Onimusha: Way of the Sword review

Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks Capcom's return to the original game's roots, re-imagining the series with a renewed focus on swordplay and storytelling. The game follows Musashi Miyamoto, portrayed by Toshiro Mifune, as he traverses feudal Kyoto, honing his skills and battling demonic enemies.

The combat system feels robust and satisfying, letting players execute complex combos and counterattacks with precision. The Flashing Void spear, forged in an ancient hell, is a standout weapon, harnessed through lightning powers from an earlier battle with Sasaki Ganryu.

While the initial pacing is steady, introducing new mechanics and Musashi's journey to acquire a magic gauntlet, the game slows down significantly in Kyoto. This hub world is cluttered with unnecessary busywork, including a mundane crafting system and numerous sidequests that feel more like chores than engaging activities. The city itself is dreary and unremarkable, with little to distinguish one area from another.

Despite these flaws, the game shines when Musashi embarks on more adventurous excursions, such as exploring a bamboo grove or a sun-drenched mountain fortress. These moments allow for true exhilaration and showcase the impressive melee combat system. The game also benefits from Mifune's charismatic portrayal of Musashi, who brings the legendary warrior to life with expressive animations and a brash attitude.

However, the inclusion of repetitive grinding and unnecessary sidequests weakens the overall experience. By cutting out the excess and streamlining the gameplay, Way of the Sword could have been a tighter, more enjoyable adventure. Nonetheless, fans of the series are likely to find much to appreciate in this reboot, particularly the faithful recreation of Musashi's character and the intense, rewarding combat.