When mixing a Dark Souls-inspired atmosphere, samurai swords and a protagonist that resembles Geralt from The Witcher, you might have an awesome game recipe in your hands.
This is what the latest Ni-Oh trailer showcases in six minutes of epic gameplay.
Publisher Koei Tecmo held a presentation at the Tokyo Game Show 2015, where it confirmed the rumors pertaining to the possible PlayStation 4 launch of Ni-Oh.
The title also draws heavy inspiration from the recently-acclaimed Bloodborne, which lends its gothic atmosphere to the Japan-located role-playing game. A number of dodges and combos are in store, proving that the game is tactical as well as fast-paced, when need be.
Developer Team Ninja's flamboyant side shows in the action sequences, but fans of the gaming company will notice that the gameplay is significantly tempered down when compared with other titles. Another notable detail from the video is the protagonist's multiple fighting stances. This could mean that a skill-based component will leave its mark on defensive combat.
Compared to Dark Souls, players simply have to hold their shield up to parry an attack. It looks like Ni-Oh aims to add complexity to that side of combat. Another element that Dark Souls fans will recognize is the main character's move to thrust his sword into the ground when checking skills and modifying equipment.
The game was first talked about in 2005, but it seems that it was only a flimsy rumor at the time. Five years after that, Team Ninja announced that it planned to turn Ni-Oh into a game, but the details were still scarce.
Two years ago, Venture Beat asked Yosuke Hayashi from Team Ninja about the development of the title.
"I have heard rumors that it's been stopped, but it's actually very much in development," Hayashi said at the time.
Hayashi pointed out that his team still required a little more time before having the game ready for public display, but assured fans that progress is visible.
"You should definitely keep an eye out for it in the future," he added.
No official information exists on the release date of Ni-Oh, but both the development and publishing teams say that the title will roll out in 2016. The game was initially scheduled to land on PlayStation 3, but according to the latest news, Sony will get it exclusivity for the PlayStation 4 ecosystem.
Team Ninja has solid experience in delivering fast-paced action titles, with examples such as Ninja Garden and Dead or Alive coming to mind.
RPG fans should know that the game is crafted around an unfinished script, which was initially bound to be a movie and a game. Not only that, but the person who signed it was none other than world-famous director Akira Kurosawa ("Seven Samurai," "Throne of Blood").
With such a prodigious heritage, we are happy to see that Team Ninja decided to take the reins of the project and turn it into a gaming title.
Check out the video below to watch the gameplay and game mechanics in full swing.
