The return of Onimusha with a brand-new installment, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, is exciting news for fans of the franchise and lovers of action games alike. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
Onimusha: Way of the Sword – Key Details
- Reveal: Announced during The Game Awards 2024 with a cinematic trailer.
- Release Date: Planned for 2026.
- Setting: Maintains the iconic Sengoku-era Japan backdrop, blending supernatural elements with historical themes.
- Core Mechanics:
- The Oni powers and the absorption of Genma orbs are returning, key mechanics that made the original series unique.
- Intense sword-based combat featuring counters, evasion, and cinematic finishing moves.
- A darker and grittier tone reminiscent of the original games.
Onimusha and Modern Competition
- The new entry looks poised to compete with popular Soulslike games and samurai action titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Ghost of Tsushima.
- The focus on swift, visceral combat and strategic counterattacks could set it apart.
- Fans of Capcom’s recent RE Engine-powered games (e.g., Resident Evil remakes) can likely expect impressive visuals and smooth gameplay.
Background of the Franchise
- Origins: The series debuted on the PlayStation 2 and was conceptualized as “Resident Evil in Sengoku Japan.” It mixed action, puzzle-solving, and horror elements.
- Popularity: While it was a staple for Capcom in the early 2000s, the franchise went dormant after the PlayStation 2 era.
- Resurgence:
- 2018’s Onimusha: Warlords Remaster introduced the series to modern players.
- Onimusha VR: Shadow Team explored virtual reality but had a quieter reception.
Fan Expectations
With Capcom’s track record of breathing new life into older franchises, hopes are high for Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The challenge will be balancing nostalgia with modern gameplay trends, ensuring it stands out in a competitive genre.
Are you excited about this new installment? Do you think it will rival the likes of Sekiro or Nioh, or are you hoping it sticks closer to the roots of the original games?