Capcom's samurai action series Onimusha is set to return next month with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Ahead of its release, lead writer Hiroshi Yamashita elaborated on the nature and motivations of the Genma, the demonic enemies central to the game's narrative.
Yamashita explained that the Genma originate from Hell, a realm ruled by the Oni. While the Oni are intended to contain the Genma, negative energy and malice generated by human conflict in the living world attract them. Mysterious rifts appearing in Kyoto allow these creatures to invade. At their most basic level, Genma are driven by instinct: to kill and consume. However, Yamashita revealed that within the Genma ranks, there are specific individuals who possess their own motivations and objectives, acting as schemers rather than mere instinct-driven predators.
These scheming Genma appear to benefit from the chaos and malice created by the larger invasion. As malice builds, it reportedly enables these specific Genma to work towards completing an as-yet-undisclosed objective. This objective forms the main driving force for the protagonist, Musashi, who must stop them. Recurring villain Nobunaga will not be returning in Way of the Sword, suggesting the Genma's goals are not related to his resurrection.
Among the higher-ranking Genma are Dokyo and Rasho-Gan. Dokyo, in particular, is described as being in a league of her own, possessing a significant screen presence and a unique role in the game's story, though further details remain under wraps until the game's launch.