The best Koei Tecmo games

17 hours ago, by Enzo

For several decades now, Koei Tecmo has managed to establish itself as one of Japan’s most prolific publishers, jumping between in-house productions and collaborations with some of the country’s top studios. The product of the merger of Koei and Tecmo in 2009, the company now holds an impressive number of licenses. From fast-paced hack-and-slash games to challenging RPGs, psychological horror titles, and spectacular musō games, the company has built a catalog that is as diverse as it is essential. Here’s a selection of the best games developed or published by Koei Tecmo, those that perfectly showcase the company’s expertise.

Unsurprisingly, let’s start with the latest installment in one of their biggest franchises: Nioh 3. The game takes the series’ mechanics even further with greater freedom, new weapons, and gameplay that’s more fast-paced than ever. The adventure retains all the challenge that made the franchise a success while intelligently refining the formula established in Nioh 2, which is also a very good game in its own right.

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round remains an excellent showcase of Team Ninja’s expertise in fighting games. Its precise gameplay, its counter system that’s as technical as ever, and its iconic roster make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

A modernized version of an action game classic, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black reminds us why Ryu Hayabusa remains a legend of the genre. Its breakneck pace, technical combat, and formidable difficulty offer an experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. After several uneven installments, Dynasty Warriors: Origins succeeds in revitalizing the famous musō formula. Its more vibrant battlefields, reworked narrative, and spectacular clashes allow it to reconnect with what made the series so appealing.

Other notable titles include Samurai Warriors 5 and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Inspired by China’s Three Kingdoms period, the latter blends fast-paced combat, a demanding parry system, and fantastical creatures. Its dynamic gameplay rewards mastery while offering particularly satisfying progression. It’s also worth noting that the sequel to this title, Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, is among the most highly anticipated releases of early 2027.

Finally, let’s take a quick look at the horror genre. Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water brilliantly brings the franchise back into the spotlight thanks to its unique atmosphere and nerve-wracking exploration. The Japanese settings, spectral apparitions, and photography as the primary weapon give the game an instantly recognizable identity.

From Team Ninja’s highly technical combat to massive battles and even the chills of smaller horror projects, Koei Tecmo boasts a rich catalog within the Japanese gaming industry. The publisher has always managed to balance taking risks, historical franchises, and prestigious collaborations, all while maintaining a strong identity.