Mostly—though not by breaking the series record. Nioh 3 has earned strong reviews and sits close to its predecessors, but the available score comparisons put the original Nioh ahead. Critics have praised the sequel’s deep combat, build variety and larger areas to explore, while also noting reservations about performance, enemy variety and storytelling.
What are Nioh 3’s review scores?
Metacritic’s currently indexed Nioh 3 page lists an 86 Metascore from 102 critic reviews and a 7.8 user score from 489 ratings. Metacritic labels the critic reception “Generally Favorable.” These are live, platform-sensitive figures that can change as reviews and ratings are added; the user score is separate from the critics’ score. Metacritic’s Nioh 3 listing
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Nioh Collection (PS5) | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
COMPANY OF HEROES 3 - PS5 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nioh Collection Playstation 5 | $42.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
DEEP SILVER Payday 3 - Day One Edition (PS5) | $23.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Individual outlets can land above or below an aggregate. PC Gamer’s Lewis Parker scored the game 90/100 in a review published February 4, 2026, praising its combat depth and open-field evolution. That is one critic’s verdict, not a second consensus score. PC Gamer’s Nioh 3 review
How does Nioh 3 compare with the earlier games?
A February 4, 2026 GamesRadar comparison of Metacritic scores placed the original Nioh at 88, Nioh 3 on PS5 at 86, and Nioh 2’s original PS4 release at 85. On that dated, platform-specific comparison, Nioh 3 edges Nioh 2’s original release but does not surpass the first game. GamesRadar’s series score comparison
#1 Best Overall
| Game and version | Metacritic score reported by GamesRadar |
|---|---|
| Nioh (original) | 88 |
| Nioh 3 (PS5) | 86 |
| Nioh 2 (original PS4 release) | 85 |
This is a snapshot, not a like-for-like comparison across every edition. Scores may differ by platform or release, and aggregator totals can move. The sound takeaway is that Nioh 3 is near the top of the series in this comparison—not that it holds the franchise’s highest score.
What did critics praise?
Nioh 3 released February 6, 2026, for PS5 and PC, developed by Team NINJA. KOEI TECMO describes its explorable areas as “open field” and highlights two combat styles, Samurai and Ninja, which players can switch between during combat. Reviewers sometimes call the areas open-world or semi-open-world; those descriptions convey a broader exploration structure, but the publisher’s term is “open field.” KOEI TECMO’s Nioh 3 site
Rank #2
- 5055277049646
- 10COMH32
The appeal is the meeting of that wider exploration with the series’ action-focused combat. PC Gamer’s 90/100 review praised the combat depth and sequel’s expanded design. TechRadar’s Rhys Wood also highlighted fast combat and build variety in his PC review. The two-style system gives players distinct approaches to fights and makes switching tactics part of the action. TechRadar’s PC review
What are the main reservations?
PC performance varies by experience
TechRadar’s reviewer reported inconsistent PC performance on his review setup. That is an attributed observation from one review, not evidence that every PC configuration has the same problem or that a particular utility will fix it.
Rank #3
- Discover the new Sony exclusive PlayStation
- Every title available on Playstation 5 will support 4K resolution and deliver stunning graphics, fast-paced combat with 120fps frame gameplay, ultra-fast load times, and the ability to transfer data from the PS4 to resume the adventure where you left off.
Style balance and exploration have trade-offs
Wood felt Ninja Style was over-tuned early in the game. Parker, while positive overall, noted that some locations may feel repetitive. These are individual assessments rather than universal conclusions.
Some players wanted more narrative and enemy variety
In a March 2026 GamesRadar+ interview, Team NINJA president and Nioh 3 producer Fumihiko Yasuda said the team saw room to improve how the game conveys its world and narrative. Lead producer Kohei Shibata acknowledged that some players felt enemy variety was lacking and said the team had heard that criticism. Their comments identify areas for improvement without implying that every player will share those concerns. GamesRadar+’s interview with the producers
Rank #4
- Durable
- Flexible design
- robustness
Has Nioh 3 been a commercial success?
KOEI TECMO America reported on February 19, 2026, that Nioh 3 had sold more than one million copies worldwide, reaching that milestone faster than any prior entry in the franchise. The publisher also reported more than ten million copies sold for the Nioh series overall. Sales figures indicate audience reach, not review quality, but they show the sequel arrived with substantial momentum. KOEI TECMO America’s sales announcement
Verdict: does Nioh 3 live up to the legacy?
Yes, if “live up” means delivering a highly regarded entry with a strong critical reception and meaningful changes to exploration and combat. No, if it means earning the highest score in the franchise: in the cited comparison, the original Nioh remains two points ahead of Nioh 3 on PS5. Nioh 3’s standing is best understood as near the series’ peak, with the score evidence and reviewer commentary both pointing to a strong sequel rather than an undisputed new record-holder.
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