Capcom is bringing back the Onimusha series after a nearly two-decade hiatus with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, aiming to deliver a challenging action experience. The upcoming title features a protagonist whose likeness is based on the legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, and its combat system appears to cater to players who enjoy the precise timing and deflection mechanics found in games like Sekiro and Nioh.
A Return to Samurai Action
The Onimusha series, which began as a Resident Evil spinoff, historically combined methodical action with demon-slaying. The original games featured fixed camera angles and a deliberate pace, but Way of the Sword modernizes this approach. While retaining the core gameplay loop of fighting demons, absorbing souls for powers, and progressing through areas, the game adopts a behind-the-back camera perspective common in modern action titles. This update, powered by Capcom's RE Engine, is intended to offer a more dynamic visual experience while maintaining the franchise's inherent challenge.
Mifune's Legacy in Musashi
A distinctive feature of Onimusha: Way of the Sword is its protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi, whose appearance is modeled after Toshiro Mifune. Mifune, renowned for his roles in classics like "Rashomon" and "Seven Samurai," brings a unique swagger to the character, blending confidence with a touch of world-weariness. This continues the series' tradition of featuring well-known actors, with Takeshi Kaneshiro and Jean Reno having previously lent their likenesses to earlier installments. Securing the rights for Mifune's image reportedly took two years, highlighting Capcom's commitment to this aspect of the game.
Evolving Combat Mechanics
While the combat draws inspiration from Soulslike games, Way of the Sword introduces its own nuances. The parry system is described as more forgiving than those in Nioh or Sekiro, allowing players to more readily execute powerful counterattacks. A key mechanic is the Issen technique, a special counter that can result in an instant kill if timed perfectly, a feature Capcom is actively promoting. Success in parrying can also trigger cinematic camera zooms and environmental interactions, such as knocking enemies into hazards or using physics-based objects like carts as weapons. These environmental elements add a layer of interactivity to the battles, making them feel more dynamic and visually engaging, reminiscent of early physics engine experiments.
Beyond direct combat, the game incorporates traditional action-adventure elements. Players will navigate dungeons that require puzzle-solving, such as shooting symbols on platforms to progress. A hub area, set in Kyoto, offers side missions and opportunities to interact with NPCs. Saving these characters from demon attacks can yield resources like "Favor," which is used to upgrade Musashi's gear. While these side activities may not be highly original, they contribute to the overall variety of gameplay.
Boss Battles and Difficulty
Concerns about the game being too easy have been addressed, with preview sessions indicating that bosses provide a significant challenge. One notable boss, Rasho-gan, a multi-armed adversary, employs attacks that require precise timing to parry. This boss is presented as an example of the game's potential to offer Sekiro-level combat encounters. For players who may find the difficulty steep, Capcom is including a Story Mode option, providing a more accessible experience for those with less honed reflexes.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is scheduled for release on September 4th. The game appears poised to continue Capcom's recent success with titles like the Resident Evil remakes, offering a revived franchise that blends its historical identity with modern gameplay expectations and a distinct visual flair inspired by classic Japanese cinema.