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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – In a gaming sphere increasingly focused on remaking classic games for modern audiences, Capcom decided to go a different route with their long-dormant Onimusha franchise. Comprising four games on the PS2, the first of which was released in 2001, the series sold and was reviewed well but never found a large audience as Capcom’s Devil May Cry (inspired by Onimusha) became the company’s action cash cow. For reference, my only real exposure to the series came thanks to the second-hand game market being so easily accessible during the PS2 era. I had a copy of the first game because it was budget-friendly for an allowance-dependent pre-teen. Beyond knowing I owned it, I only remember it being too hard for me.
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Fast forward two decades after the last entry in the series, and Capcom has returned with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Not a remaster nor a remake, this is a brand-new story based on the world established in the prior games while honoring the gameplay fans of the old entries enjoyed.
We start in feudal Japan, taking the role of wandering samurai Miyamoto Musashi. He’s brash but can back up his swaggering confidence with skilled swordsmanship – at least until demonic forces called Genma show up and kill him. Before falling into Hell, he’s saved by a mysterious man who offers him the power of the Oni. That power comes in the form of a gauntlet which gives Musashi the ability to consume the souls of Genma.
Thrust into a battle between the demons and those who defend the gate that divides Earth from Hell, Musashi begins a journey through the alleys and temples of Kyoto to defeat the forces breaching the gate and save humanity.
As the game starts to open up, you’re given the chance to explore the Genma-infested streets of Kyoto, completing side content and farming items to help build Musashi into a demon-killing machine. Missions get progressively tougher, forcing you to do everything you can to power up before the next boss fight.
Onimusha’s combat is extremely satisfying, rewarding players’ patience and timing. Rather than hacking and slashing through much of the game, you will be forced to dodge, parry and punish while being likewise punished for getting too greedy. While most basic enemy types can be easily dispatched, bosses are where the game shines in its challenge. All the tools and abilities you’ve been taught are needed to avoid getting crushed. There’s a dread of anticipation when approaching an obvious boss arena, but also a rush of excitement. Some of the one-on-one duels had my adrenaline pumping and the satisfaction of creaming a tough-talking giant is worth the frustration of getting creamed a few times yourself.
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Aside from the combat, the other reason to play Onimusha is the world it presents. Steeped in Shinto mysticism and Japanese history, you meet a variety of actual historical figures and folklore-inspired villains. Environments meld Japanese-style environments with brutal horror seasoning. That recipe makes for a world I couldn’t wait to explore even further.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword ran about 25 hours for me in my first playthrough, but with boss challenges and a variety of difficulty settings, there is plenty of game for the price.
If you’re looking for an action game that offers fair challenge in a memorable setting, Onimusha deserves your attention.
Pros: Engaging combat that never gets boring, challenging boss fights, great atmosphere
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Cons: Some reuse of bosses can get repetitive
Score: 9/10
Publisher provided a review copy of the game in exchange for an honest review
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