While some players may experience parry fatigue in modern action games, Onimusha: Way of the Sword proves the defensive maneuver still has significant potential for innovation. The game introduces a layered parry system that moves beyond a single timed block, offering players a diverse toolkit to counter enemy assaults.
Onimusha features a basic parry, which, when timed correctly, sparks and builds a 'Blazing State' meter. This state increases the player's damage and stagger potential. As the meter fills, players are encouraged to graduate to the more advanced 'Deflect' ability. Deflecting is an advanced form of the basic parry that requires a different button input and can counter attacks that are otherwise unavoidable. This mechanic creates a dynamic interplay between offense and defense, as the Blazing State depletes over time, necessitating the use of basic parries to maintain peak offensive power.
The game also introduces the 'Issin counter,' a high-risk, high-reward parry with an extremely tight timing window. While initially punishing, Onimusha telegraphs specific, slow attacks that serve as ideal opportunities for Issin counters. This tiered approach to parrying, from the basic block to the Issin counter, rewards players for taking greater risks with more substantial damage to foes.
This complex system draws parallels to rhythm games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, where mastering different timings and inputs is crucial for success. Onimusha's approach creates an engaging 'rock, paper, scissors' dynamic, where players must choose the appropriate counter for each enemy attack, escalating from simple defensive maneuvers to more daring, high-stakes parries.
Beyond Onimusha, other games are experimenting with unique parry mechanics. Nine Sols' 'Unbounded Counter' involves holding a block button, requiring players to anticipate attacks well in advance and release the button within a narrow window to execute the parry. A mistimed release leaves the player vulnerable. These examples suggest that the parry mechanic, when implemented with creativity, can offer deep and satisfying gameplay.
Ultimately, the perception of parries as an overly simplistic combat element can be challenged by games that explore their full potential. Onimusha: Way of the Sword stands as a testament to the fact that with inventive design, the humble defensive button press can still lead to exhilarating action combat experiences.