Onimusha: Way of the Sword demands players master its intricate combat system, much like its protagonist, the samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Anything less will result in frequent encounters with the game's "You have fallen" screen. While the game borrows some elements from its early 2000s predecessors, such as rift-spawned enemies in repetitive arenas, its core combat mechanics are robust and deeply rewarding.
A Samurai's Unconventional Path
The narrative loosely follows a fictionalized version of Miyamoto Musashi, who, after gaining control of an Oni Gauntlet that grants him immense power, embarks on a quest through Edo-period Kyoto. This version of Musashi struggles with the unnatural strength bestowed upon him, viewing it as a hindrance to his pursuit of being the best swordsman. His journey sees him battling the demonic Genma that have consumed the land.
Evolving Combat Mastery
Unlike many contemporary action games, Way of the Sword's tutorials extend beyond the initial hours, as Musashi's abilities continue to expand throughout the game. This gradual introduction of mechanics can lead to a slower start, but it lays the groundwork for challenging setpiece boss fights. These encounters serve as comprehensive skill checks, testing players' mastery of parries, dodges, deflections, and other abilities. The game discourages button-mashing or exploiting weaknesses, instead demanding near-perfection for its most difficult challenges, with each hard-won victory providing a significant sense of accomplishment.
Environments and Repetitive Encounters
The game features enjoyable combat scenarios in varied locales, from the Arashiyama bamboo forest to castles and explorable stages like Kiyomizu-dera. However, the latter half of the game relies heavily on "rifts," confined combat arenas that players must clear before proceeding. The frequent reuse of bosses within these rifts can lead to exhaustion and makes the journey feel padded, particularly when the main villains present more compelling narrative threads. While side quests and "curious cases" offer opportunities to revisit stages and train, the core gameplay loop involves clearing many rifts and defeating numerous demons to progress, which can feel like a chore.
Memorable Characters and Story
Way of the Sword's plot adheres to the series' established formula of demons being evil and the player being good. However, the characters inject life into the straightforward narrative. The villainous scientist Dokyo is depicted as both sinister and cunning, while the kabuki creator Izumo no Okuni provides a steadfast presence. The rival samurai Sasaki Ganryu offers flamboyant and challenging encounters. These larger-than-life characters, reminiscent of those found in Capcom's Resident Evil series, contribute to a refreshing take on the samurai genre, avoiding tropes of honor and revenge.
A Challenging but Rewarding Experience
Musashi's mentor, Ono no Takamura, an Oni sworn to guard the barrier between the human world and the demon realm, explains that his constant fight against the Genma is simply "fun." This sentiment resonates with the game's overall experience. Way of the Sword is notably more difficult and complex than its predecessors, making it the most satisfying and enjoyable entry in the series. Despite some older design choices that may impede progress, the core fun of Way of the Sword remains undiminished.