Mini Review: Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny (PS4) – Basic Remaster Keeps That PS2 Charm

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2021 seems like an ideal year to dive into the thrilling world of Onimusha, given Capcom is gearing up for Way of the Sword’s release next year. To ensure a smooth transition from novice to enthusiast, the Japanese gaming giant has re-introduced what fans often hail as the series’ zenith: Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. As I prepare to embark on this samurai adventure, it feels like the perfect moment for a newcomer like myself to join the ranks of Onimusha loyalists!

Six years ago, Capcom remastered Onimusha Warlords for the PS4, and they’ve done it again with this release. Essentially, you’re getting the same PS2 gameplay experience you remember, but now with high-definition graphics, a slightly updated control system, some extra features like a gallery, a tougher difficulty mode called “hell mode”, auto-save functionality, and a few other bonuses.

The remastered version of this game is primarily focused on making it compatible with contemporary hardware rather than significantly improving it for PS5 play. As a result, it retains the same problems that are common among early PS2 titles. For instance, the camera can be quite vexing as it has a tendency to disorient you when switching between angles. Additionally, despite modernization, some controls remain perplexing and the combat remains basic.

The voice acting is laughably poor, yet it enhances the appeal of a game that remains moderately enjoyable. Introducing Jubei as our new lead character, this sequel maintains the strengths of its predecessor and introduces an intriguing item gifting system. This feature grants additional scenes and characters based on whom you engage with, making the approximately ten-hour campaign engaging enough for multiple playthroughs. The assortment of briefly playable characters adds a delightful twist to the overall experience.

By meticulously recreating the original PS2 version while incorporating modest, contemporary upgrades, this gameplay experience allows you to relive Onimusha 2 as if it were never changed since its 2002 release. Long-term enthusiasts will appreciate the exclusive gallery, integrated jukebox, and user-friendly features that instantly grant access to minigames, costumes, and other bonus content.

Despite being rooted in its PlayStation 2 past, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny offers a delightful journey back in time.

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2025-05-21 01:06