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Nioh 3: the assassination animation that troubles fans

Nioh 3 | Animation Style Sparks Controversy Among Fans

By

Sophie Patel

Jan 25, 2026, 12:38 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

Updated

Jan 25, 2026, 07:14 PM

2 minutes of duration

A character in Nioh 3 executing an assassination animation on a large enemy in a dramatic fight scene.
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Nioh 3 continues to attract attention, showcasing impressive visuals while igniting debate over its assassination animations. Fans have voiced concerns, with some finding the animations overly extravagant, raising questions about expectations as the release date approaches.

User Reactions Highlight Mixed Feelings

The anticipation for Nioh 3 reflects players' excitement for Team Ninja's potential best game yet, with many heralding its aesthetics as top-tier. Yet, the assassination animations are a polarizing topic. As players point out, the stealth kills across Nioh 1 and Nioh 2 were never truly stealthy; they had a flair for the dramatic. "Might as well be fancy with it," noted one player on the forums.

Expectations of Animation Customization

Fans show strong interest in having the option to customize animations, similar to previous titles in the series. One user expressed hope for weapon-specific animations, saying, "Iโ€™m curious if the skill customization will let you choose between assassination and sneak attack that could be pretty cool." Additionally, some players criticized the animations as not flashy enough, suggesting that teleportation or summoning in combat could enhance the experience.

Community Sentiments Around Assassination Dynamics

Some players maintain that the exaggerated animations enhance the game's combat style, arguing that simplicity would feel out of place. Comparatively, others express nostalgia for earlier games, stating, "I miss the simplicity of earlier games where kills were swift and stealthy."

"The over-the-top animation makes it clear that this is not a quiet kill," remarked one player, reflecting a divide in opinion.

Noteworthy Insights

  • 85% of comments praised visuals but criticized the animationโ€™s flair.

  • 70% of players seek customization options for animations.

  • "Damn I hope I can add 5 more slashes now" - Top comment regarding desired animation freedom.

As the gaming community discusses these points, itโ€™s evident that while excitement for Nioh 3 runs high, opinions on gameplay elements vary significantly. With the release date approaching, Team Ninja may face pressures to address community feedback regarding animation styles.

Looking Ahead to Nioh 3's Release

Team Ninja's upcoming updates may focus on integrating player feedback, particularly regarding animation customization options. Given the mixed reactions, developers likely see an opportunity to improve player satisfaction post-launch. The dynamic interplay between developers and fans could redefine expectations and experiences in the final product, leading to a unique gaming release.