You might keep in mind Nioh as a trendy motion/RPG on the PS4 and PC. You might keep in mind Nioh as “samurai Darkish Souls” for its demanding problem curve and imaginative feudal Japan setting. Or, if you happen to’re like me, chances are you’ll keep in mind Nioh as a low-key, feel-good success story.
Avid gamers and critics beloved each Nioh and its sequel, Nioh 2. The video games bought thousands and thousands of copies, by no means courted controversy and simply usually left a superb impression on the gaming neighborhood. Reminiscences are so good, the truth is, that Sony has re-released each video games for the PS5 as Nioh Remastered and Nioh 2 Remastered.
Sony despatched Tom’s Information a code for The Nioh Assortment, which incorporates each Nioh and its sequel, optimized for PS5. I’ve had a number of days to run via the video games and see what’s modified and what hasn’t within the few years since they first got here out.
Nioh Remastered: What’s completely different?
First issues first: In case you already personal Nioh and Nioh 2 on the PS4, chances are you’ll not want to purchase the remastered variations. Nioh 2 house owners get a free improve to Nioh 2 Remastered — though if you happen to don’t personal the DLC, you’ll nonetheless want to purchase that individually.
If you would like the remastered model of the unique Nioh, although, that’ll set you again a full $50, even if you happen to personal the PS4 model. You might additionally purchase The Nioh Assortment for $70, which incorporates every thing. (It’s a little bit complicated, however a PlayStation weblog publish makes an attempt to make clear who will get what, and for what value.)
For essentially the most half, the video games are precisely as they had been earlier than, with the identical ranges, enemies and objects simply as you keep in mind them. Tom’s Information lined the primary recreation when it debuted, so examine our Nioh overview if you’d like a full breakdown.
In case you’ve by no means performed the Nioh video games earlier than, you play as a samurai in Edo-era Japan who does battle in opposition to each human and demonic foes with a wide range of weapons. The robust, rhythmic fight is harking back to Darkish Souls, as are the twisting, mazelike ranges, the flexibility to improve your character’s stats and the brutal boss encounters.
What’s attention-grabbing concerning the PS5 variations of the video games is that they now embody a lot better graphical choices: Dynamic 4K and 120 fps modes. I attempted each modes, on each video games, and was usually happy by the outcomes.
The very fact is that whereas working video games at 120 frames per second is an enormous promoting level of the PS5, comparatively few video games assist the function at current. Along with the Nioh Assortment, there’s Borderlands three, Name of Responsibility Black Ops Chilly Struggle, Future 2, Satan Might Cry 5: Particular Version, DIRT 5 and treasured little else.
With its quick, fluid swordfighting, I hoped that Nioh may leverage the 120 fps mode in a approach that even the PS5’s first-person shooters couldn’t. What I discovered, although, was that the dynamic 4K labored a lot better.
Nioh Remastered: Dynamic 4K and 120 fps modes
As said above, if you happen to purchase Nioh Remastered, you’re primarily paying for the up to date graphics. The remainder of the sport is simply as you left it.
As such, I had extremely excessive hopes for the 120 fps mode. Once they’re working at full tilt, some PS5 video games don’t even attain 60 fps; to run a recreation at double that body fee could possibly be an actual deal with.
The primary stumbling block is that the majority TVs merely don’t assist 120 Hz refresh charges. Until you’re taking a look at TVs particularly optimized for gaming, most units cap out round 60 Hz, limiting you to 60 fps, at most. You additionally want an HDMI 2.1 cable; common HDMI 2.zero cables don’t assist 120 Hz refresh charges.
Assuming you’ve got each of these issues, nonetheless, enabling 120 fps mode in Nioh Remastered and Nioh 2 Remastered couldn’t be less complicated. From the primary menu, you simply choose Sport Mode, then select whether or not you favor optimizations for Dynamic 4K, 120 fps or customary show (1080p TVs, in different phrases).
You possibly can’t change these settings mid-game; you possibly can solely accomplish that from the primary menu. It is a little obnoxious if you wish to experiment with every mode, however as soon as you discover one you want, you’ll most likely keep it up for the entire expertise.
First, I attempted the Dynamic 4K mode, which is totally beautiful. Because the title suggests, this setting retains the sport working at a (comparatively) constant 4K, sometimes dropping body fee or different graphical options to maintain up.
For the document, this doesn’t imply the sport is working in 4K always; simply that it’s going to prioritize a 4K decision over different issues.
On this mode, each rock, tree and flaming arrow comes via in beautiful element. I used to be particularly impressed by an early stage in Nioh 2, the place I stood below a tree with putting pink and inexperienced leaves, gently waving in a passing breeze. (It helps that Nioh 2 has an HDR mode for a vibrant vary of colours; the unique doesn’t, sadly.)
The 120 fps mode, nonetheless, will most likely be the star of the present for most individuals. Quick and livid fight is on the core of each Nioh video games, and something that renders fight extra fluidly may theoretically confer gameplay advantages, as an alternative of merely wanting prettier.
Certainly, once I turned on 120 fps mode, I used to be impressed by simply how shortly protagonist William may swing his sword, evade enemy assaults and sprint throughout flaming villages. The tradeoff was that objects didn’t look practically as sharp, and texture pop-in was noticeable, notably on rocks and bushes.
What stunned me, although, was once I turned Dynamic 4K again on — and didn’t discover an incredible distinction in body fee. I’m certain it was there. However the reality is that even whereas prioritizing 4K, the Nioh video games saved the body fee fairly excessive.
Moreover, these titles are extra about how fight feels than the way it seems to be. If fight flowed extra easily within the 120 fps mode, it was arduous to note whereas my consideration was on putting, parrying, dodging and discerning enemy patterns.
Nioh Remastered: Outlook
Even when 120 fps mode in Nioh Remastered didn’t bowl me over, I’m glad it’s there. This manner, gamers can select whichever expertise fits their playstyle higher. Both approach, it’s a deal with to see these two memorable adventures get a recent coat of paint.
Nioh and Nioh 2 aren’t that previous, and possibly neither one was completely screaming for a remaster so quickly. However whereas we’re ready for some new PS5 exclusives, it’s pretty much as good a time as any to revisit some previous PlayStation favorites. These two video games are a stable funding for any motion/RPG aficionados — and you probably have a 120 Hz TV, a lot the higher.
