Onimusha: Way of the Sword, set to release next month, will introduce a mysterious woman named Shizuka who resides within the protagonist Miyamoto Musashi's Oni Gauntlet. This marks the return of the Onimusha series after a two-decade hiatus, bringing back familiar elements such as intense swordplay, demon hordes, and a samurai hero, while introducing new features like an explorable Edo-period Kyoto and a historical protagonist inspired by the likeness of the late Toshirō Mifune.
Unlike previous Onimusha protagonists who embraced the Oni's power, Musashi is a warrior focused on achieving greatness through skill alone. He initially despises the gauntlet and the additional strength it provides, viewing it as an unwanted appendage. Director Satoru Nihei noted that this contrast between Musashi's desire for self-reliance and the involuntary power of the gauntlet offers an interesting dynamic. While Musashi believes defeating more Genma and collecting their souls will lead to his freedom from the gauntlet, Nihei suggests that his opinions on it will evolve as the story progresses.
Shizuka's presence within the Oni Gauntlet appears to be central to Musashi's character development. Though her motivations remain somewhat obscured, interactions with her hint at a growing bond with Musashi, potentially evolving into camaraderie, romance, or something else entirely. Shizuka expresses regret for Musashi being drawn into her predicament, despite needing his help to eventually escape the gauntlet herself.
Lead writer Hiroshi Yamashita explained that Shizuka was conceived partly for functional game design purposes, aiming to assist a global audience unfamiliar with the game's setting. She serves as a narrative device to convey information about the world, the Genma, and other elements to Musashi, preventing unnatural exposition through solo character monologues. Beyond this practical role, Shizuka has a personal story: she ended up in the gauntlet due to an event and now has a goal she cannot achieve without Musashi's physical assistance.
Yamashita indicated that the relationship between Musashi and Shizuka begins with friction, but their interactions will change as the narrative unfolds, highlighting her importance to the story. The development team was mindful of avoiding common pitfalls of annoying companion characters, referencing other game companions for guidance. Initial impressions from a three-hour play session suggest Shizuka is not an intrusive presence.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is scheduled to launch on September 4. Further details and coverage, including exclusive gameplay and behind-the-scenes videos, will be available on Game Informer's platforms.