Capcom’s action title Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches this month across PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox, resurrecting an iconic franchise that has remained dormant since the years 2000 outside of remasters and spin-offs. The game pairs high-stakes combat with a theatrical tone, mixing historical Japanese figures with demonic invasions in 17th-century Kyoto.
Combat Mechanics and the Soulslike Influence
The core gameplay relies on high difficulty and precision, drawing from the soulslike subgenre without adopting its punishing loss of progress. The game uses checkpoints that restore health while respawning enemies, creating a loop of sharp difficulty followed by rewarding victories. Players must study enemy attack patterns, executing precise blocks, dodges, and split-second counterattacks like the Issen mechanic.
Pro Tip: Mastering the Issen maneuver—pressing attack in the exact fraction of second before taking damage—dites the pace of victory and triggers devastating counterattacks against formidable bosses.
Narrative and Cinematic Inspiration
The story follows swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, who seeks challenging duels only to find Kyoto overrun by “genma” monsters led by the general Minamoto no Yoshitsune. After being killed by a genma, Musashi receives the iconic Oni gauntlet, granting him magical powers and the ability to absorb enemy souls to upgrade his attributes. Musashi’s charismatic, slightly clumsy persona is an homage to actor Toshiro Mifune and his roles in Hiroshi Inagaki’s 1950s Samurai Trilogy.
World Design and Structural Flaws
While linear narrative segments boast a polished, cinematic pace, the newly introduced semi-open world areas present noticeable friction. Exploring Kyoto can feel unrewarding, forcing players into repetitive side quests just to gather materials needed for essential upgrades. Consequently, players often rely on fast-travel shortcuts to bypass the open areas and return directly to the main storyline missions.
Did you know? Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks a milestone for Capcom in 2026, building on a modern golden era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Onimusha: Way of the Sword available on?
The game is available on PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox.
How does the Oni gauntlet work in the game?
Acquired after Musashi’s death, the gauntlet allows him to channel magic and absorb the souls of fallen enemies to upgrade his combat attributes and abilities.
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword a soulslike game?
It incorporates soulslike combat difficulty and precision requirements, but avoids mechanics like permanent progress loss by utilizing check-in points.
Join the Conversation
Are you excited to jump back into the world of Onimusha, or how do you feel about the franchise’s shift into semi-open worlds? Let us know in the comments below, and explore our site for more gaming news and reviews!
Keep reading