a building permit down there without Lucifer and his minions after you. As the Demon Architect, unleash unholy mayhem on them with a variety of heroes (if you can call them that), wielding tools of torture to cut the red tape and shape Hell in your vision. A demo is launching ahead of Steam Next Fest on February 9th, where you can rack up kills, gather experience, and upgrade your abilities on your way to the next circle of Hell.
Set in an alternate and ironic version of Dante’s Hell, bureaucracy rules, but you’re there to throw the administrative mumbo jumbo out the window. Step out from behind the desk and negotiate with force. Endless waves of damned souls look to corner you and end your plans when you’re just getting started. In true survivors and roguelite fashion, come back better than ever in Hell Architect: Survivors with stronger attacks, improved stats, and the blueprint for success. The hordes of Hell won’t stand a chance on your path to paving the underworld in your image.
Key Features:
Iconic History-Inspired Heroes: As you play, you’ll unlock some slightly familiar faces, such as Sir Lance and Kleeopatra. They take inspiration from historic and mythological figures, each with their own unique weapons, sins, and passive combos to utilize on the hellish battlefield.
Classic Visuals With Infernal Modern Effects: Enjoy a classic look straight from the arcade with pixel visuals and flashy menus. Pair that with modern lighting and visual effects for a bold experience on the wrong side of the afterlife.
Humor As Dark As The Underworld: Everywhere you look, the dark humor and satirical tone shine. From the heroes’ quips to the abilities you unlock along the way, get ready to laugh your way through the flames with meme-ready moments designed to go viral.
Journey Through The Fire Over And Over Again: Defeat doesn’t mean the end. Replayability is at a maximum as you dive right back in with new abilities, new strategies, and new heroes to clear Hell of the unwanted souls who challenge you.
Get ready to take Hell by storm and wishlist Hell Architect: Survivors on Steam now! Prepare for its first demo for February’s Steam Next Fest, arriving early on February 9th, so you can tell the permit office to go to hell firsthand, if they weren’t already there.
About Leonardo Productions
Leonardo Productions is a game development studio that is part of the Leonardo Interactive group, driven by a commitment to game design and production excellence. Based in Italy, the team delivers diverse projects across multiple platforms, combining creativity, technical craft, and a distinctive artistic and musical identity. Over time, we have released titles such as Dry Drowning and Shattered Heaven, and we continue to expand our slate with ambitious initiatives—exploring new aesthetic and gameplay directions to create memorable experiences.
About Leonardo Interactive
Leonardo Interactive is an award-winning publisher headquartered in Rome, Italy. We scout, fund and launch standout titles across PC and console, distributing both digital and physical editions in global markets. Our line-up covers multiple genres—from narrative and adventure to strategy and simulation—including Dry Drowning, Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town, Hell Architect, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle and Shattered Heaven. We partner closely with developers to refine positioning, QA and go-to-market, and we’re always on the lookout for hidden gems and bold creative visions.
Pre-order the Standard or Deluxe Edition now and prepare to harness the power of heavy-duty machines to get the job done!
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Feb. 4, 2026 – Get ready to clock in, because a longshoreman’s work is never over. Saber Interactive is excited to announce that Docked, the realistic port simulation game, will launch on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Check out the new pre-order trailer for the latest look at the extraordinary challenges and triumphs that Port Wake has in store!
Both the Standard and Deluxe Edition of Docked are available to pre-order now. Pre-order either version to unlock the Premium Reach Stacker vehicle, a sleek, modern upgrade that features a distinctive three-tone body color design, boosted engine, quicker acceleration and braking, and a 15% faster boom lift.
Docked’s Standard Edition is available to pre-order for 29.99 USD/EUR (24.99 GBP) and includes the full base game.
Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition of Docked for 39.99 USD/EUR (34.00 GBP) will get the full base game plus the “New Horizons” expansion pack (valued at 14.99 USD/EUR). This pack includes two post-launch DLCs, each featuring new machinery, additional jobs, and several infrastructure upgrades. It also includes the day-one unlock for the Premium Terminal Tractor, which features a modernized design and mechanical upgrades.
Key Game Features
Port Wake Calls: From ship to crane to truck and beyond, every job is a vital piece of the business. Manage operations and vehicles, take on important contracts, and make high-priority cargo runs to fulfill your commitments. When wear and tear drags your equipment down, execute repairs under strict deadlines to keep the port moving.
Operate Powerful Machinery: Take command of a fleet of real-life machines expertly engineered with the raw power and precise handling to get the job done, from colossal ship-to-shore cranes to sturdy, heavy-duty tractors and more. Tighten ropes, position materials, optimize weight distribution, navigate delicate cargo, and gain a firsthand understanding of what it means to work a dock.
Earn, Invest & Expand: Revitalize Port Wake one crane at a time. Every job you take earns cash to invest in new and more powerful machinery. Sign contracts to create new logistical chains and build up resources, purchase lots to store vehicles, upgrade fuel and power supplies, and conquer new milestones to save and expand the family business.
A free demo for Docked is currently available on Steam. Experience life on the job for yourself and pre-order either the Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and the Epic Games Store!
Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 15 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Jurassic Park: Survival, Turok: Origins, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, Road Kings, World War Z, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, Bus Bound, Docked, SnowRunner, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game and RoadCraft. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with leading developers and publishers, including producing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch, Halo: The MasterChief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others. Learn more at https://saber.games.
Build a Rocket Boy Brings Polish and Improvements to its Premier Game and Teases Future Expansion
Edinburgh, Scotland (February 4, 2026) | Today, independent game studio Build a Rocket Boy is proud to announce a new phase of ongoing development for its cinematic science-fiction action-adventure game, MindsEye. After months of continued post-launch support following player and critic feedback, the title receives its most significant post-launch update yet, achieving the studio’s vision for quality and setting the stage for exciting future content updates. Update 7 for MindsEye is now available across all platforms, serving as a reset for the brand and the title in 2026.
MindsEye’s latest update is the culmination of months of work since the game’s initial launch in June 2025 and marks the perfect point for players to revisit or try the riveting experience for the first time. The update focuses on smoothing campaign flow, making objectives easier to follow, enhancing AI behavior, and much more.
For Deluxe Edition players, Update 7 also introduces the Silva E-Series, a full street circuit city-center race in Redrock, now staged as a big-event street race with grandstands, barriers, and NPC spectators. The Silva Corporation has set the stage for a technical, skill-first challenge. Put down your fastest run and secure your place on the global leaderboards. For the full Update 7 patch notes, please visit: https://news.mindseye.game.
Watch the MindsEyeUpdate 7 “MORE THAN IT SEEMS” Trailer Here:
Mark Gerhard, CEO & CTO of Build a Rocket Boy, comments: “Update 7 is a big step forward for MindsEye, and our studio. I want to thank everyone who’s been playing and sharing feedback, and our dedicated team who have worked incredibly hard to continue to delight our community. We’ve listened, we’ve moved quickly, and we’re continuing to refine performance, make continuous improvements , and deliver substantial combat and gameplay enhancements. New content is in development, and we’re committed to steady, meaningful progress. Our core focus remains on delivering the MindsEye experience we always envisioned and the one our players deserve.”
Within the coming months, Build a Rocket Boy will outline the future of MindsEye by revealing a new expansion that adds end-game content and enhanced world exploration, as well as introducing a multiplayer mode in MindsEye’s ARCADIA.
MindsEye is available now on Windows PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Physical editions can also be purchased from select retailers worldwide.
ABOUT MINDSEYE
MindsEye is a single-player, story-driven sci-fi action-adventure thriller set in the near-future desert city of Redrock. Play as Jacob Diaz, a former soldier haunted by a mysterious implant and fractured memories. Complete cinematic missions, piece together your past, and expose a conspiracy in which rogue AI, corporate control, and a military program beyond oversight are exploiting a power source that was never meant to exist, triggering a threat that reaches far beyond the city.
ABOUT BUILD A ROCKET BOY
Build A Rocket Boy is an independent video game developer and entertainment company founded in the UK in 2016, with a mission to create the next generation of interactive entertainment and democratise the creation of premium games.
When it comes to a third game in a series, most fans tend to think that the development team has gotten things down pat and have found a nice rhythm, especially in a genre as well-trodden as Soulslikes have been. What fans don’t expect however is there to be a six year gap between games and as well as a completely new take on the game’s usual direction but that happens to be exactly the case here with Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo’s Nioh 3. While the first two titles followed fairly strict pathing with a few extra exploration options and the ability to revisit older missions for rare items or collectables, Nioh 3 not only introduces a number of open world, or as the developer describe “open field,” locations alongside the dangerous dungeon-esque locations now called Crucibles but an entirely new fighting style as well. With Nioh 3 diverting so heavily from its established formula while still sticking true to its hardcore difficulty, will fans come away satisfied with this latest battle between samurai and yokai?
Story
It is worth noting that players do not need to have any knowledge from the first two Nioh games to understand what happens in Nioh 3. Those who are familiar with the games will catch various references and some nice cameos. As for the game itself, players will take on the role of a customizable character called Tokugawa Takechiyo right as they are set to be appointed as the new shogun of the era. Unfortunately, while most of Edo is preparing for the joyous occasion yokai begin to swarm in and slay everyone in sight. It is only with the help of Takechiyo’s attendants and trainers, including Hattori Hanzo, that they manage to make an escape to the tunnels beneath the city.
Just as it seems like escape might be within reach, a blade pierces through their last mentor’s body and the one holding it is none other than Takechiyo’s younger brother Kunimatsu. Consumed by his hatred for the line of succession passing him by, he has willingly given in to the power of yokai to claim the lands for himself. After Kunimatsu’s power nearly slays Takechiyo, their guardian spirit manages to transport them back in time to the Sengoku era where they find themselves right in the middle of a war between the struggling forces trying to survive in a war-torn land and Takeda Shingen who has aligned himself with yokai. With nowhere left to turn but to try and save those that are within reach and potentially change the future by altering the past, it is up to the player to test their mettle against the strongest yokai and human forces of not only the Sengoku era but two others as well.
Nioh 3 takes some fresh risks when it comes to telling its storyline. Not only does it work to set itself apart from the past entries while still trying to tie-in some guest appearances here and there, it also balances it with the fact that players will be time traveling between three different eras besides the Edo period that they begin at. Surprisingly, this works out rather well as players are able to witness not only the various changes that Japan has gone through in these eras but interact with countless historical figures from these time periods as both allies and enemies. In fact, the way each location contains its own unique storyline in a way is even more impressive thanks to the way the plot begins to weave everything together. The overarching storyline is handled fairly well with a few surprises here and there to keep things interesting, especially in regards to the identity of a certain ally players will find helping them in every era.
One thing that is nice to note is that the game does feature side-quests called Myths now thanks to its “open field” nature. That isn’t to say that Nioh 3 bogs players down with these, since most locations only feature a few to start with and increase in number as players progress, and the plus side is many of these side quests tend to be quite interesting. Not because of the objectives, since they tend to boil down to simply slaying enemies in specific locations, but the stories that they provide. Thanks to the fact that the locations players are traveling through are overrun with all manner of yokai, these quests can come from lingering spirits, those hoping for some answer to their prayers, and even those clinging to vestiges of hope that never had a chance. This makes these side-quests feel important as it provides some extra context to the world and story. It is also worth noting that even “looting” corpses in the environment can serve as little lore drops of the location through short death echoes left behind in their bodies, especially ones up on hard to reach locations or tucked away in locked rooms.
Gameplay
Nioh 3 brings with it as many changes as one could possibly expect from the third game in a series. Sure, there are still the core elements there with regards to high difficulty combat and intense boss battles that most players will likely need to battle against countless times to surmount but numerous other aspects have been refined, expanded upon, and most importantly freshly introduced entirely. This latter aspect being the entirety of the Ninja Class and the open field exploration that players will take part in during the various time periods that they time travel to.
In many ways, Nioh 3‘s introduction of an alternate fighting style allows for players to both experiment more and alternate between styles if they so wish. That being said, players can opt to stick to only one form if they prefer it. That being said, the Samurai fighting style is as familiar as possible for returning fans as it focuses heavily on heavy weaponry and armor, deflecting attacks, and using ki pulses to purify demonic essence and restore the player’s own stamina. Ninja on the other hand are swifter moving fighters with rapid attack patterns, the ability to mist-shift to the side and back of foes at the end of combos with proper timing, and even leap over a foes’ head to attack from behind all while unleashing various types of ninjutsu that recharge the more damage players deal as a ninja. Swapping between forms can be done with a simple press of a button and is even used as a proper defensive technique against glowing red enemy attacks. These attacks cannot be blocked or dodged normally and instead a proper time style shift will trigger a “Burst Break” that deals massive damage to the enemy and their ki gauge, including permanently reducing a yokai’s ki gauge.
Players still level up using Amrita gained from defeating foes and stats upgraded apply to both Samurai and Ninja styles but it is worth noting that players are free to explore as they see fit with their builds since they can reset their stats at any time at a shrine. What some players may find a bit unusual though, especially if they were fond of certain weapons in previous games, will find that some weapon types are now relegated to only being available to a Samurai or a Ninja and that is it which may be limiting to longtime fans. It is also worth noting that, at least at the start, players will also find a number of their combat actions actually quite limited thanks to them needing to be unlocked by obtaining Samurai and Ninja “locks of hair” scattered throughout the world in chests, lootable bodies, obtained from friendly yokai, and more.
This means that various Samurai stances and attack patterns cannot be used right away and must be unlocked alongside various weapon abilities at the same time depending on what weapon the player fancies. Ninja features the same restrictions as players will find various ninja moves such as the “mushroom stomp” that easily jumps over a foe’s head for a backslash or vanishing dodge locked away until a skill point is spent. Similarly skill points must be used to obtain ninjutsu and weapon skills as well. While this does encourage players to explore as much as they can in the open field to try and uncover as many myths and hidden elements, it does mean that players will be limited in this regard even if the overall character fighting styles are far more complex and varied this time around. Though thankfully once again, players can reset their skills freely at any time with a press of L3.
While the Samurai style does play similar to how players expect, such as using ki pulses to purify a demon’s realm and allow their own ki to restore, the ninja fighting style does not have this ability. As mentioned earlier, the ninja fighting style is designed to feature quick hitting combos and powerful ninjutsu attacks (with some ninjutsu being far more effective than others and some seemingly not useful at all) to drain an enemy’s ki gauge and “grapple” them to deal a powerful finishing blow to most enemies or at least deal devastating damage to others. This means that players will want to swap between forms if they wish to make the best of both styles, especially regarding ki purification, but it is entirely possible to pick a favorite and power through.
Speaking of new and returning abilities, players will find that they now be able to use special attacks relating to the spirit they have equipped at the time, with the gauge refilling the more damage players dish out. Another entirely new power is the “Living Artifact” form that sees the player fuse with their spirit beast and enter a temporarily invincible state where they can unleash plenty of damage and drain away enemy health with ease, unless it happens to be a boss of course. Returning elements from the past game include demon cores that players can luckily obtain from defeated foes and insert them into their Onmyo Box to create both talismans that can serve as buffs as well as temporarily call forth a yokai to launch a series of attacks in limited form.
When not within a strict mission players will be spending most of their time in Nioh 3 roaming around the open fields which are littered with various things players can do. This includes aforementioned Myths, taking down enemy base camps, destroying smaller Crucible Spikes or mini Crucibles that send out waves of enemies, and of course finding and interacting with friendly yokai such as scampusses, kodama, and the new Chijiko. The more Kodama the player finds throughout the game the more Elixir (healing items) they will default spawn in with though players can use Kodama blessings to increase things such as Elixir drop rate, bonus stats from healing, and more. Similarly players can now uncover Jizo statues that can improve their abilities to survive within Crucible locations scattered throughout fields.
Every interaction with a collectable, completed myth, defeated base, or destroyed Crucible element will increase the player’s exploration gauge within that specific area and reward special stat increases and even unveil some hidden secrets the higher the exploration level. It is also worth noting that players can fast travel between both shrines as well as the Bodhisattva Statues within Crucible realms, though doing so within the Crucible is only possible if players are nearby one. As for these crucibles themselves, that is where the hardest challenges in the game arise. The main Crucible for every era features a lengthy location filled with traps and monsters that have all been enhanced by the Crucible’s wicked dark energy, this means that not only will they deal additional damage but inflict “Life Corrosion” that lowers the player’s overall health unless they go on the offensive and take down enemies to clear out this corrosion. Crucibles put players to the hardest tests possible and deliver the real “dungeon” like feeling of exploring a mostly linear path towards a boss.
That being said, there are story missions as well that players will occasionally find themselves locked into and needing to complete and while these are still just as challenging, it feels a bit more limiting now compared to the open nature of the rest of the title. Either way, no matter what location players are battling in they will come across both blue and red signs scattered throughout the realm with red signs containing “Revenants” of other players that were slain in the location and blue being “Acolytes” that players can spend Ochoko Cups to summon as temporary allies to battle against everything from free roaming enemies to bosses. Slaying revenants and helping other players rewards the player with Ochoko Cups but it often feels a bit uneven regarding the price of summoning aid, especially since ally AI is incredibly hit and miss and enemy yokai have a tendency to ignore them entirely and aggro only the player. It is also rather annoying that, should the player fall due to a cheap shot from a boss or misreading an attack pattern, their ally will instantly vanish even if they were summoned for less than a minute with no refund. It is also possible to play co-op with friends or even randoms in exploration and missions but doing so will also increase the challenge of foes within the world.
One aspect that continues to be a massive issue with Nioh 3 is one that has plagued it since the very first game and that is the fact that inventory management is a nightmare. While most foes drop only a consumable such as another elixir, status healing item, or a single piece of equipment, other foes can rain down numerous items and actually trying to sift through what might be slightly better is atrocious. Even filtering items into certain types can see players trying to investigate every tiny stat boost or trigger element that some weapon may have compared to their primary weapon or armor and it is quite frankly annoying that this is still an issue the third time around. While some may enjoy micromanaging their equipment to such an extreme degree, and a blacksmith that later can upgrade equipment is useful, seeing enemies rain down loot only for every piece to be useless is tedious.
It is nice to note that once players manage to beat the game that Nioh 3 keeps up tradition by offering a New Game+ mode that increases the difficulty of practically every encounter as well as unlocking a new tier of equipment, the chance to rebattle and gain useful rewards from Crucible spikes, and even use Ochoko Cups to focus on certain types of equipment and more. Giving players who want an even harder challenge more punishment if they so wish.
Audio & Visuals
Team Ninja has done an impressive job making sure to keep Nioh‘s style and translate into their new open field concept in Nioh 3. The open locations that players explore are nicely detailed with plenty of routes to explore, including vertical exploration, and each of the different time periods has a unique looking design to it. Crucible dungeons are exceptionally well-designed with horrific destruction and corrupted landscapes filled with traps and yokai. As for the character designs, once again the character creator is extensive and the character models for NPC are quite detailed and expressive during cutscenes. One thing that is truly impressive are the enemy yokai designs with standard foes being a bit repetitive after a while but bosses are truly exceptional looking. It is also nice to note that the level of gore remains as bloody as ever, with human heads flying with certain execution moves and yokai being split apart as players eliminate them in the field.
Nioh 3 offers both an English voice track as well as a Japanese voice track for players to choose between. It is nice to note that the English voice work is handled quite well, especially when it involves some of the more dramatic scenes or death echoes, those wanting the most authentic feeling experience will want to stick to the Japanese voice track to match the world’s aesthetic. The background music is quite fitting during combat and exploration, with a fitting mix of haunting and atmospheric tracks that are authentic to the setting and really help heighten the tension during already intense and difficult boss battles.
Overall
It may have been a long wait for Nioh 3 but Team Ninja has used their time exceptionally well. Not only does Nioh 3 expand upon the once linear level design by offering open field exploration with plenty of content to uncover and “Myths” to take part in, but the challenge of the Crucibles will push players to the limit of their abilities. With the impressive addition of the Ninja fighting style offering an entirely new set of skills to utilize and take on foes alongside the Samurai style, Nioh 3 remains as difficult and challenging to master as ever. Even if it does retain some of the flaws from the past and a few growing pains that longtime fans will have to deal with involving the new style system.
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