Game: Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action / Adventure
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date: September 4, 2026
NGG Review Score: 9/10

THE LEGEND RETURNS!

Twenty years. That's a long time to leave fans wondering whether one of Capcom's most recognizable samurai franchises would ever return.

For longtime fans of Onimusha, the wait has been anything but short. The franchise built its reputation on brutal sword combat, supernatural enemies, memorable characters, and an atmosphere that separated it from the crowded action-adventure genre.

Now, Capcom has finally brought the series back with ONIMUSHA: WAY OF THE SWORD.

But here's the big question: Has Capcom delivered a worthy successor to the franchise's legacy, or is this another case of nostalgia doing all the heavy lifting?

After stepping into the shoes of legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi and facing the horrors unleashed upon Kyoto, one thing becomes clear: Capcom hasn't forgotten what makes Onimusha special.

And that's a very good thing!

A SAMURAI CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

ONIMUSHA: WAY OF THE SWORD takes players to an alternate version of early Edo-period Japan, where Kyoto has become a nightmare consumed by supernatural corruption known as Malice.

Players assume the role of Miyamoto Musashi, a skilled swordsman whose journey takes an unexpected turn when he becomes bound to the mysterious Oni Gauntlet.

Unfortunately for Musashi, this isn't exactly a gift he asked for.

The gauntlet grants him supernatural abilities and the power to absorb the souls of defeated enemies, placing him directly in the middle of a battle against the monstrous Genma.

What follows is a dark fantasy adventure filled with deadly encounters, mysterious characters, dangerous environments, and a growing understanding of the forces threatening humanity.

One of the more interesting decisions is Capcom's choice to give Musashi a personality that isn't entirely defined by the traditional honorable samurai stereotype. He's confident, stubborn, and occasionally entertaining, giving the character a little more personality than simply being another sword-wielding protagonist.

His appearance, modeled after legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, is another excellent touch that reinforces the game's connection to classic samurai cinema.

The narrative establishes an interesting foundation, although its pacing and occasional tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the same heights as its strongest gameplay moments.

SWORDPLAY THAT MEANS BUSINESS!

Let's get straight to the point. Combat is the heart and soul of this experience, and Capcom delivers some seriously satisfying swordplay.

This isn't a game where you can simply run into a crowd of enemies, mash buttons, and expect to walk away victorious.

Timing matters. Positioning matters. Understanding your opponent matters.

Players must learn to block, parry, counterattack, and recognize enemy movements. A poorly timed response can quickly turn an otherwise manageable encounter into a fight for survival.

And when you successfully execute a perfectly timed counter? There's nothing quite like it.

The combat feels weighty, deliberate, and rewarding. Every successful strike carries impact, while the game's brutal finishing animations make encounters feel appropriately violent.

The Oni Gauntlet adds another dimension to the experience, allowing Musashi to absorb souls and develop his abilities. These supernatural mechanics complement the traditional swordplay rather than replacing it.

The boss battles deserve special recognition. These encounters frequently demand patience and a willingness to learn attack patterns. Some opponents will punish careless players without hesitation.

It's challenging, but that's part of the appeal.

THE GENMA ARE BACK, AND THEY'RE NOT HERE TO PLAY!

One of the defining elements of the original Onimusha experience was its combination of historical Japanese settings and grotesque supernatural creatures.

Capcom understands that formula and brings it forward with some impressive enemy designs.

The Genma are intimidating, disturbing, and frequently unpredictable. Their presence helps establish an atmosphere that balances historical beauty with supernatural horror.

The visual presentation is another major strength. Kyoto's environments capture the architectural character of the period while introducing the corruption and darkness that define this alternate version of Japan.

The RE Engine helps deliver detailed character models, impressive lighting, fluid combat animations, and some particularly brutal visual effects.

The result is an experience that looks and feels like a modern Onimusha without losing its identity.

WHERE DOES THE GAME FALL SHORT?

As much as we enjoyed our time with ONIMUSHA: WAY OF THE SWORD, no game is without its shortcomings.

And yes, there are a few worth discussing.

PACING PROBLEMS

The adventure doesn't maintain its momentum consistently. Some sections are exciting and engaging, while others interrupt the experience with activities that don't always feel particularly rewarding.

ENEMY REPETITION

While the Genma designs are impressive, certain encounters begin to feel familiar after extended play. More enemy variety would have helped maintain the excitement throughout the adventure.

DIFFICULTY SPIKES

The combat is rewarding, but some encounters can feel disproportionately difficult. Players who haven't invested enough time in upgrading their equipment and abilities may find themselves facing frustrating challenges.

STORYTELLING

The premise is compelling, but the narrative occasionally struggles with consistency. The tonal shifts can feel awkward, and some story sections don't deliver the same impact as the game's best moments.

These issues are noticeable, but they don't overshadow what Capcom accomplishes with the overall experience.

THE FINAL VERDICT – CAPCOM, WE WANT MORE!

So, after a twenty-year wait, did ONIMUSHA: WAY OF THE SWORD deliver?

Absolutely!

Capcom has successfully brought one of its beloved franchises into the modern gaming generation while preserving the elements that made it memorable.

The swordplay is outstanding, the boss encounters are challenging, the supernatural atmosphere is beautifully realized, and Miyamoto Musashi makes for an interesting protagonist.

Is it perfect? No.

Could the story have been stronger? Absolutely.

Could the pacing and enemy variety have used additional attention? Without question.

But here's the thing: When you're locked in a battle with a monstrous Genma, carefully timing your next parry before delivering a devastating counterattack, you remember exactly why Onimusha deserved another installment.

This is the kind of franchise revival we love seeing. Not every returning series needs to reinvent itself. Sometimes, it simply needs to remember what made it great in the first place.

And Capcom gets that right.

For longtime fans, this is a welcome return. For newcomers, it's an excellent opportunity to discover a franchise that has been missing from the gaming landscape for far too long.

ONIMUSHA IS BACK. THE SWORD IS SHARP. AND WE'RE READY FOR MORE!

NEXT GENERATION GAMING FINAL SCORE

9/10 – EXCELLENT

RECOMMENDATION: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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