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Legendary Onimusha Returns: Way of the Sword Preview

Onimusha Unleashed: A Brand New Chapter

The beloved Onimusha series is finally making its grand return. This is with a brand new installment, Onimusha: Way of the Sword. This long-awaited title is the first new mainline game in almost twenty years. It is a new action-adventure game. The developers made it accessible for both veterans and newcomers. The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026. This is a game to excite players across Southeast Asia.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a standalone story. Therefore, it does not require knowledge of previous games. The game is set in a dark fantasy version of early Edo-period Kyoto. A mysterious force known as Malice has corrupted the city. It has become infested with the relentless demonic Genma.

Miyamoto Musashi: A New Protagonist

The game introduces a new protagonist. Players take up the sword as the legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. The character’s likeness is modeled after the iconic late actor Toshiro Mifune. Musashi arrives in the blood-soaked Kyoto. He is then “gifted” a talking Oni Gauntlet. This mystical artifact grants him the superhuman power of the Oni. This power is essential to stand against the demonic threat. Musashi also encounters new allies like Izumo no Okuni. He also meets the venerable swordsman Ono no Takamura. The story explores Musashi’s fight against the darkness. It also follows his attempt to control his new Oni powers.

Deep and Exhilarating Swordplay

The core gameplay centers on brutal and precise sword fighting. The combat feels deliberate and highly engaging. A successful samurai must carefully observe enemies. Then, they must time their attacks perfectly. The action system incorporates light and heavy attacks. It also features parrying and dodge rolls.

The iconic Issen counterattack system makes its return. Issen is a deadly parry. It allows players to deliver lightning-fast punishment. Mastering the timing of Issen is key. It can often defeat enemies in a single powerful blow. Players will constantly manage multiple gauges. Enemies have health bars and a stamina or poise meter. Depleting the stamina bar is crucial. This leaves the enemy open to a devastating final strike.

The Power of the Oni Gauntlet

The Oni Gauntlet is more than a simple power source. It is central to both the story and the combat mechanics. It allows Musashi to absorb the souls of defeated Genma. These souls are used for various purposes. They can power up special abilities. They are also used to heal wounds and buy character upgrades.

An interesting mechanic involves soul absorption. Players must manually absorb the souls of fallen foes. If the player is too slow, the Genma can absorb the souls instead. This gives the enemy deadlier abilities. The gauntlet also unlocks powerful dual-wielding attacks. These are called Oni Armaments. They add more depth to the fighting style. The combat is designed to be accessible but also rewarding for skillful players.

A Dark Fantasy World Rendered in RE Engine

Capcom developed the game using its proprietary RE Engine. This engine helps create a dark and captivating atmosphere. Kyoto is depicted as a beautiful yet haunted city. Musashi will explore areas twisted by the Genma’s Malice. The environmental atmosphere is a major part of the experience. The game also incorporates rich Japanese history and folklore. This reinforces the game’s dark fantasy elements.

The game is a huge revival for the franchise. It promises to deliver a high-quality action experience. It offers exciting swordplay and a compelling new story. Onimusha: Way of the Sword looks set to be an instant classic.


About Onimusha Way Of The Sword

A Swordplay action game that takes players on a journey to the kingdom of Kyoto in the Edo period, which is shrouded in threats that cause demons to come out and kill people. The game will be released in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

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