Nioh 2: Darkness in the Capital

Even if the story doesn't hit as hard this time around and the stakes, in general, can feel weirdly low (due in part to the self-contained time-hopping conceit), I can't deny it: Darkness in the Capital is fun as hell. I didn't expect to want to completely redo my build after falling in love with the Fists, but here I am.

Darkness in the Capital definitely paints a less-than-optimistic picture for the overall narrative of this trilogy. The people who are looking for more story content will surely find some here, but not of particularly great quality. However, if just the act of playing Nioh 2 is enough to get someone back into the game, then this DLC is outstanding. Even

Nioh 2 Darkness in the Capital adds three missions, some side quests and a new playable weapon. A good DLC, who can be played a few hours or a dozen.

Nioh 2: Darkess in the Capital is another great addition to the base game, but it feels a little lacking in terms of new content.

Darkness in the Capital makes up for weak storytelling with its great gameplay. If you like Nioh 2, you'll love this DLC.

Darkness in the Capital is perhaps one of the best expansions in the entire Nioh franchise. New enemies and a great new weapon end up standing out, but we also find great boss fights here. The expansion formula starts to get repetitive and needs to be renewed, but we will probably only see that in a third game.

Nioh 2: Darkness in the Capital is a solid and enjoyable DLC. It doesn't really break the mold but offers a healthy helping of new Nioh 2 gameplay. The somewhat forgettable stage design is strongly bolstered by some amazing boss fights and the new Fist weapon set. It's a great way to further extend the absurd amount of content in Nioh 2 and its DLC. Starting a new game with the Fist weapon set would be a great way to revisit the title. The DLC won't freshen things up if you're already burned out on Nioh 2, but sometimes, "more of the same" is all a DLC needs to be.

Another great addition to an already excellent game. The Darkness in the Capital DLC is packed with great content that not only expands the lore of the Nioh franchise but provides some excellent boss battles, level design, and easily the best weapon in the entire franchise. It's also pretty great to fight an ancestor of one of gaming's most iconic characters as a fun easter egg.

Darkness in the Capital may seem like a typical expansion and it is in some sense, but that phrasing gives a short shift to how it builds on top of an excellent experience and remains a clawed fist that’s as sharp as it ever was. Its combat is fundamentally fantastic so adding new variables that maintain the same level of quality is only going to make that loop even more engaging. Darkness in the Capital’s array of bosses bring in another set of challenges and its new weapon encourages both thoughtful play and fast action. And in a game full of challenges and fast action, meaningfully building on top of that is still an accomplishment.

The new DLC Team Ninja, Nioh 2: Darkness in the Capital is a game that will give you a few hours of fun (6 hours approximately), but whose story will not be as interesting as others from the Nioh universe. Even so, it incorporates a weapon that you will love, but that may not be enough incentive to get the extra content.