The Samurai Returns With a Sharper Edge
Onimusha: Way of the Sword delivers spectacular swordplay and memorable boss battles, although repetitive encounters and uneven pacing hold it back
Twenty years is a long time to leave a sword gathering dust, but Capcom’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword makes a convincing case for bringing its legendary samurai series back. With exceptional combat mechanics, cinematic presentation and wonderfully theatrical characters, this revival understands what made the originals special while introducing enough modern refinements to feel relevant today.
The story takes us to Edo-period Kyoto, where legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi finds himself confronting the demonic Genma. After a fatal encounter, he’s resurrected with a mysterious Oni Gauntlet that grants supernatural abilities and allows him to absorb the souls of defeated enemies. There’s just one problem: Musashi isn’t particularly interested in becoming anyone’s hero.
That reluctance gives the narrative its personality. Musashi is arrogant, outspoken and wonderfully expressive, with a character design inspired by legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. His interactions with the supporting cast inject humour into an otherwise dark supernatural adventure, although the underlying story rarely ventures beyond familiar territory.
The real attraction is the combat. Sword fighting feels deliberately physical, with each strike, block and counter carrying convincing weight. Button-mashing might get you through basic encounters, but tougher enemies demand a more considered approach. Learning when to parry, deflect or dodge becomes essential, creating a satisfying rhythm between calculated defence and explosive offence.
The returning Issen technique is particularly rewarding. Executing a precisely timed counterattack can devastate an opponent, turning what might have been a desperate defensive moment into a spectacular finishing move. It’s an excellent example of how the game rewards skill without relying exclusively on punishing difficulty.
The Oni Gauntlet adds another strategic consideration. Defeated enemies release coloured souls that can restore health, replenish special abilities or contribute towards upgrades. However, absorbing them leaves Musashi momentarily vulnerable, introducing an interesting risk-and-reward element to encounters.
Boss battles are undoubtedly the highlight. From grotesque supernatural creatures to flamboyant rival swordsmen, these encounters demand careful observation and precise execution. Their elaborate designs and theatrical animations make victories particularly satisfying, especially when an initially overwhelming opponent becomes manageable through practice.
Capcom’s RE Engine also delivers impressive results. Character expressions are exceptionally detailed, cinematic sequences are beautifully animated, and Kyoto’s temples, bamboo forests and demon-infested environments provide an atmospheric backdrop. Traditional Japanese instrumentation adds another layer of intensity, particularly during major confrontations.
Unfortunately, the experience isn’t consistently spectacular. Exploring Kyoto introduces crafting materials, repetitive side activities and unnecessary backtracking that occasionally interrupt the momentum. Several bosses also return too frequently, diminishing the excitement of encounters that initially felt special.
The difficulty balance is another consideration. Ordinary enemies can become relatively straightforward once the combat mechanics click, while major bosses demand considerably greater precision. The toughest Carnage difficulty is also locked behind completing the campaign, an unfortunate restriction for experienced action-game enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, Onimusha: Way of the Sword succeeds where it matters most. Its combat offers tremendous depth, its larger-than-life characters bring welcome personality, and its strongest encounters rank among the year’s most exciting action sequences.
It’s not quite the flawless comeback fans might have imagined, but after two decades away, Onimusha has rediscovered its fighting spirit. And when the swords come out, it’s a spectacular sight.
We Say: Outstanding swordplay, cinematic action and memorable bosses make this a triumphant revival, despite repetitive encounters and uneven pacing.
Rating: 4/5
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
www.capcom-games.com
