{"id":41248,"date":"2026-08-06T15:13:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T15:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=41248"},"modified":"2026-08-06T15:13:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T15:13:19","slug":"onimusha-way-of-the-sword-retains-challenge-despite-flashy-new-features-for-samurai-fans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/?p=41248","title":{"rendered":"Onimusha: Way of the Sword Retains Challenge Despite Flashy New Features for Samurai Fans"},"content":{"rendered":"
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**Onimusha: Way of the Sword – An Extended Preview**<\/p>\n

Last month, I played an extended preview of the upcoming action slasher *Onimusha: Way of the Sword*, and came away impressed\u2014even if my fingers were a bit sore. Although the samurai action genre is bustling, with titles like *Nioh 3* currently reigning supreme, *Onimusha* has a few intriguing tricks up its yukata sleeve.<\/p>\n

The *Onimusha* series, which last saw an installment in 2006 on the PlayStation 2, began as a spin-off of *Resident Evil*. While it transitioned from ammo-scarce shooting to katana battles, it retained a careful and methodical rhythm. You slice through demonic Genma, dodge their attacks, and absorb souls into your gauntlet for new powers. The fundamentals remain intact and familiar, and *Way of the Sword* evolves this formula for the contemporary gaming landscape.<\/p>\n

The game adopts a behind-the-back camera view, a modernization similar to what Capcom used in the *Resident Evil* remakes, yet retains the intricate combat mechanics that define its predecessor. The preview experience picks up right after the demo, which is currently available on Steam.<\/p>\n

Designed for players who are fans of Soulslike games, *Way of the Sword* has a unique charm, particularly with its protagonist modeled after the iconic actor Toshiro Mifune, renowned for his roles in cinema classics like *Rashomon* and *Seven Samurai*. The two-year effort to secure Mifune’s likeness brings a rich personality to the character, making Musashi a compelling figure immersed in the supernatural chaos that unfolds.<\/p>\n

Musashi faces not only Genma but also a variety of puzzles reminiscent of traditional action-adventure titles. In one segment, he must shoot symbols on platforms to proceed, which hearkens back to simpler dungeon mechanics. The city of Kyoto serves as a hub, with smaller quests allowing players to engage with NPCs who offer items in exchange for rescue from Genma attacks. This resource management system introduces an element of strategy to the gameplay.<\/p>\n

While the combat truly shines, boasting fluid movement that is visually appealing and satisfying to control, it strikes a balance between a Soulslike experience and the fast-paced action typical of character action games like *Ninja Gaiden*. The combat mechanics are designed to be accessible; the parry window is more forgiving than in *Nioh* or *Sekiro*, allowing for a fluid playstyle that rewards timing but also accommodates various skill levels.<\/p>\n

The game features a well-developed parry system, including the Issen technique, a critical counterattack that can potentially lead to instant kills. Players can focus on mastering this mechanic throughout the game. Combos and counterattacks are highlighted through various camera angles that accentuate the intensity of battles, from parries to gory kills.<\/p>\n

Moreover, environmental interactions have been significantly enhanced, reminiscent of the experimentation with the Havok Physics engine seen in the early 2000s. Players can use the environment strategically; for instance, knocking a Genma into a nearby object for a tactical advantage adds layers to combat encounters. The cinematics throughout battles amplify the immersive experience, especially during boss fights, which feature dynamic camera movements showcasing the action.<\/p>\n

Boss encounters offer challenges that will test players’ skills, including formidable adversaries like Rasho-gan, a multi-armed enemy who combines deep cuts and environmental hazards in his combat strategy. These encounters promise a difficulty level comparable to other modern titles, while also offering a Story Mode for those seeking a less punishing experience.<\/p>\n

*Onimusha: Way of the Sword* is set for release on September 4. It appears primed to continue the momentum Capcom has built with recent titles like *Resident Evil Requiem* and *Pragmata*. Whether it will rival the excellence of *Nioh* and *Sekiro* remains to be seen, but the revival of this franchise comes with promise and anticipation for fans familiar with its rich history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Last month, I played an extended preview of upcoming action slasher Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and came away impressed – if a bit sore in the fingers. Though the samurai action genre is a crowded one these days, with Nioh 3 doing an excellent job<\/a> of claiming the current throne, Onimusha has more than a few intriguing tricks up its yukata sleeve.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=41248"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41248\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gaitgames.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}