‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ marks the samurai series’ long-awaited return

Capcom’s legendary samurai franchise returns with “Onimusha: Way of the Sword,” a new entry that abandons the classic formula to focus on more demanding combat and Japanese folklore.

The series began on PlayStation 2 in 2001 as an evolution of the Japanese developer’s success with “Resident Evil.” Its stories combine historical warriors from feudal Japan with demons drawn from Japanese mythology. This fifth main installment puts greater emphasis on player skill, defensive and offensive special moves, and a more developed control system.

Combat requires players to adjust their approach to each opponent. They can improve basic attributes such as health and weapon damage, equip amulets and develop the Oni Gauntlet, the franchise’s emblematic weapon. The artifact unleashes devastating powers when players need extra help during a fight.

The game’s bosses are its central attraction. Each has unique mechanics and an imposing design, turning every confrontation into a demanding but rewarding learning process. Kyoto serves as the protagonist’s base, while the game recreates locations such as Kiyomizu-dera and draws on local legends. Players can also take on secondary missions to improve the character.

The colorful, detailed graphics support the setting, while the soundtrack remains restrained. The game offers between 20 and 30 hours of play. Its enemy variety is narrower than expected, and ordinary difficulty is more accessible than the highly complex boss encounters, but the combat is presented as one of the saga’s most satisfying experiences.