When one talks about the best samurai Soulslike game, it goes without saying that most people would mention the nameSekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The fact of the matter is that From Software’s foray into this particular genre was nothing short of a resounding success, with Sekiro being labelled by many as another excellent title that has been added toFrom Software’s impressive library of modern games.
However, in this discussion, there’s another game that should definitely get the recognition it deserves as well —Nioh 2. The fact of the matter is thatNioh 2is one of the best Soulslikes around, even thoughthe release ofSekiro: Shadows Die Twicemight’ve cast a shadow overthis vastly unappreciated game.
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That being said, there are a number of Soulslikes that one might consider to be superior toNioh 2as well. Keeping this in mind, here are five reasons whyNioh 2is a great Soulslike, along with five other games that perhaps do greater justice by the Soulslike moniker.
10BEST SOULSLIKE: The Environments Are Truly Brilliant
One thing that should be definitely lauded aboutNioh 2is its brilliant environmental design, making every area a blast to explore.
The impressive graphics of this game certainly show in their levels, with the particle effects of the combat making every encounter scenic in some way or the other.
9BETTER TITLE: Salt & Sanctuary
There are a ton of side-scrolling games that have emulated theDark Soulsformula, and they’ve done so with varying degrees of effectiveness. However,Salt & Sanctuaryis a title that manages to nail all its gameplay elements to a T, making for a truly sublime experience.
It is easily one of the most underrated Soulslikes around, and an absolute must-play for anyone who wants to enjoy a wholly unique experience that is still quite reminiscent of theSoulsbornetitles.
8BEST SOULSLIKE: The Boss Fights Are The Stuff Of Legends
Nioh 2has some of the most spectacular and intimidating boss fights around, with each encounter being nothing short of an awe-inspiring experience… that is, until the player is slammed to kingdom come by these bosses.
The challenge in the game truly ramps up a notch in these situations, and players need to be on their A-game if they wish to progress past these significant hurdles.
7BETTER TITLE: Remnant: From The Ashes
The idea of a Soulslike third-person shooter sounds like nothing more than a gimmick, but Gunfire Games managed to use an idea that sounded okay on paper and turned it into a must-play experience for anyone who wishes to enjoy challenging gameplay.
Remnant: From The Ashesis easily one of the best Soulslikes, and any player who wants to experience how a tough third-person shooter would play like should definitely try this game out.
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Whether co-op or solo, there’s no denying thatRemnant: From The Asheswill prove to be a rather memorable experience.
6BEST SOULSLIKE: Managing The Ki Pulse Makes Combat All The More Engaging
One of the more unique mechanics that theNiohseries brings to the table is the Ki Pulse, which allows players to instantly gain their ki —Nioh’s version of stamina — and quickly unleash a flurry of attacks.
This new mechanic adds a ton of depth and complexity to Nioh’s combat, almost turning fights into a rhythm game of sorts as players press keys in a fixed pattern to maximize their damage.
5BETTER TITLE: The Surge 2
The story ofThe Surge 2is similar to that ofNioh 2— the first game was a decent enough title in its own right, but it’s the sequel that improves upon everything to a vast extent and makes for a highly enjoyable experience.
The Surge 2is easily one of the best sci-fi Soulslikes out there, and players who need something to scratch thatSoulsborneitch should definitely try this game out.
4BEST SOULSLIKE: The Loot System Is Actually Quite Addictive
The idea of randomly-generated loot might not sit well with some fans, but the fact of the matter is thatNioh 2pulls off this system beautifully, allowing for an experience that is certainly quite entertaining in every sense of the word.
Getting rare loot is always a cathartic experience inNioh 2and almost makes the massive number of deaths that the player has to deal with worth it… somewhat.
3BETTER TITLE: Hollow Knight
Hollow Knightis possible one of the greatest games ever made, which by itself makes it a must-play for anyone who wishes to enjoy the very best-in-class when it comes to Metroidvania Soulslikes.
For a game that seems bleak from the outset,Hollow Knightpositively oozes with charm at every step of the way and is definitely one game that everyone even remotely invested in theSoulsbornegenre should check out.
2BEST SOULSLIKE: The Depth Of Nioh 2’s Systems Are A Marvel To Behold
All of the deep and complex systems presented inNioh 2combine to offer up a unique gaming experience, that no other game can even replicate.
RELATED:Nioh 2: 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In The Game
From the yokai transformations to combat maneuvers like Burst Counters, there’s no end tothe sheer number of amazing thingsthat the player can pull off inNioh 2to make the combatas engaging as it can get.
1BETTER TITLE: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
While it might be an easy move to add a From Software game to this list, there’s no denying the sheer quality ofSekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Any person who wants to fill the void left behind by eitherDark SoulsorBloodbornewould find it pretty much a necessity to play their latest offering which — no surprises here — is easilyone of the greatest games ever made.
There’s a reason whySekiro: Shadows Die Twicehas — no pun intended — overshadowedNioh 2in every way, shape, and form — it’s really just that good!
