When Team Ninja announced that Nioh 3 was in the works, I couldn’t contain my excitement. As a fan of the previous two installments, I was eagerly looking forward to what the studio had in store for us. However, my enthusiasm was quickly dampened when they revealed that the game would feature an “open field” level design. As someone who is tired of the oversaturated open-world genre, I couldn’t help but feel a little worried. Was Nioh 3 going to be just another generic open-world game, losing the unique elements that made its predecessors so beloved?
My concerns were not unfounded. The open-world trend has been dominating the gaming industry for years now, with countless titles trying to replicate the success of games like The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed. While some have succeeded, many have fallen short, resulting in a flood of mediocre open-world games that lack depth and fail to offer anything new. As a result, I couldn’t help but fear that Nioh 3 would suffer the same fate.
But as I delved deeper into the details of the game, my worries slowly dissipated. Team Ninja clarified that the open field design would not be a traditional open-world experience. Instead, it would be more akin to the interconnected levels of the first Nioh game, with a larger map to explore. This was a relief, as it meant that the game would still retain the tightly designed levels and challenging gameplay that the series is known for.
Furthermore, the studio also assured fans that the game would not sacrifice its core identity for the sake of an open world. Nioh 3 will still be a fast-paced action game with deep combat mechanics, challenging enemies, and a rich story inspired by Japanese folklore. This reassurance was a breath of fresh air, as it showed that Team Ninja was committed to staying true to the essence of the series while also trying something new.
In fact, the open field design could potentially enhance the gameplay experience. It will allow for more freedom and exploration, giving players the chance to discover hidden secrets and take on optional challenges. It also opens up the possibility for more varied environments, adding to the already impressive visual design of the game.
Moreover, the decision to go with an open field design could be a strategic move by Team Ninja. In an interview with Famitsu, the game’s director Fumihiko Yasuda stated that the open field design would allow for a more seamless transition between levels, eliminating the need for loading screens. This could result in a more immersive and uninterrupted gameplay experience, which is always a plus.
Of course, there is always the risk that the open field design may not work out as well as intended. But as a fan, I am willing to trust Team Ninja and their vision for Nioh 3. They have proven themselves to be capable developers, delivering two fantastic games in the series so far. I have no doubt that they will continue to deliver a high-quality experience with Nioh 3, open field design and all.
In conclusion, while I may have initially been hesitant about the open field design in Nioh 3, I am now fully on board and eagerly anticipating the game’s release. Team Ninja has shown that they are not afraid to take risks and try new things, and I have faith that they will deliver another exceptional addition to the series. So let’s put our worries aside and embrace the open field design, because Nioh 3 has the potential to be something truly special.
