Lies of P Boss Fights Inspired the Nioh 3 Director to Enhance His Own Soulslike Bosses

Lies of P, along with its Overture expansion, features a diverse roster of adversaries, many of whom reflect the intricate steampunk aesthetic that defines the game. These mechanical monstrosities utilize elaborate animations and inventive weaponry—traits that Nioh 3 has evidently sought to emulate and refine for its own supernatural roster.

While early stages of Nioh 3 feature traditional human opponents with familiar gear, the game quickly escalates into more surreal territory. Players are soon challenged by nightmares such as a demonic matriarch wielding twin serpents—a encounter featured in the free demo that already stands as one of the most memorable battles in the franchise’s history.

The combat retains the depth of Nioh 2 but feels significantly more responsive. The bosses, in particular, benefit from refined visual cues and stylistic flair. While some encounters in previous entries occasionally felt repetitive, the fights in Nioh 3 possess a distinct and memorable identity. It seems we have the influence of Lies of P to thank for that added layer of Polish.

Check the specific Nioh 3 launch schedule for your platform and region. For a complete analysis of why this open-world samurai odyssey is a standout title, read our full Nioh 3 review.

The developers of Nioh 3 recently confirmed they “never entertained the idea of adding difficulty settings” to their notoriously challenging series, asserting that “the process of mastering the mechanics” is a fundamental part of the player’s journey.