Onimusha: Way of the Sword starts off slow, but stick with it: You'll be rewarded with some of the best action combat of the decade

Onimusha: Way of the Sword begins with a sluggish introduction to its combat system, which might disappoint players who dislike parrying mechanics. The game's initial pacing is deliberate, with defensive abilities introduced one by one, causing players to feel like a deer that might bolt into the underbrush. However, once the combat system finally kicks into high gear, it delivers a truly exhilarating experience.

The game's combat mechanics are deceptively simple at first, starting with the parry or timed block. Parry fatigue is common among action game players, as reported by one in four. Despite this, the game's parry is forgiving and has excellent sound design. As players progress through the game, they unlock other tools such as deflect, timed dodge, Issen (a reversal that requires hitting an attack button at the last moment), and various grabs, blade barrages, and blade locks.

The combat system in Onimusha is well-designed and offers a plethora of techniques to deal with numerous enemy attacks. The game's rhythm-based combat system is a refreshing departure from traditional action games, with enemies constantly introducing new combo threats. By the midpoint of the game, Onimusha has shed its slow start and fully bares its teeth, making mandatory boss and miniboss encounters into opportunities to demonstrate mastery over old foes.

For those who may find the game unwieldy or over-familiar in the first few hours, the recommendation is to persevere. The rewards are well worth the investment, as Onimusha is a best-in-class action game that rewards players tenfold.