After defeating Kamaitachi, it is time for our alter ego in that of Nioh 2, last creature of the famous Team Ninja, to face a really interesting opponent, Saito Yoshitatsu. He is a particular enemy, due to the presence of the double Guardian Spirit, therefore of two different elements at his disposal, and due to his human nature, after various creatures of different types.
Saito Yoshitatsu: appearance and origins
Saito Yoshitatsu is the twin of the protagonist of Nioh 2. From the first meeting, he uses two Guardian Spirits and therefore presents himself "with an edge". In reality, he was military, samurai and daimyo del Sengoku period. It is said that, despite suffering from leprosy, he killed two of his younger brothers and led an army against his father, who previously intended to designate one of his younger sons as heir. The father died Dosan, Saito took control of the province of Mino and also found himself fighting against Oda Nobunaga (another character present in Nioh 2), intent on avenging Dosan's death. He died of disease at 34.
Aesthetically (and not only) he is in all respects a samurai, capable of holding two weapons, and is extremely quick in his movements. She has a mask on her face, which hides her features, leaving her bright red eyes visible.
Main attacks
Saito Yoshitatsu attacks with the katana and the double sword, and his shots are similar to those usable also by our character. Occasionally, he will use the Yokai form and can tap into the power of two different Guardian Spirits, which give him the ability to take advantage of two elements. One of the most fearsome attacks when using the katana is the one performed by landing from above after making a jump: dodge it and use this time window to inflict damage. Another fearsome blow, always with the help of the katana, is the attempt to skewer you like skewers, an attack to be simply dodged from the side. When using the double sword, however, pay attention to the three hit combo, to dodge or counter. Be wary, too, even when buffing his weapons with elemental effects: it would be appropriate to wait for the end, as it can cause many problems due to the altered status inflicted.
Tips for attack and various vulnerabilities
Saito Yoshitatsu it does not present particular elemental vulnerabilities, and the most fearsome weapon in his arsenal is speed. Beware that the latter it increases enormously when using the Yokai form. In this case, try to stay on the defensive and avoid attacking it. In this form, in fact, the boss is not only faster but it also uses elemental slashes, which can bring you many problems.
In his human form he looks simply like a samurai armed with katana and double sword. You use your counterattacks a lot e try to make him finish ki, so as to make it possible for you to attach it safely. Also take advantage of the time window offered to you by the landing of the boss after the jump attack: for a few moments it will be motionless and at your mercy, ready to take all your shots. Proceed with this strategy and you will see that the battle will be much easier than expected.
final Thoughts
Saito Yoshitatsu, the first boss capable of using the transformation into Yokai, is a quick and deadly enemy, especially if he draws on his two Guardian Spirits. Luck has it that one of his deadliest moves can become his greatest weakness. Arm yourself with patience, try to get him to finish his ki and Saito Yoshitatsu will be yours.
Difficulty: 3/5
Appearance: 3,5/5
Thematic inspiration: 3/5
Overall rating: 3 / 5
► Nioh 2 is an Action-RPG type game developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo for PlayStation 4, the video game was released on 13/03/2020
