Onimusha: Way of the Sword is another goliath in the action-adventure genre, satiating my appetite for epic, cinematic, and addictive sword-fighting encounters, despite some tedious segments

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has captivated players with its engaging narrative and immersive sword-fighting combat, spanning 30 hours of gameplay. Capcom expertly designed the sword-fighting mechanics across the game, complemented by some of the most thrilling boss battles in the action-adventure genre. Available on multiple platforms including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, the game was released on September 4, 2026.

Initially, the variety of enemies may seem limited, but players will find a diverse range of foes to challenge, some of which align with the darker themes of the story, providing motivation to overcome these adversaries. Like previous installments in the series, upgrades and enhancements in Way of the Sword are achieved by collecting red souls from defeated enemies or finding other resources.

Drawing inspiration from the beloved Onimusha franchise, the game incorporates modern elements, particularly the RE Engine used in Resident Evil Requiem, resulting in a compelling sword-fighting, narrative-driven experience that revitalizes the series. Players assume the role of Miyamoto Musashi, a confident young samurai striving to become the ultimate swordsman. When Musashi and his rival, Ganryu, encounter Sasaki Ganryu during an encounter, they are thrust into roles they never expected.

Set in Kyoto, Japan, the story unfolds as Genma (demons) seep into the city from the depths of hell, unleashing chaos and causing innocent lives to be taken brutally. As Musashi and Ganryu pursue the same goal – mastering the blade and becoming the greatest swordsman – they soon realize that more pressing matters demand their attention – the need to repel Genma. Equipped with Oni gauntlets, both Musashi and Ganryu gain extraordinary strengths and abilities to challenge and defeat the Genma.

While Musashi exhibits exceptional charisma in cutscenes, the transition back to gameplay and dialogue sequences occasionally feels jarring compared to the cinematic quality of the cutscenes. Nevertheless, the beautiful visuals in Way of the Sword serve their purpose – to drive the story. The combat system is exceptional, blending elements from previous series veterans with new skills for exciting encounters.

Notable features include the Issen technique, which allows players to strike enemies just before being hit, and the importance of parrying and deflecting to weaken foes, depleting their stamina and leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Timing is crucial for executing Issen or Chain Issen, but once mastered, players will overcome most enemies with ease.