I spent three hours with Onimusha: Way of the Sword — and its spectacular sword action has me more convinced than ever that Capcom can’t miss

Capcom's long-awaited revival of the Onimusha franchise has left me thoroughly impressed after three hours of play with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The game expertly modernizes its successful formula, delivering a thrilling, challenging, and accessible combat experience reminiscent of From Software's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Despite initial concerns about its difficulty, I found the game to be incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, thanks to a variety of boss battles and training arenas that allow for ample practice.

The game's visuals are nothing short of stunning, with character models, environment details, and art style that contribute to an immersive samurai demon-hunting experience. The combat, particularly its signature "Issen" technique, is the star of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, allowing players to execute devastating counterattacks during enemy attacks. The technique requires precise timing but pays off with satisfying results, especially when used against multiple foes or tough bosses.

Capcom has clearly learned from Sekiro's combat system, incorporating elements such as a brief slowdown and zoom when a perfect parry is executed, enhancing the overall flow and excitement of the battles. While the game may not rely heavily on parries in regular encounters, the use of dodges and Issen provides a well-rounded and engaging combat system. Additionally, secondary weapons like the Wind-Whipper prove useful in clearing rooms and fending off formidable foes.

One concern I have is the limited variety of primary weapons for protagonist Miyamoto Musashi, with secondary weapons being restricted to Oni Armaments. However, the potential for a fresh and diverse gameplay experience remains high, as side quests, semi-open hubs, and the introduction of new skills are expected to keep things interesting throughout the game's runtime.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to launch on September 4, 2026, across multiple platforms, promising a new standard in sword clashes and demon-hunting action.