[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":40},["ShallowReactive",2],{"gEQM83qUhH":3},{"slug":4,"id":5,"uuid":6,"title":7,"html":8,"comment_id":5,"feature_image":9,"featured":10,"visibility":11,"created_at":12,"updated_at":13,"published_at":14,"custom_excerpt":15,"codeinjection_head":16,"codeinjection_foot":16,"custom_template":16,"canonical_url":16,"tags":17,"authors":23,"primary_author":33,"primary_tag":34,"url":35,"excerpt":15,"reading_time":36,"access":37,"comments":10,"og_image":16,"og_title":16,"og_description":16,"twitter_image":16,"twitter_title":16,"twitter_description":16,"meta_title":16,"meta_description":16,"email_subject":16,"frontmatter":16,"feature_image_alt":38,"feature_image_caption":39},"nioh-3-accessibility-spotlight","6998c2721838f700016e7fd3","c53edd5e-dbbc-4e11-903f-113189671c16","Nioh 3 - Accessibility Spotlight","\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> is a promising new addition to the \u003Cem>Nioh \u003C/em>franchise. This open-world action RPG continues the theme of being all about samurai, yōkai, and brutally punishing boss fights, while also bringing forth several new and much-needed accessibility features.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>You play as Tokugawa Takechiyo, next in line to become Shogun; but the Crucible, a dark calamity that has descended across multiple timelines in Japan including the Edo, Heian, and Bakumatsu periods, forces Togugawa to travel through time and to end to these distortions, freeing each era from darkness, and setting Japan on the right path.\u003C/p>\u003Ch3 id=\"starting-accessibility\">Starting Accessibility\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> has accessible onboarding from the moment you start the game, allowing you to peruse all the available options immediately. The best part is there are more accessibility features available than its predecessors (\u003Cem>Nioh \u003C/em>and \u003Cem>Nioh 2\u003C/em>), including brand new User Accessibility menu, where players can find common settings like subtitle resizing, vibration intensity, and screen-shake toggles. Many of these options are also included in the default Basic Game Settings!\u003C/p>\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/20260220123251_1-1.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The Systems menu features Basic Game Settings, Controls, User Accessibility, Visuals, Audio Settings, Camera Settings, Online Settings, Language Settings, the License Agreement, Quit Game, and the Web Manual. In the corner, a Kodama lounges on the ground while a Scampuss sniffs it.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/20260220123251_1-1.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/20260220123251_1-1.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/20260220123251_1-1.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/20260220123251_1-1.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\u003Cp>The new User Accessibility menu includes a short, explanatory sentence underneath some of the options clarifying what each setting does –  which is incredibly helpful for players unfamiliar with accessibility terminology, or just experimenting with different configurations. It's not uncommon for players to leave an beneficial settings disabled because the language is unclear. A single explanatory sentence can go a long way in bridging that gap. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>If you're among the crowd who like to test options, all in-game settings can be accessed at any time from the over-world, at a shrine, or from the start menu, making the customization seamless.\u003C/p>\u003Ch3 id=\"visual-accessibility\">Visual Accessibility\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>While \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> improves massively over its predecessors in many areas, visual accessibility remains its weakest category. That said, there are some wins. Players can change text color and toggle various HUD elements like player damage, enemy damage, and the number of on-screen icons, making it helpful for users who get overwhelmed by flashing information during combat. \u003C/p>\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/3681010_68.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The Basic Game Settings menu shows options to display values on the Life Gauge, Ki Gauge, Spirit Force Gauge, and Amrita Gauge; display Guardian Spirit skill values; set the maximum number of icons displayed; show held Amrita and gold; toggle the lock-on marker; and display targeted enemies’ status effects.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/3681010_68.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/3681010_68.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/3681010_68.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/3681010_68.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\u003Cp>There is also the option to disable screen-shake that is a welcome feature, especially during moments when battling an Oni and getting quite literally pancaked while the screen rattles dramatically. Yes, I know I'm dead! However, visual accessibility options remain limited overall. We would have liked to see colorblind settings and additional HUD color customization for players who need them. \u003C/p>\u003Ch3 id=\"mobility-accessibility\">Mobility Accessibility\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> supports both controller and keyboard/mouse play with full customization. Both input methods include several preset controller profiles – like swapping attack from X to RB – as well as the ability to your own profile with complete button remapping. Little settings like this go a long way in reducing the time and cognitive load it requires to remap an entire control scheme! \u003C/p>\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide kg-card-hascaption\">\u003Cdiv class=\"kg-gallery-container\">\u003Cdiv class=\"kg-gallery-row\">\u003Cdiv class=\"kg-gallery-image\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/3681010_70.jpg\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/3681010_70.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/3681010_70.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/3681010_70.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/3681010_70.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003C/div>\u003Cdiv class=\"kg-gallery-image\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/3681010_63.jpg\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Controller menu features Configure Controls, Configure Mouse/Keyboard, Style Shift & Burst Break Separation, Toggle Grapple and Martial Arts, Button Hold Settings, Ranged Weapon Aim Control Settings, Guard Control Settings, Stick Settings, and Swap Horizontal Stick Control.\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/3681010_63.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/3681010_63.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/3681010_63.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/3681010_63.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003C/div>\u003C/div>\u003C/div>\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\u003Cp>We especially appreciated the option to toggle button holds and the unique setting of toggling between Style Shifts (swapping between Ninja and Samurai forms) for parrying or breaking enemies. This option is fantastic for players who prefer to stick to a specific playstyle, like if you love using the spear in Samurai mode, you can remain in that form while still breaking enemy attacks!\u003C/p>\u003Cp>That said, as a Soulslike game, \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> still demands precise timing and quick reactions for dodging, blocking, and countering. There's no way around this core design short of taking breaks when you're feeling frustrated. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>The game also allows players to summon Spirits from blue graves – AI-controlled allies that assist you during exploration or boss fights. If the AI companions are too unreliable or frustrating to play with (sometimes bosses ignore them), co-op play supports up to 3 players by offering Ochoko cups at shrines. With 3 players total, bosses can easily be stun-locked for an entire fight and defeated quickly. We loved the lighthearted emoting during co-op sessions like waving, dancing, or bowing animations! \u003C/p>\u003Ch3 id=\"auditory-accessibility\">Auditory Accessibility\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>Auditory accessibility had the largest jump in improvement over previous entries! Subtitles now include several options: display speaker toggle, closed captions for sound effects during cutscenes, subtitle resizing, and most notably, an feature called Sound Effect Assistance, which audio cues near certain objects. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>While we still had a few jumpscares from enemies suddenly attacking us from behind, the improvements are substantial overall. Our main recommendation would be to expand the environmental sound effect captions beyond cutscenes to include gameplay as there's no way to hear an audio cue if a Kodama, chest, or enemy is nearby if you're a Deaf or hard-of-hearing player.\u003C/p>\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/20260220123638_1-1.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The User Accessibility menu shows options for Text, Voice, Subtitles, Display Speaker in Subtitles, Sound Effect Captions, Subtitle Size, Color Perception (Important Text Color and Rarity Color), and Overall Volume.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/20260220123638_1-1.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/20260220123638_1-1.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/20260220123638_1-1.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/20260220123638_1-1.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\u003Ch3 id=\"cognitive-accessibility\">Cognitive Accessibility\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>We'll be upfront: there's a \u003Cem>lot \u003C/em>of information. However, \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> pares down how much information comes at you by slowly introducing new elements of gameplay during the tutorial. Players can replay tutorial levels at any time by revisiting the Edo period at a shrine to rematch the Ninja and Samurai masters. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>One of the improvements is the Level Up menu, which now clearly highlights which weapons benefit from each stat. This is a departure from many Soulslike titles where players are forced to experiment, often without feedback, to determine optimal builds. Here, \u003Cem>Nioh 3 \u003C/em>tells you directly. If you make a mistake, you can reallocate your stats at any time at no cost, making experimentation far more forgiving for newcomers who aren't sure what their favorite playstyle is.\u003C/p>\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/3681010_69.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The Level Up menu displays the following stats: Constitution, Heart, Stamina, Strength, Skill, Intellect, and Magic. Below each stat, the weapons it affects are highlighted in yellow.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/3681010_69.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/3681010_69.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/3681010_69.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/3681010_69.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\u003Cp>However, some systems still lack clarity. The Blacksmith in the Eternal Rift has several options of what to do with your old weapons: Soul Match, Soul Extraction, Remodel, and Disassemble. For newcomers, these terms aren't immediately intuitive, requiring players to toss weapons in and see what happens. A similar confusion arises when slotting in  yōkai abilities or choosing Guardian Spirits. Given the clarity of the Level Up menu, it feels like an oversight to not provide similar guidance in these areas. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>For players who shout, \"Just test it and see!\" It's worth nothing that some gamers simply want to play without extensive experimenting – and that's valid. Accessibility is about offering \u003Cem>options\u003C/em>, including for a tired parent with only an hour to play and may not want to spend that time deciphering complex systems. \u003C/p>\u003Ch3 id=\"mental-health\">Mental Health\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> lives up to its Mature-rating, featuring graphic combat and bloodshed. The good news is players can disable dismemberment and blood display, making combat less visually intense. \u003C/p>\u003Cfigure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\">\u003Cimg src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/20260220123636_1-3.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The User Accessibility menu shows the following options: Show Controls, Trigger Effect Strength, Vibration, Vibration Intensity, Screen Shake Settings, Dismemberment Effects, and Display Blood.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w600/2026/02/20260220123636_1-3.jpg 600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1000/2026/02/20260220123636_1-3.jpg 1000w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w1600/2026/02/20260220123636_1-3.jpg 1600w, https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/size/w2400/2026/02/20260220123636_1-3.jpg 2400w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 720px) 720px\">\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>\u003C/figcaption>\u003C/figure>\u003Cp>A content warning: \u003Cstrong>players are required to kill dogs\u003C/strong> – multiple times. These are realistic animals, not fantasy creatures. There is no avoiding it. If this may be distressing, we recommend trying the game's demo on Steam before committing. \u003C/p>\u003Ch3 id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion\u003C/h3>\u003Cp>We love Souls-like games. It's a beloved genre with a lot to offer, but as always, there is room to grow. \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> represents a meaningful improvement over its predecessors, and that progress deserves recognition. It's a genuine delight to play with several Easter eggs referencing earlier entries.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Overall, it's a strong addition to the growing series, and it's exciting to see the developers' evolution with each installment. We'll be spending more time in the post-game experimenting with different weapons and searching for the most overpowered build – or borrowing one from online. That's cool too! \u003C/p>\u003Chr>\u003Ch2 id=\"unlock-more-with-your-personal-score%E2%84%A2\">Unlock More With Your Personal Score™\u003C/h2>\u003Cp>Wondering how well \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> might work for your specific accessibility needs? The AbleToPlay team\u003Cem> \u003C/em>has your back!\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Create your free account today to get your Personal Score™ for \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> and thousands of other games. AbleToPlay matches you to games based on your unique accessibility needs and preferences, helping you make informed gaming decisions before you play – for free.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Check out all the accessibility features in \u003Cem>Nioh 3\u003C/em> and see your Personal Score™ now!\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\u003C!--kg-card-begin: html-->\n\u003Cspan style=\"display: none;\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-atp-slug=\"ambrosia-sky-act-one\" data-atp-display=\"solo\">\u003C/span>\n\u003C!--kg-card-end: html-->\n","https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2026/02/nioh-3-samurai-guardian-spirit-key-art-689909875.jpg",false,"public","2026-02-20T12:22:10.000-08:00","2026-09-05T15:25:58.000-07:00","2026-08-21T15:25:00.000-07:00","A new, more accessible entry in the Nioh franchise promises more samurai, yōkai, and brutally punishing fights as you traverse different eras of Japan, seeking to liberate them from the dark forces known as the Crucible. ",null,[18],{"id":19,"name":20,"slug":21,"description":16,"feature_image":16,"visibility":11,"og_image":16,"og_title":16,"og_description":16,"twitter_image":16,"twitter_title":16,"twitter_description":16,"meta_title":16,"meta_description":16,"codeinjection_head":16,"codeinjection_foot":16,"canonical_url":16,"accent_color":16,"url":22},"68069c99b04ce7000199fe2c","Game Deep Dive","game-deep-dive","https://abletoplay-blog.ghost.io/tag/game-deep-dive/",[24],{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27,"profile_image":28,"cover_image":29,"bio":30,"website":31,"location":16,"facebook":16,"twitter":16,"threads":16,"bluesky":16,"mastodon":16,"tiktok":16,"youtube":16,"instagram":16,"linkedin":16,"meta_title":16,"meta_description":16,"url":32},"690a278cbb611c00089a72da","AbleToPlay Staff","abletoplaystaff","https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2025/04/ATPLogo-1.png","https://storage.ghost.io/c/11/23/11233697-9777-4090-bb4b-e4dee7be23a4/content/images/2025/04/ATPCover.jpg","AbleToPlay is the best way to find accessible games.","https://www.abletoplay.com","https://abletoplay-blog.ghost.io/author/abletoplaystaff/",{"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27,"profile_image":28,"cover_image":29,"bio":30,"website":31,"location":16,"facebook":16,"twitter":16,"threads":16,"bluesky":16,"mastodon":16,"tiktok":16,"youtube":16,"instagram":16,"linkedin":16,"meta_title":16,"meta_description":16,"url":32},{"id":19,"name":20,"slug":21,"description":16,"feature_image":16,"visibility":11,"og_image":16,"og_title":16,"og_description":16,"twitter_image":16,"twitter_title":16,"twitter_description":16,"meta_title":16,"meta_description":16,"codeinjection_head":16,"codeinjection_foot":16,"canonical_url":16,"accent_color":16,"url":22},"https://abletoplay-blog.ghost.io/nioh-3-accessibility-spotlight/",6,true,"A samurai with a long ponytail overlooks the land of Japan. In the center is the Nioh 3 logo.","\u003Cspan style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nioh 3 © 2026 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.\u003C/span>",1788647289233]