Onimusha: Way of the Sword Gamescom Preview Hands-On

Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s Announcement is one of the interesting events of The Game Awards last year, although it was not really surprising because there were several indications before revealing that Capcom plans to bring the series back in several forms. No matter how loved by this series during Playstation 2 days, however, it is undeniable that franchises will face several challenges in the modern video game market, where genres such as the soul have become the dominant formula for RPGS action, a genre that can easily fall into by eliminating gameplay elements inspired by the Resident Evil series. Fortunately, Onimusha: Way of the Sword does not go in this direction, because the game will remain very loyal to the roots of this series while providing a modern gameplay experience that will definitely stand out as a rather unique experience.

During GameScom last month, I had the opportunity to try a game demo that can be played which lasts about 30 minutes. Although short, and a little rough around the edge, which makes me ask questions whether the game is a little further than the release rather than a more polished way of pragmata, this demo does a very good job displays how Onimusha: Way of the Sword will display modern taking from the classic formula of the series. Controlling Miyamoto Musashi as he searched for the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple for the Source of Mandation that has gripped the temple, I can appreciate not only the extraordinary atmospheric rendition of the temple, but also the gameplay mechanics, which will make a game separate from the same game as Japan that combines historical Japan.

Although Onimusha: Way of the Sword eliminates the angle of the camera that remains from most of its predecessors, controlling Musashi feels instantly familiar, with several corners of the camera reflecting some typical typical angles of the series, but with an increase in dynamism. Likewise, Combat also feels quite familiar and no longer wrong Onemusha, with a focus on the shocking Genma Devil, fending off their attacks and eliminating it with a counterattack of Issen One Hit. In just a few minutes, I immediately felt that at home navigating the temple, solved several simple puzzles, and absorbed the soul that wandered using Gauntlet Oni to turn on weapons and enable special techniques, both of which felt rather varied in a demonstration despite limited choices.

After exploring a complicated temple for a few minutes, I was confronted by Sasaki Ganryu, a clear character -clearly based on some of the most popular representations of Kojiro Sasaki, the most famous Musashi rival in real history. The next battle is cinematic, and watching the trading blows of Musashi and Sasaki Ganryu is a true spectacle, if it is not too easy, because it has fended off the attack is far from difficult. Because the game is likely to be far from release, I’m not too worried about the balance of the game, even though I don’t expect the game to be a big challenge, because Capcom has confirmed it is not focused on difficulties.

Back when Onimusha: Gameplay Way of the Sword was finally displayed, I was not too interested in what looked like a slow and clumsy experience, but playing the GamesCom demo was completely eliminating doubts that I might have about the game. If the last release applies to the level of quality exhibited in the demonstration, Onimusha: Way of the Sword will definitely be the revival of a decent classic action-adventure series after years of total silence. Hopefully, it will make the road on PCs, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S before the end of 2026, as announced.