Sasaki Ganryu, the antagonist in Capcom's upcoming action game Onimusha: Way of the Sword, possesses an "edge of eroticism" in his character design, according to Art Director Hiroyuki Nara. The character is intended to be a strong stylistic and ideological contrast to the game's hero, Miyamoto Musashi.
Both Sasaki Ganryu and Miyamoto Musashi are based on real-life Japanese sword masters from the Edo period. However, Capcom has taken creative liberties to distinguish them. Nara explained that while both characters share the goal of achieving ultimate swordsmanship, their approaches to life and their personal philosophies differ significantly. This divergence is reflected in their appearances and combat styles.
Sasaki Ganryu is depicted with an aristocratic air, sporting elaborate attire and accessories, a stark contrast to Musashi's rougher, more humble appearance. His combat style mirrors this, characterized by smooth, elegant, and almost serpentine movements, whereas Musashi's is more powerful and wild. "We want to have a really clear contrast between the way he moves and the way Musashi moves," Nara stated. "So whereas Musashi's movements are quite wild and kind of rough and kind of powerful, Ganyu's movements are quite refined, but also they have an edge of eroticism to them. They're very alluring in the way that he moves."
Nara confirmed that this design philosophy influenced the casting of the motion actor for Sasaki Ganryu, with the team seeking a performer whose movements conveyed this alluring quality. The contrast between the two main characters is a deliberate choice to enhance the narrative and gameplay experience. A demo for Onimusha: Way of the Sword is currently available on Steam.