Preview: Way of the Sword Reforges Onimusha for a New PS5 Era

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Would it be lazy to compare Onimusha: Way of the Sword to Dark Souls?

After watching Capcom’s newest character action adventure for about 20 minutes, it seems reminiscent of the style typically associated with FromSoftware.

In essence, it’s clear that games like Elden Ring have exerted such a powerful impact on their genre that not even a gaming giant from the PlayStation 2 era is immune to its sway.

Observing the main character maneuvering in circles while locked onto an enemy in a lethal, rhythmic battle suggests similarities to FromSoftware’s latest games, despite the fact that the creator is taking a unique path in this project.

Indeed, with the upcoming release of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, it feels as if it’s been two decades since the original game in the series. In some aspects, this new installment might be considered a gentle restart or refresh for the Onimusha series.

Legendary swordsman, modeled after the esteemed Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, goes by the name of superhero samurai Miyamoto Musashi. He’s come to Kyoto with the intention of demonstrating that there is no one who can match his skill in swordsmanship.

As a fervent admirer, I find myself wielding an enigmatic Oni gauntlet that grants me abilities far surpassing those of an ordinary human. Given my impending confrontation with the extraordinary, this newfound power proves most fortuitous indeed.

In this game, Onimusha, history and folklore have always intertwined, and that continues here. The majority of the action happens at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which in reality is a place haunted by monstrous foes called Genma. Your mission will be to eliminate them.

Here’s where Capcom’s distinctive gameplay agility shines: Character Musashi can defend himself, yet doing so depletes his stamina. However, if timed correctly, a well-placed defense will result in a successful parry.

In one instance, the main character deflected an enemy’s arrow towards another adversary, resulting in extensive destruction. Dangerous elements such as explosions and flames intensified the intensity of the skirmishes.

Even though we didn’t hold the controller ourselves, we could still admire the seamless nature of the battle system. The character can effectively defend from any angle, including behind his head, with smooth movements that seem to enhance each scene thanks to quick and responsive control inputs.

Just like previous games, you’re able to regain health, learn new abilities, and gain experience points by taking in souls. But beware, these souls are automatically claimed by a Genma unless you actively consume them first. This adds an strategic layer to the combat system as you decide the most effective sequence for absorbing them.

One key impression from the demonstration was the incredibly cinematic feel of everything presented, in the most flattering sense.

In another battle with the gauntlet-wielding adversary, Sasaki Ganryu, we were left speechless due to its seamlessly flowing dance-like exchange. Remarkably, the RE Engine continues to deliver top-notch performance.

Absolutely, there will be more than just fights – you’ll encounter some puzzle-solving too. For instance, in one scene, Musashi utilized his Omi Vision to perceive hidden spiritual aspects which he had to interact with to advance. It might seem straightforward now, but it’s likely to become more complex as the story progresses.

In this demonstration without direct involvement, we’re merely touching upon Way of the Sword, yet it appears beautifully designed. There might not be many unexpected elements at present, but with Stellar Blade demonstrating last year that there’s ample space for a swift and chaotic action game in the market, we can anticipate exciting things ahead.

In a similar vein to Dark Souls, the game’s ominous fantasy aesthetic and battle presentation are likely to evoke comparisons. However, unlike Dark Souls, this grand production aims to elicit excitement rather than frustration, with fewer wall-bashing encounters and more triumphant fist-pumping moments.

Frankly speaking, it’s been nearly two decades since we last ventured into the realm of Onimusha, but now, we feel thoroughly prepared to return to this captivating world again.

What do you think about Onimusha: Way of the Sword? Have you eagerly anticipated a new installment from this well-known series for some time now? Is this your initial encounter with the franchise, or have you been a loyal fan since its inception? Share your feelings below.

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2025-07-09 20:06