Zero Punctuation Season 11 Episode 7 Nioh

In this episode of Zero Punctuation, game critic Yahtzee Croshaw turns his focus to Nioh, a dark and challenging action RPG set in feudal Japan. Right off the bat, Yahtzee notes the game's punishing difficulty, likening it to the notoriously difficult Dark Souls series. However, unlike Dark Souls, Nioh's combat system is much more fast-paced and combo-oriented, with a heavy emphasis on skill and timing.

Yahtzee praises Nioh's level design, which he describes as "focused and cleverly laid out". Each level has a distinct theme and aesthetic, and is designed to test the player's skills in different ways. For example, one level may be focused on vertical movement and platforming, while another may feature narrow corridors and tight spaces that require careful navigation.

The game's visuals also come in for praise, with Yahtzee noting the attention to detail in the environments and enemies. The art style is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese art, with vivid colors and intricate patterns. Meanwhile, the enemies range from humanoid samurai to spooky yokai spirits, each with their own unique movesets and weaknesses.

However, Yahtzee also notes a few flaws with Nioh. For one, he criticizes the game's storytelling, which he describes as "somewhat disjointed and confusing". The game draws on a variety of Japanese mythological and historical elements, but Yahtzee feels that it doesn't always do a good job of integrating these into a coherent narrative. Additionally, he feels that the game's RPG mechanics can be a bit overwhelming, with a dizzying array of stats, skills, and equipment to manage.

Despite these issues, Yahtzee ultimately comes away impressed with Nioh. He feels that the game's challenging combat and intricate level design make it a worthy successor to the Dark Souls series, while the Japanese setting and mythology help it stand out from the crowd. Overall, he gives the game a strong recommendation for fans of action RPGs and challenging gameplay.

As always, Yahtzee's review is both insightful and entertaining, with his trademark irreverent humor and brutally honest critiques. Whether you're a fan of Nioh or simply enjoy watching game reviews, this episode of Zero Punctuation is well worth a watch.