Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks the return of Capcom's samurai action series after a two-decade absence, bringing back the franchise's signature fast-paced combat, Issen counterattacks, and memorable bosses. Players will guide Miyamoto Musashi through a gauntlet of fierce opponents, some drawing comparisons to Soulslike challenges, all within a traditional hack 'n' slash action-adventure framework.
The game offers two difficulty settings: Story Mode, which allows players to overcome most enemies with relative ease, and Action Mode, where bosses present a significant challenge even for seasoned players. This guide provides strategies to help players defeat every boss encountered in the game.
Early Encounters
The initial boss, Sasaki Ganryu, serves as an early test of skill. His attacks are erratic, and his swiveling sword thrust can be difficult to read. Focusing on parrying is key, though players should dodge his aerial leap kicks. Midway through the fight, a tutorial introduces Break Issen, and Ganryu's metal hat is removed, leading to continued assault with added grab and jumping sword strikes. Utilizing action prompts in the menu can assist players struggling with timing.
Daidara, a large, gluttonous foe, attacks with a head-first charge that can be parried, often followed by a grab that requires dodging. His other attacks involve clearly telegraphed club swings. A crucial mechanic introduced here is absorbing lingering Souls with the Gauntlet to prevent Daidara from growing stronger. Missing these opportunities allows him to absorb them himself, granting him a temporary power boost.
Rasho-gan presents a more significant hurdle, being the first boss with two health bars. This multi-armed adversary can be overcome by parrying most of his attacks, including projectiles. Severing the red buff-granting tendril at the start of the fight is essential. After depleting his first health bar, Rasho-gan enters a second phase where he unfurls tendrils connected to the environment. Shooting these tendrils with a bow will cause debris to fall on him, creating an opening for attack. Players must also contend with his spinning, two-pronged aerial attack, which requires precise parrying.
Byakue, while large, telegraphs his attacks well. He lunges and jumps, necessitating dodges, and employs axe swings that require careful reading. The strategy here involves waiting for his spin and flourish animations to finish before parrying, focusing on breaking his posture for critical hits.
Ifuu features two phases and relies heavily on wind-based attacks. Wind gusts emanating from him can be parried, and his ranged air waves can be dodged. His close-up melee swings are more predictable. When his wind tubes turn pink, he becomes more aggressive; dodging his grab attack will knock him down, providing an offensive window. In his second phase, Ifuu inflates his wind tubes and may take to the air. Shooting him with an arrow forces him to the ground, and players should absorb any nearby Souls to prevent him from gaining strength.
Chimera and Recurring Foes
The chimera known as Nue is encountered multiple times, with the first encounter being the most straightforward. Its attacks include tail strikes, shoves, paw swipes, and aerial torpedoes. Dodging is generally more effective than parrying, except for its lightning projectiles, which can be deflected. Aiming for the tail and using Oni Strength when it becomes stuck in the ground can create openings.
Byakue reappears in a second encounter, this time in a room potentially filled with other enemies. Players can use exploding barrels near his alcove to start the fight with an advantage. His attack patterns remain largely the same as in the first fight.
The fight against two Nues, one blue and one red, significantly increases the challenge. While the core strategies of dodging and parrying lightning projectiles remain, their synchronized attacks can overwhelm players. Focusing on one Nue at a time is advisable to simplify the encounter.
The Greater Nue, an evolved form of the chimera, possesses enhanced versions of its smaller counterparts' attacks. Parrying is now more crucial, especially against its tail swipe and aerial pounce. Staying close, parrying paw strikes, and watching for head slams are recommended tactics. The ability to chop off its tail and throw it back offers a temporary advantage. In its second phase, the Greater Nue incorporates lightning attacks and electrical ground effects, requiring players to be mindful of arena hazards and parry its electrified leg slams.