About Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Published and developed by the Japanese studio Capcom, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a third-person action-adventure game. Drawing heavily on previous installments in the series, this new entry stems from the Japanese publisher’s desire to breathe new life into its classic franchises—not by straying from the original formula, but by modernizing it. In an era when video game budgets are skyrocketing, this title follows the same philosophy as the recent reboots of Resident Evil and Tomb Raider. Although Onimusha has been dormant for years, it remains an iconic franchise from the PlayStation 2 era thanks to Onimusha: Warlords (which got a remaster in 2019).
For the new installment in the Series Capcom didn't beat around the bush and first decided to cast real actors to play the characters. Toshiro Mifune, a native of Qingdao in China, is a living legend in Japanese cinema, best known for playing samurai characters. Known for his work with Akira Kurosawa, the actor appeared in ten films from 1948 to 1965, including the iconic Seven Samurai in 1954. He is a source of inspiration for numerous video games (Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Rise of the Ronin…). This time, Mifune lends his likeness to the character of Miyamoto Musashi, the hero of the Onimusha saga and a historical figure from the Land of the Rising Sun. It’s as if two legends, separated by four centuries, have been united in the same virtual body. Capcom's other masterstroke was to bring in Takeshi Kaneshiro, a huge star in Asian cinema.
The plot of Onimusha: Way of the Sword takes place during the Edo period in the 17th century. The imperial capital, Kyoto, is plagued by a scourge that is slowly consuming it: the miasma. Taking advantage of the chaos, demonic creatures known as the Genma infiltrate the population and wreak havoc. Miyamoto Musashi, a formidable swordsman, arrives in the city to test his skills against the best. Formidable, yet overconfident and arrogant, he ultimately falls victim to the Genma’s wrath. But the story doesn’t end there: he obtains a powerful artifact, the Oni gauntlet, and returns to the mortal world, determined to exact his revenge.
Why Should I Play Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is an action-adventure game in the vein of Capcom’s titles. Reminiscent in many ways of a game like Bushido Blade (a technical sword-fighting game by Squaresoft for the PlayStation), Musashi’s quest focuses heavily on sword combat, with a system based on counters and dodges. Equipped with the Oni gauntlet, the hero can collect the souls of the Genma (to replenish his health bar) and evolves in a stunningly beautiful feudal Japan. Players traverse magnificent environments—temples, bridges, castles, shrines, and more—while engaging in numerous battles, occasionally interspersed with a few puzzles. True to its classic structure, Onimusha: Way of the Sword feels like a semi-open world, but progression is primarily based on a linear path that you follow. This isn’t a deal-breaker—quite the opposite—but it’s something to be aware of.
Although more accessible than Bushido Blade, Onimusha: Way of the Sword embodies that same philosophy. A duel is experienced as a moment of truth where counterattacks and dodging are of paramount importance. Even though Musashi doesn’t fight just one opponent at a time (except during boss battles), the lock-on system allows him to challenge the target head-on and eliminate it with a single attack (a technique known as “Issen”) . To surprise an opponent, get behind them, and expose them, the character relies on a wide range of moves that bring great variety to combat. This is undoubtedly where Onimusha: Way of the Sword shines the most. The fights are fast-paced, the strikes are sharp, and anyone who enjoyed games like Sekiro will find plenty to love here.
Beyond the combat, Onimusha: Way of the Sword draws its appeal from a protagonist who is certainly not lacking in charisma. Not only does he bear a striking resemblance to the legendary Toshiro Mifune, but Miyamoto Musashi is also a chatterbox. With his often humorous facial expressions, the hero is sarcastic, grumpy, and a bit self-centered, yet he also shows respect for even the most formidable opponents he faces. Just like Mifune in his films, this brings a great deal of humanity to a world plagued by a demonic scourge. While some may lament the game world’s linear structure, Onimusha: Way of the Sword stays true to the original franchise and modernizes it with elegant and immersive storytelling.
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword Free-to-play?
No you can't download and play Onimusha: Way of the Sword for free. It is a paid game. It took many months to develop and is every bit as good as the most recent video game releases. For those interested, a demo is available for download on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. This will give you a chance to try out the game for nearly an hour. Plus, your saved game will carry over to the full version.
Where Can I Download Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
You can download the game on Windows PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5 (with a technical boost on PS5 Pro), Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Capcom is embracing the next-gen shift for its game: there are no plans for a version on previous-generation consoles, whether PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch.
What Games Should I Play If I Enjoy Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the spiritual cousin of a game like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. With a strong focus on sword combat, FromSoftware’s game draws on the same obsession with technical precision: counterattacks, parries, and dodges. It’s all about rhythm and timing. At the same time, Sekiro offers a recreation of feudal Japan reminiscent of the streets of Kyoto. Be warned, though: Sekiro is much more difficult than Onimusha: Way of the Sword. All it takes is a moment of poor timing, and your opponent will punish you fatally, whereas Miyamoto Musashi can defeat his enemies in a matter of seconds.
When you’re interested in the world of samurai, a game like Ghost of Tsushima is a must-have (just like its sequel, Ghost of Yotei). Featuring an absolutely stunning open world, this game offers an immersive experience in the breathtaking beauty of feudal Japan. It features sword fights and the honor of bushido in the style of Onimusha, but the experience is enhanced by epic, chivalrous adventures (with a highly original wind-based steering system) and contemplative moments that leave a lasting impression. Jin Sakai and Miyamoto Musashi both share the charisma of heroes haunted by their missions, even if one is far less talkative than the other.
If you enjoy sword fights, the other option is Nioh 2. Released in 2020, this game transports players to the Sengoku period (which foreshadows the Edo period of Onimusha: Way of the Sword), a time plagued by malevolent yokai. So, no more Genma, but you’ll find fast-paced, intense battles with an RPG element that’s quite intriguing. Much more fast-paced than Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Nioh 2 is one of those “Souls-like” games that offer incredible depth. The game also features a truly impressive weapon stance system. Blending Japanese folklore with epic sword fights, Nioh 2 is an ideal alternative if you enjoyed the latest installment of Onimusha.
