Parrying and deflecting are crucial combat maneuvers in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, offering significant advantages when executed correctly. While they may resemble standard action game mechanics, their skillful application can swiftly turn the tide of any encounter.
Deflecting is particularly effective against ranged attackers like the Genma archers that populate Kyoto. Beyond neutralizing such threats, deflecting is the most efficient method for depleting an enemy's stamina, leaving them vulnerable to critical hits. Parrying, on the other hand, goes beyond simply blocking an attack without incurring stamina damage or losing one's stance. Depending on the environment, a successful parry can allow Musashi to throw enemies into one another, instantly draining their stamina, or into nearby walls, disrupting their combat flow. Furthermore, parrying is the key to activating the Blaze state, which significantly boosts attack power. Integrating both parry and deflect into your regular combat routine is highly recommended.
How to Parry
Parrying is available from the outset of Onimusha: Way of the Sword and relies heavily on precise timing. To parry, press the block button (L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox) just before an enemy attack connects. The resulting animation varies based on the incoming strike and the enemy delivering it. In some instances, Musashi will simply deflect the opponent's blade. In more impactful scenarios, he may grab the enemy's sword, pull them close, and then forcefully shove them away, potentially into obstacles like braziers. If an enemy is thrown into a brazier, it will break, setting both the enemy and any nearby foes ablaze, so be mindful of your positioning.
A successful parry negates all health and stamina damage for Musashi and is effective against both melee and ranged assaults. Additionally, parrying contributes to filling the Blaze gauge once the state is unlocked. The primary challenge with parrying lies in its demanding timing, especially when facing aggressive enemies. Takamura's training exercises offer a valuable opportunity to practice parry timing against standard Genma. Boss encounters also feature training simulations, but these are only available after the initial defeat, meaning parrying bosses during the fight is not a practice option. However, deflecting remains a viable alternative for challenging foes.
How to Deflect
Deflecting is a skill that must be unlocked through the game's skill tree using Power Stones, typically becoming available after some initial progress. The input for deflecting involves holding the block button (L1 or LB) and pressing the interact button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox) just before an attack lands. While deflecting offers a wider timing window than parrying, it carries its own risks. Missing the timing results in a standard block, which can consume a significant amount of Musashi's stamina when facing heavy or boss attacks, potentially leaving him immobile and vulnerable.
The primary advantage of deflecting is the substantial stamina damage it inflicts. This makes it exceptionally useful for breaking an enemy's stance, including bosses, opening them up for devastating critical strikes. In essence, deflecting is the go-to move for depleting enemy stamina, whereas parrying is more suited for building the Blaze gauge and dealing with specific environmental interactions.
Mastering both parrying and deflecting, and knowing when to employ each, is key to survival and success in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Alternate between these techniques based on the situation: use deflecting to wear down enemy stamina and parrying to enhance offensive capabilities and exploit environmental hazards.