Known as Yokai, these demons inhabit a number of dangerous locations and lie in wait in the shadows to ambush unsuspecting victims. Players will also face off with other samurai in supernatural sword battles and intense, multi-target engagements offering a level of difficulty that will truly test even the most hardened samurai’s skills, patience, and strategy.

Offering a deep and original storyline that takes place during the Warring States Period of Japanese history alongside strategic sword-fighting action, Nioh will challenge players in a way that makes every mission and accomplishment feel earned and worthwhile.

Following the overwhelming success of the Alpha Demo in April, Nioh returns with a Beta Demo featuring more intense and rewardingly dangerous gameplay. New challenges await players who venture deeper into the ominous world of Nioh, and in turn, new ways to conquer foes emerge. The long-range hand cannon rifle allows humans and Yokai alike to be taken down with a forceful blow, and a fresh selection of Katanas, Spears, Axes and Hammers will provide players with new options to suit their gameplay style. Among the demo’s locales is a new dojo stage which teaches players the basics of the game’s fast-paced combat system. Players will also be able to explore a to-be-announced stage in addition to the Usuki stage featured earlier this year in the Alpha Demo.

Blending a compelling narrative loosely based upon the tale of the first western samurai, William Adams, with a myriad of strange supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore (Yokai), players of Nioh will discover a diverse and comprehensive world dripping with lore. Vile and daunting creatures await challengers, who must learn their enemies’ tactics to gain an advantage in battle.

William is not alone against the perilous Yokai, however, as he will be accompanied by a diverse cast of characters who assist him on his travels across Japan. Hanzo Hattori, the head of the ninja clan retained by Ieyasu Tokugawa, serves as William’s guide through the country. Hanzo’s cat is possessed with the long-living spiritual guardian Nekomata, who aids William with his strong knowledge of the supernatural and history of the land. Muneshige and Ginchiyo Tachibana, experienced samurai and leaders of the Tachibana clan, also help William on his quest with their deadly fighting abilities. Both Tachibana leaders possess their own Raiken guardian spirits—creatures which control the element of Thunder—which come together to perform a devastating special attack.

This Beta Demo will be available via the PlayStation Store from August 23 until September 6, after which point download and play of the demo will be disabled.