>>3738114It really isn't when you use the mechanics properly. It's dark souls but with more character-build autism.
There's stronger versions of the consumable buffs that refresh each time you die/use a shrine, so they're very spammable. Of said buffs, some outright deflect projectile shots, let you ignore bad terrain, or plain do more damage.
The ki pulses regen stamina, and the abilities in the skill tree can have extra properties (like inflict poison, give temporary buff) attached to them. Armor has special effects than you can transfer across equipment pieces and strengthen too.
It's very easy to make yourself busted in Nioh but yeah if you try to play it exactly like a souls game it's hard.