"If I were to complain, the lack of graphical options is one area I wish the developers had worked on."

Let’s begin with the visuals. There’s a lot to like on that front, with textures and assets that bring a layer of realism to both indoor and outdoor environments that the PS2 simply couldn’t manage. Mio and Mayu look excellent, although their facial animations could have used a little more polish.

The way lighting works in this game is among its highlights on the visual front, with rays of it streaming through open windows and the foliage of the forest waving so realistically that it automatically makes everything feel more real as a result. And while the new spirit designs might prove divisive, I can safely say that they’re still scary as hell.

If I were to complain, the lack of graphical options is one area I wish the developers had worked on. There’s also a sort of grainy filter operating throughout the adventure, giving you the impression that it was all recorded on an older camera. It adds to the realism, yes, but it can get quite annoying after a while. An option to toggle it on or off would have been much appreciated, but it is what it is.

Moving on from the visuals, the gameplay has also seen some changes. You’re introduced to the new hand-holding mechanic quite early on, and I really liked the added layer it brings to Mio and Mayu’s bond. Holding Mayu’s hand restores both Health and Willpower, which is a nice touch. However, considering how the story often forces the two of you apart, I don’t think I was able to get as much out of it as I’d have liked.

"The Camera Obscura continues to be among the coolest ways to deal with enemies in any game I’ve played."

I’d have liked Mayu to be more involved in the game’s combat, but she continues to be problematic, her injured leg rendering her helpless and terrified in the face of any Spirits that you happen upon. Protecting her in a fight is an easy way to get a couple of free hits in; other than that, she’s largely a liability in combat.

Speaking of combat, the Camera Obscura continues to be among the coolest ways to deal with enemies in any game I’ve played. The remake adds focus, zoom, and filter switching to make it feel more like an actual tool than a simple accessory. The premise is simple: you point it at hostile spirits, wait for it to focus properly, and then snap a photo the moment they attack for serious damage. In theory, that makes things quite easy, and it indeed was simple in the original version. All you had to do was bait out enemy attacks and then click away to give the spirits some well-earned rest.

That isn’t the case in this remake, however, as the spirits are now far more aggressive and mobile in a fight. Features like Shutter Chance, Fatal Time, and filter-based Special Shots should have made encounters more dynamic, but the results are not consistent. They teleport wildly, forcing you to constantly pivot to find them, and move much faster, making lining up your shots a lot harder. I can see what the developers were going for, but it largely made combat a chore rather than a welcome change in the remake, and there are a few reasons why.

For starters, even with the remake’s freer movement and broader control improvements, Mio can still feel too slow once combat gets hectic. While that’s all right on its own (although it did make exploring the village feel too slow for my liking), it’s an absolute pain in combat. I spent half my time avoiding enemy attacks without my camera raised for a counterattack, and the evade doesn’t help matters by much.

"It’s a shame the combat feels so imbalanced, because the rest of the game is genuinely engaging."

It doesn’t let you reposition well enough to get a quick shot with your camera, and often puts you right in the path of a follow-up attack when you’re facing an enemy that does a few of them in a row. As far as moving around the arena is concerned, Mio definitely needed an upgrade, and it’s baffling that she hasn’t received one while her enemies have been dialled up to a hundred.

Mobility problems aside, Mio’s health and Willpower drain too quickly in combat, while healing supplies remain as scarce as they were in the original game. Once again, that’s an imbalance that’s quite costly, as you’re left scrambling to avoid damage as much as you can. It prolongs fights unnecessarily, forcing you into a cautious playstyle that quickly becomes tedious rather than exhilarating.

As it stands, combat in Fatal Frame II is too imbalanced to be fun, and I found myself trying to avoid fights as much as I could instead of taking on Spirits for some fun photographic play. It definitely needs some tweaking to level the playing field. I’m all for a challenge, but it’s a problem when that challenge stems from a game’s mechanics rather than its enemies. You only have to take on an enemy in a closed space to see what I mean.

It doesn’t help that the controls feel clunky when you’re in a fight, which is a very irksome issue when combined with Mio’s slow movements. Instead of an experience where you’re carefully lining up shots and timing them well to maximize the damage you’re dealing, you’re left chipping away at enemy health bars while hoping you can get out of the way when they teleport and come at you from another angle.

I really hope that the developers introduce some fixes on the combat front ahead of the final release. It desperately needs them.

"The game performs reasonably well, although limiting the framerate to 30fps across consoles might not be a choice that everybody would agree with."

It’s a shame the combat feels so imbalanced, because the rest of the game is genuinely engaging. I found myself going out of my way to find hidden lore drops that further flesh out Minakami Village’s dark history, while much-needed upgrade materials for the Camera Obscura remain cleverly tucked away in nooks and crannies that only the most diligent explorers are going to find.

The audio design is another highlight, with the remake adding 3D audio support that really helps offset an enemy’s aggressive teleporting shenanigans to a large degree when you’ve got a good pair of headphones on. Your camera’s reload gets a distinctive sound effect, and the game does a good job of telling you when you’re ready to launch your next attack. The soundtrack effects are also spot on, working well with the visuals to set a grim tone and moody environment.

The game performs reasonably well, although limiting the framerate to 30fps across consoles might not be a choice that everybody would agree with. I might have forgiven it if the framerate didn’t drop quite often on a base PS5, especially during combat, but it is what it is. A higher-framerate console option would have improved the experience considerably.

The side stories are another area that I loved about this one, introduced so organically that it can get hard not to let the game steer you away from the main story in favor of discovering more about the moody, grim world that the sisters have found themselves in. The story is as good as it’s ever been, and if you haven’t played the original, I cannot recommend it enough. This is a game that isn’t afraid to take you to some very dark places, both literally and metaphorically. There’s a new ending for you to unlock; however, there are reports that the Haunted House Mode or Deep Crimson Butterflies endings are not included in this remake.

Despite its many strengths, Crimson Butterfly Remake’s tedious combat holds it back from being a title I can recommend easily. While it’s going to have its takers, mostly die-hard fans of the franchise eager to dive back into its excellent world and narrative, I wouldn’t take this one on until it gets some much-needed adjustments to enemy aggression and your character’s movement speed.

However, if those issues aren’t likely to bother you, this is still a remake worth exploring, and one whose atmosphere remains difficult for other horror games to emulate. It’s unique, interesting, and as absolutely terrifying as it was in the past.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Update: Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have confirmed that Nioh 2’s total worldwide shipments and digital sales have crossed two million till date.

Original Story:

In a recent tweet, Team Ninja announced that the Nioh series has sold over five million units worldwide. The developer expressed its “deepest gratitude” to players and said it hopes they’ll look forward to “Team Ninja’s new titles.” While updated sales numbers for Nioh 2 weren’t provided, publisher Koei Tecmo revealed that over 1.4 million copies had been shipped as of January 2021.

Nioh 1 first launched in February 2017 and would come to PC later that year. Nioh 2 released in March 2020 for PS4 first before eventually coming to PS5 and PC this past February. Instead of William, the protagonist is Hide, a half-yokai demon slayer, who contends with the enigmatic Kashin Koji. The goal is still slaying hordes of yokai but this time, players can shift into different yokai forms to counter attacks. Soul Cores also drop from defeated foes which bestow yokai abilities.

Like its predecessor, Nioh 2 received three story DLC and numerous updates that have been collected into Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition. You can check out our review for The Nioh Collection, which features remasters of Nioh 1 and 2 for PS5, here. As for the future, the series has currently reached a “resting point” with Team Ninja starting full-scale production of other titles this year. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

【 「仁王」シリーズ 全世界500万本突破】
「#仁王」シリーズの全世界累計販売本数が500万本を突破しました。
2017年2月の『仁王』発売より、長きにわたって支えてくださったプレイヤーの皆さまへ、改めて深く御礼を申し上げます。

引き続き、TeamNINJAの新作にご期待ください。#仁王２ #Nioh2 #Nioh

— 「仁王」シリーズ公式アカウント (@nioh_game) April 28, 2021

The first major patch for Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition on PC has rolled out and contains a number of welcome fixes. Along with providing players the option to remap the confirmation button, it also fixes some issues related to lock-on and mouse sensitivity. An issue that caused frame rate drops to occur when “Effects” was set to “High” has also been alleviated.

Of course, the frame rate issue hasn’t been completely fixed by Team Ninja continues to investigate its cause. One issue that prevented the selection of some resolutions and thus caused the game screen to be cut off has also been fixed. Check out the full update notes below.

Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition launched last week for PS4 and PC while The Nioh Collection arrived on PS5. Though the overall game has been praised, PC players reported a number of issues related to performance. One remaining issue involves the lack of keyboard button prompts when playing with mouse and keyboard – this will be addressed in a later patch so stay tuned.

UPDATE NOTES:

Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition: Version 1.25.1 Patch Notes

• The confirmation button can now be changed from “Controls”.
• Fixed an issue where the lock-on target would switch when the mouse was moved, even if the “Move Camera/Switch Lock-On Target” setting was changed to an option other than “Move Mouse” in “Keyboard & Mouse Settings”.
• Fixed an issue where the mouse sensitivity could become so high that it became impossible to change the settings.
• Fixed an issue which sometimes prevented the selection of certain resolutions and caused the game screen to be cut off due to the Windows settings.
• Fixed an issue which made the game prone to crashing in certain environments.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the game to crash when displaying the descriptions of equipment special effects.
• Alleviated the issue where the frame rate tended to drop when “Effect Quality” was set to “High” in “Graphics Settings”. We are continuing to investigate and address this issue.
• Reduced the tendency for the game to run slowly when certain attacks hit the walls.
• Fixed an issue that caused black bars to appear on the left and right sides of the screen during multiplayer on ultra-wide monitors.

Team Ninja’s Nioh 2 launched last year to strong critical acclaim on the PS4 and has received three story DLC packs since then. It’s now finally available on PC as Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition, though PS4 players can also avail of all the same as well. Check out the release trailer below.

Along with the launch of Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition is the release of The Nioh Collection on PS5. This contains Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition and Nioh 2 Remastered – The Complete Edition, complete with support for 4K/60 FPS and 120 FPS gameplay. Crossplay and save transfer from PS4 to PS5 is also possible with Nioh 2 while Nioh Remastered receives a new Photo Mode feature on PS5.

Nioh 2 has shipped 1.4 million units as of January 25th and done fairly well for publisher Koei Tecmo. However, for all intents and purposes, the current story has come to a close and there are no plans for Nioh 3. Team Ninja also isn’t working on a new Ninja Gaiden though it wouldn’t be opposed to a new installment. We’ll just have to wait and see what comes next.

Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo are bringing double the Nioh action to PS5 players when The Nioh Collection launches tomorrow. It includes Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition and Nioh 2 Remastered – The Complete Edition with both titles supporting 4K/60 FPS and 120 FPS gameplay. Check out the launch trailer in the meantime to see them in action.

Along with their base campaigns, both remasters include all of their respective expansion packs. Other features include cross-play and save transfer for Nioh 2 players on PS4 and PS5 along with a free upgrade option (which sadly doesn’t apply to Nioh 1). On the other hand, Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition does get a snazzy new Photo Mode, exclusive to PS5.

Along with The Nioh Collection on PS5, Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition will also release for PS4 and PC tomorrow. The PC version should be worth checking out since it supports Ultrawide monitors, HDR and 120 FPS gameplay. For more details on how the base Nioh 2 experience fares, check out our review here.

To prepare for its release this week on PS5 and PC, Team Ninja’s Nioh 2 has received a new update. Cross-save management for PS4 to PS5 players has been added, allowing PS4 save data to be uploaded and then downloaded to the PS5 version. If you want to transfer from PS5 to the PS4 version, this will also be possible but in both cases, the same PlayStation Network account is needed.

Cross-save transfer also applies to Trophies – any that have been earned on PS4 will be automatically unlocked on PS5. As for balance changes, Burst Attacks for bosses like Nue, Shuten Doji and Otakemaru are now easier to Burst Counter. Bug fixes like special effects, Guardian Spirit actions and Onmyo Magic not activating when the Purified or Sanctity Talisman appeared have also been fixed.

Check out the full patch notes below for more details. Available now for PS4, Nioh 2 will release as Nioh 2 Remastered – The Complete Edition on PS5 and Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition for PC and PS4 on February 5th. It will also be included with The Nioh Collection which launches on the same day. For things you should know before buying it, head here.

https://twitter.com/TeamNINJAStudio/status/1356029498936807430

All Nioh 1 and 2 Content

The Nioh Collection includes Nioh 1 and 2, both remastered and with all of their DLC and free updates. It marks the series’ debut on the PlayStation 5 and provides the complete story in one package. Of course, if you’re only interested in playing one of the games, then they’ll also be available separately as Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition and Nioh 2 Remastered – The Complete Edition. There are certain ways to upgrade and a few restrictions but we’ll get to that in a bit.

Story and Setting

The first Nioh takes place primarily in Japan in 1600. Before being unified under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the various clans were at a war for supremacy. Yokai have also started cropping up due to the conflict. As William Adams, the player ventures to the region to find Edward Kelley and ultimately becomes embroiled in the war, encountering numerous historical figures like Hattori Hanzo, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tachibana Ginchiyo and many more.

Nioh 2’s story begins in the late 1500s. Instead of William, players control a new hero named Hide, a demon hunter that’s half-yokai and capable of utilizing demonic powers. The main adversary is Kashin Koji who seems to know about Hide’s past and also has his own machinations for the fate of Japan. The DLC has its own story that ties into the base games while expanding on the conflicts at large.

Gameplay

Nioh has been described as a Souls-like due to its use of stamina (known as Ki here), light/heavy attacks, and losing Souls – in this case, Amrita – upon death. However, there are numerous differences that set it apart. Stamina can be recovered using a technique called Ki Pulse, which also serves to purify any harmful Yokai effects. One can also use multiple stances for attacking, each with its own unique abilities depending on the weapon type used. There also Guardian Spirits which confer different benefits when equipped on top of unleashing powerful skills of their own.

Nioh 2 further builds on this with Yokai abilities that can be earned by defeating foes and equipping the Soul Cores that they drop. The protagonist can also Yokai Shift to activate a powerful Yokai form that deals increased damage. There are also various Burst Counters that can be initiated against foes depending on the Yokai form equipped. Some enemies unleash attacks that can only be Burst Countered so there is an incentive to be more aggressive.

Also on a side-note – Nioh 2 has a custom character creator, allowing one to create their own version of Hide. William’s appearance in Nioh is fixed though one can unlock the ability to take on other characters’ appearances later.

Action RPG Elements

Another way that Nioh 1 and 2 distinguish themselves from your average Souls-like is the extensive loot system. Various weapons and armor have their own rarity from Common to Exotic (and even higher tiers as one progresses to the end-game). There are also various additional stats tied to each which can be re-rolled at the Blacksmith. Items can also be enchanted for additional benefits or broken down into crafting materials to make new weapons and armor.

Various upgrades also apply, whether it’s unlocking and improving different skills and abilities, mastering different spells or simply improving the strength of one’s Guardian Spirit. There’s a fairly in-depth loot game to be had especially with all the different set bonuses, and you can spend a lot of time min-maxing a build to perfection.

Total Playtime

Given that this collection is $70, there’s a lot of playtime that one can get out of it. HowLongToBeat.com lists Nioh Complete Edition as taking 145 hours to complete. The base Nioh 2 experience takes about 104 hours with all of its DLC providing an additional 35 to 40 hours. Activities like the Abyss, which consists of 999 floors of enemies and bosses to battle through, along with numerous difficulty modes in both titles can keep you playing for even longer. Suffice to say that if you can get into it, The Nioh Collection is well worth the money.

Fast Loading Times

Perhaps the biggest gameplay benefit to Nioh players on PS5 is the console’s SSD. No longer will you have to wait several seconds to respawn after dying unceremoniously. You can simply leap back into the fray at a moment’s notice. This also applies when loading into a new mission from the region map. Though loading times were never too crazy in the original releases, being able to jump back in without any delays fits the fast-paced nature of the action.

Multiple Graphical Modes

The Nioh Collection offers three graphical modes on PS5. The first is 4K resolution at 60 frames per second; the second is at 1080p resolution but runs in 120 FPS; and the third runs at 1080p/60 FPS but offers improved graphical effects for the shadows, foliage and model textures. Both games have been noted for their different graphical modes providing options for performance and fidelity so it’s good to see The Nioh Collection offering these choices as well.

DualSense Support

Of course, DualSense is also supported even if the implementation isn’t super over-the-top. The controller’s haptic feedback will apply to different combat abilities while the adaptive triggers will come into play when using the bow and arrow. For the latter, the sensation of pulling the bow-string and loosing the arrow is replicated using the adaptive triggers, adding to the overall immersion.

Upgrades and Save Transfer

If you already own Nioh 2 on PS4, then it can be upgraded to the base version on PS5 for free. Any DLC expansions purchased separately will also carry over along with save data. This also applies to purchasing Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition on PS4 – a free upgrade to the PS5 remaster will be provided. Unfortunately, there’s no free upgrade for the first Nioh, whether it’s the base game or Complete Edition. The only way to play it on PS5 is to either purchase it separately or purchase The Nioh Collection. Whether save data transfers will apply for the original game is currently unknown.

PS4 and PS5 Crossplay

Nioh 1 and 2 can be played and completed solo but both titles also support co-op. Though it doesn’t seem to apply to the first game, Nioh 2 Remastered – The Complete Edition will support cross-play between PS4 and PS5 players, as per to game director Fumihiko Yasuda in an interview with WCCFTech. Unfortunately, PlayStation players can’t team up with PC players when Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition comes to Steam.

Photo Mode

Interestingly enough, Nioh Remastered – The Complete Edition will be getting its own unique feature – Photo Mode. While its exact features haven’t been outlined yet, one can reposition the camera’s angle for dramatic shots and apply different filters while adjusting the aperture, focal length and so on. This feature is currently exclusive to the PS5 version with no mention of it coming to PS4 or PC.

No Xbox Series X/S Release Plans

The obvious question one has to ask – is there any chance of The Nioh Collection coming to Xbox Series X/S at some point? Speaking to VideoGamesChronicle, Yasuda responded that there are “no current plans” to bring the Nioh series to Xbox consoles at this point. However, he did state that if a new Ninja Gaiden title happened, the development team would “definitely like that to be on Xbox consoles” given the franchise’s history with Microsoft.

No Plans for Nioh 3

Whether a new Ninja Gaiden releases or not, the current story for the Nioh series has come to an end. Yasuda noted that with the release of Nioh 2 and its DLC, “It’s reached a good point in the story where all the loose ends are tied up” and that there are currently no plans for a sequel. While it’s possible that the franchise is revisited at some point, The Nioh Collection is as definitive as the story gets.