Onimusha: Way of the Sword becoming a new release in the series after nearly 20 years is a shock. However, what turned from shock to hype for me was the release of the gameplay that we would get to experience. And while I had never played an entry in the series before this one, it won me over instantly. As the release date for the game approached, I couldn’t help but grab a copy because I had to see what it was gonna be like. Luckily, I did, because the katana-clashing, oni-slaying action has blown me away. Not only that, but it further proves that Capcom is on a generational run of releases, especially in 2026. Onimusha: Way of the Sword has such greatness to it, and we have to talk about it.
Musashi Miyamoto, Oni Slayer
Onimusha: Way of the Sword and the rest of the series are all about slaying oni, more specifically Genma. In this entry, players take on the role of the legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. A real-life legend, Miyamoto treks through Japan, attaining the role of the best sword wielder. However, things change when the forces of hell arrive, intent on wreaking havoc across Edo-era Kyoto. Equipped with an Oni Gauntlet, players must use their sword skills to slay the oni and fuel the gauntlet. Upon doing so, ridding the world of the vicious demons and return things to normal.
At face value, the story of Onimusha may seem simple, about good versus evil. However, as you progress through the game, there are more threats and twists than you could expect. Something that makes the game fantastic is that it’s not so simple to know what to expect. Additionally, what makes the story even better is the progression of characters. More specifically, when it comes to Miyamoto. The best example is his transformation from being less about being the best swordsman and more about caring about saving the world from the Genma.
Capcom does well with story narrative in their games, and the latest Onimusha is no different. The cutscenes keep you engaged, trying to figure out who is behind it all. And just when you think you know, something new comes along to change it up. Whether it’s Miyamoto or side characters like Okuni or Takamura, the story holds strong in this game.
This Onimusha’s Blade is Sharp
Let’s dive into the strongest part of Onimusha: Way of the Sword: its combat. The sword slashing against the Genma forces is absolutely incredible. Each hit of the sword against your foes feels weighted and satisfying. And while a good defence is needed in Onimusha, taking your blade to the oni is fantastic. Furthermore, the game doesn’t utilize combos, but a classic normal and heavy attack system for your sword slashing.
What goes hand in hand with the sword combat in the game is the defence. To start, the parrying is incredibly satisfying. It features a larger frame window to be able to parry attacks, making things easier for players. But it’s still good, and the animations that come with it, such as parrying an attack behind you, never get old. Plus, seeing the sparks of the swords clash as you block or parry is a sight to see every time that it happens.
However, Capcom kicks things up a notch by having the Issen mechanic be part of the combat. If you attack just as an enemy attack is about to land on you, you will dodge and automatically strike a blow against them. Or, if you do the same but with a dodge, you will evade the attack. Both of which add even more lethality to Miyamoto and, once you master it, can turn the tide of any fight you take part in. Therefore, giving you various ways to switch between being aggressive or defensive. When it comes down to the core of the game with the combat, Capcom outclasses many games, including Sekiro, with how sword-slashing gameplay feels and works.
Upgrading is Satisfying in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Another great aspect of Onimusha is the upgrade system for your character. Something that Capcom has done well with previous games they’ve made. Players can find materials throughout the game to help upgrade plenty, including their health, stamina, and even their sword’s damage. As you progress through the game, you find even more materials to further advance. Therefore, allowing you to go from having a tougher time with some foes to being able to slay them with a slash or two of your sword.
Onimusha doesn’t just reward you with upgrades; you gotta hunt for the materials. Not just from taking down foes and bosses. But from exploring the open sections of the game and finding them in various treasure chests. And as you go further into it, you’ll need much higher-end materials to be able to become even more powerful. Something that’s reflected in one of Capcom’s most recent titles, Pragmata. And with how much there is to upgrade your character, it’s almost jarring in a good way. Mainly when it comes to seeing where Miyamoto started to where you can end up as you push to upgrade and take down more enemies.
Upgrades in a game like this only push you to want to go further. As you gain more power, you feel more confident to take on the bigger foes in the game. There were plenty of bosses that I was going up against where, after feeding materials into Miyamoto, I was ready to draw my sword. Heck, even taking down the rank-and-file oni through Eastern Kyoto feels like a powerhouse as you get further into the game. Something that felt like the days of Resident Evil 4, where you could become the ultimate threat over time. Therefore, by the later point of the game, you feel well-equipped against harder foes. While anything you fought earlier in the game will see you as the ultimate menace to fight against.
Cutting Down Oni Looks Good
Onimusha runs on Capcom’s RE Engine, and it doesn’t disappoint. Like many of their recent entries on the engine, it runs really well. Players get the choice to choose between a Graphics Mode, which runs at 4K and a locked 30FPS. Or, if you are like me and want a smoother feel, Performance Mode, which scales between 1440p and an upscaled 4K with a buttery-smooth 60 FPS. The performance of the game’s visuals is great from start to finish. At times when there is a lot going on, such as bosses doing special moves, the game stayed stable. Furthermore, even group fights against many enemies didn’t see any falter in the frame rate.
Additionally, the actual designs of the enemies themselves are another highlight when it comes to the game’s visuals. The standard enemies grow numerous in the varied designs you see. All of which look grotesque in the most delightful ways. However, what really stands out are the looks of all the different bosses you fight in the game. From standard human rivals to even mythical creatures like the Greater Nue, Capcom does enemy designs well. This works well at pulling players into the game world as soon as you load into the game.
The visuals of the game can’t be complete without the environments. In Onimusha, they vary from the nasty (with the malice popping up everywhere) to the beauty of places like Eastern Kyoto or various temples. The game does a good job of giving contrast between the different types of environments you are placed in. Just when you think you get to enjoy the more human-looking areas, you get pulled into places straight out of a nightmare. And Capcom is just the developer to pull it off perfectly.
Oni Slaying Sounds Good, Some Voice Acting, Though…
Audio-wise, Onimusha has a lot of great qualities to it. The first thing that I have to give credit to is the way the weapons sound, specifically when they slash into other enemies or collide with each other. You can hear the clang of the weapons; it sounds perfect. The weight of the sound of Miyamoto’s katana as it swings into his foes is superb. Add in the parrying, and it’s a concoction that feels incredibly satisfying to the ears, even with all of the dangers you may be facing in the game.
Furthermore, a good soundtrack can further elevate a game, and the various composers who worked on this knew the assignment. Each of the boss fights has tunes that perfectly accompany the type of battle you’re going through. Plus, it all feels era-appropriate for a game taking place in Japan during the Edo period. Just be ready to feel the tension when you get to some less-desirable areas, something the soundtrack does really well also.
An important component of a game’s audio also comes from its voice work. This is where the game has a highlight, but also a negative. The dialogue and writing itself are great. Not only in portraying the emotion but also the stakes the characters are in. Something that the Japanese voice work does especially well. However, where there is an issue is the English voice work, where it felt like the opposite, and situations such as dire moments couldn’t be taken as seriously. While it’s not a major detriment to Onimusha, it can take away from the narrative a bit.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword Continues Capcom’s Streak
All in all, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is an amazing game from Capcom. Whether you haven’t played the series or are a veteran, it’s an impressive game for 2026. The combat, boss fights, and upgrade system shine the most in the game. Coming up against each of your foes feels like something straight out of a samurai cinema, except with oni. The game’s story further enhances the experience, with a legendary swordsman taking on something he couldn’t comprehend. And with the stakes only getting higher and higher, it’s a narrative that keeps players engaged throughout.
When it comes to the sound and visuals, the game continues to excel, with only some of the voice work lacking. In a game about fighting oni, the attention to detail with swords clashing and even the sounds the enemies make are incredible. Capcom does well with their presentation, and Onimusha continues to show that. It’s another notch in the developer’s belt and gives me even more confidence about games being made in the RE Engine.
It’s been one great year for Capcom so far with its releases. Onimusha: Way of the Sword only further shows they are spectacular at their craft. While the game presents itself as a Soulslike, it’s a very approachable ARPG. It’s one that players definitely should not miss out on this year. Not only that, but it’s a contender to stand tall among the many hits that have been released and are being released in 2026.
The game was purchased at the writer’s own expense.
