Get ready to clear your schedule, gamers, because a new PS5 exclusive has just dropped, and it’s already shaking up the 2026 Game of the Year conversation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Nioh 3, the latest installment in Team Ninja’s beloved action RPG series, is not just another sequel—it’s being hailed as a game-changer. With rave reviews pouring in, could this be the title that redefines what a ‘masocore’ game can achieve? Let’s dive in.
Nioh 3 launched today exclusively on PlayStation 5, and critics are losing their minds over it. On OpenCritic, the game boasts an impressive 87 rating, with a staggering 95% of reviewers recommending it. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just the score that’s turning heads—it’s the why. Eurogamer’s Dom Peppiatt awarded it a 4 out of 5, praising its innovative tweaks that elevate the series to new heights. Meanwhile, Game Rant’s Josh Cotts went even further, giving it a 9 out of 10 and highlighting its unprecedented focus on player movement and freedom. VG247 echoed the sentiment with a 4 out of 5, calling it a bold evolution of a nearly decade-old formula, masterfully crafted by Team Ninja.
PlayStation Lifestyle’s Tyler Treese wasn’t shy about his love for the game either, scoring it a 9 out of 10. He called Nioh 3 the franchise’s best entry yet, praising its diverse combat, rewarding exploration, and seamless blend of solo and co-op play. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, there’s something here for everyone—a rare feat in today’s gaming landscape.
For the uninitiated, Nioh 3 is the third installment in the action RPG series, picking up after the events of its predecessors. Players step into the shoes of Tokugawa Takechiyo, grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, as they battle yokai and other supernatural foes. But don’t let the familiar premise fool you—this isn’t just more of the same. Team Ninja has retooled the formula, introducing fresh mechanics while staying true to what made the series a hit.
Speaking of hits, the Nioh franchise has been a juggernaut, with the first two games selling over 8 million units worldwide. Nioh 2, released in 2020 as a prequel, set a high bar, but Nioh 3 seems poised to leap over it. Here’s the bold question: Is this the year Team Ninja finally clinches that GOTY title? Or is the hype overblown?
One thing’s for sure: Nioh 3 is a must-play for PS5 owners. But we want to hear from you—does it deserve the early GOTY buzz, or is it too soon to crown a winner? Let us know in the comments, and don’t hold back—controversy is welcome!
