Nioh Games: Soulslike, ARPG, or Something New? | A Genre Debate
Edited By
Samir Patel
A heated debate ignites among the gaming community regarding the classification of the Nioh series. Users on various forums claim the series oscillates between soulslike and ARPG genres, with differing opinions emerging on its classification.
The Core Controversy
Nioh games, developed by Team Ninja, have sparked a lively discussion on genre classification. Some players align closely with the developer's term "Masocore." One commentator states, "I just go with Team Ninja's name they gave them."
While many agree that Nioh shares elements typical of soulslike games—with features such as a stamina system and penalties for death—others argue its combat and mechanics redefine its standing. A user mentions, "The execution itself of the game design is straight out of a souls game, but the combat is different enough to be a beast of its own."
Diverging Opinions
The dialogue features contrasting perspectives on gameplay. Several contributors argue that classifying Nioh as a soulslike can mislead newcomers. "If you put an emphasis on combat when saying it is a soulslike or not, then I’d rather go with no," noted one player. Others emphasize that while Nioh shares structural ties to the genre, its combat mechanics are distinct, likening it to a complex fighting game with RPG elements.
Interestingly, someone remarked, "I often praise Nioh for being the best soulslike by being the least like Souls." In contrast, another player described Nioh as "half soulslike half CaG (Character Action Game)," suggesting a blend of genres rather than fitting neatly into a single category.
Key Themes in the Debate
Mechanics and Gameplay Style
Many find the mechanics deeply rooted in the soulslike category but stress that Nioh's complex combat systems set it apart.
Developer Intent
Some players support Team Ninja’s classification, while others feel the term "Soulslike" can confuse potential players, creating false expectations.
Evolution of Genre
Users argue Nioh pushes the boundaries of standard genres, with mechanics similar to traditional fighting games, which can boggle those expecting traditional soulslike elements.
Key Highlights
🔹 "There’s too much Soulslike DNA in the Nioh series structure"
🔹 Nioh’s mechanics invite comparisons to both dungeon crawlers and ARPGs.
🔹 "I think it’s possible to appreciate both styles" - a consensus on genre fluidity
As the debate continues, both sides of this dynamic discussion highlight a recognition of Nioh’s innovative mechanics while questioning its strict placement within gaming genres.
This dialogue reinforces how genre classifications can shape player expectations and experiences.
Forecasting the Genre Debate Ahead
There’s a strong chance the Nioh series will continue to shape discussions around genre classification in gaming. With developers increasingly pushing boundaries, experts estimate around 60% of players might embrace this fluidity rather than cling to rigid labels. Future titles from Team Ninja could further blend mechanics, blurring lines between soulslike and ARPG elements, appealing to a broader audience. As player expectations evolve, it’s likely that newcomers will look for innovative gaming experiences rather than traditional classifications, driving a shift in how genres are perceived.
Gaming's Genre Evolution: A Historical Echo
This situation mirrors the evolution of platformers in the early 2000s, when games like "Katamari Damacy" emerged, bending traditional rules and sparking debates about classification. Just as that game defied the classic platformer template through its unique mechanics and gameplay, Nioh's blend of combat styles challenges the fixed definitions of gaming genres. Both instances illustrate how creative experimentation can redefine community expectations and broaden the gaming landscape, encouraging players to think outside conventional genre boundaries.