The distinctive and brutal sound effects in the upcoming game Onimusha: Way of the Sword were meticulously crafted using a specially designed katana. Audio director Shunichi Suwa explained that the team aimed for a "very raw, kind of rough feel" to the weapon sounds, opting for a grating, scraping quality that enhances the game's combat.
While real swords and scabbards were utilized for certain actions like sheathing, Suwa revealed that simply using a real sword in a natural manner did not always produce the desired audio. To achieve the game's signature metallic clang, a custom-made katana was employed in a Foley studio. This unique weapon featured a thicker blade than a standard katana and a prominent S-shaped kink near the hilt, enabling the sound designers to create the specific raw, metallic noises required.
The design choice for these rougher sounds was intentional, according to Suwa. It was intended to emphasize the raw strength and fighting style of the game's protagonist, the legendary swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi. This approach contrasts with his rival, Sasaki Ganryu, whose movements are characterized as more refined and smooth.
During a hands-on demonstration, Suwa showed how the special katana could be used with a corrugated iron bar to produce the exact sort of metallic noise heard in the game when Musashi deflects enemy attacks. The impact of the swordplay in Onimusha: Way of the Sword has been noted for its raw, kinetic feeling, with sound design playing a significant role in conveying this visceral experience.