Starting today, a select group of PlayStation 4 users can participate in an alpha test for Team Ninja’s Nioh 2. Along with the alpha test’s announcement, Team Ninja also deployed a new teaser trailer for the upcoming sequel. The trailer shows that Nioh 2 retains the same fast-paced combat as its predecessor along with some new gameplay features.
Nioh 2 Alpha Test Teaser Trailer
The teaser trailer doesn’t reveal too much about Nioh 2’s story, but it does feature plenty of exciting gameplay. Players will once again face terrifying demonic foes in harrowing close-quarters combat scenarios. Unlike in the original Nioh, players can also create their own custom avatars and outfit them with new weapons and gear.
Eagle-eyed viewers might also spot some cool new player powers like the ability to summon a pair of friendly archers. It looks like a major component of Nioh 2 will involve transforming into a demonic avatar on command. This should help even the odds against tougher foes who can utilize devastating attacks and magic of their own. It might also have the bonus side-effect of appealing to fans of Capcom’s classic Onimusha series.
As for the alpha test, it’s scheduled to run from today, May 24, to Sunday, June 2. That gives testers about a week to try the alpha out and submit their feedback. Team Ninja hosted multiple alpha and beta tests for the original Nioh, so more Nioh 2 tests may also follow. Those who participated in the Nioh tests also unlocked special perks and DLC in the full game. Team Ninja hasn’t confirmed such perks for Nioh 2 just yet, but it could in the future.
As of this writing, Team Ninja hasn’t yet confirmed a release date for Nioh 2. The samurai sequel’s initial unveiling took place during last year’s E3 conference with an initial teaser trailer. Our guess is Nioh 2 will launch either in late 2019 or early 2020. Since Team Ninja is hosting closed alpha tests now, late 2019 seems like a safer bet. In the meantime, From Software’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers a similar experience, and it’s available right now.