It seems Capcom has decided to dust off one of its most prized treasures, which had been stored away for decades. After twenty years of complete silence, the Onimusha franchise is back with a new offering that attempts to balance 128-bit nostalgia with the technical and gameplay demands of the current generation, proving that there's still plenty of life left in stories of samurai and demons.
This new title isn't just a facelift, but a clever reboot that allows any player to dive into this universe without having played the original games. It feels like a breath of fresh air that, while maintaining the spirit of the fight against the Genma, dares to modernize its mechanics so that it doesn't feel like a museum piece, but rather a vibrant, competitive action game.
A New Path: Miyamoto Musashi and the Plot
This time, fate puts us in the shoes of Miyamoto Musashi, an impetuous and somewhat boastful warrior who arrives in Kyoto eager to prove he's the best swordsman. To lend him a touch of legend, Capcom has used the likeness of the iconic actor Toshiro Mifune , giving the protagonist an imposing and cinematic presence. The story is set in the Edo period, where the Japanese capital has been corrupted by a malevolent fog called miasma, opening the door for the Genma, spawn of the underworld, to sow chaos.
Although the plot follows the classic good-versus-evil trope and doesn't delve too deeply into complex narrative twists, the characters' charisma is what truly carries the story. Musashi evolves throughout the adventure, transforming from a somewhat clumsy and boastful samurai into a more mature warrior, all accompanied by humorous dialogue that alleviates the tension of the darkest and most terrifying moments.
The art of combat and the power of the Oni Gauntlet
The core of the game is undoubtedly the combat system. This isn't a hack-and-slash where randomly mashing buttons is key, but rather a tactical experience that demands composure and keen observation . The star mechanic is the parry; if you block at precisely the right moment, you can weaken the enemy's resistance to unleash the dreaded Break Issen, a lethal blow that dismembers Genma or inflicts massive damage on bosses.
- Yellow Souls: They are responsible for restoring the player's health during skirmishes.
- Red Souls: They are the currency used to acquire upgrades and enhance the equipment.
- Blue Souls: They allow the activation of Oni Armaments, devastating special weapons for critical situations.
To manage all of this, Musashi wields the legendary Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that not only absorbs souls but also grants the ability to activate Oni Vision to locate hidden threats. Mastering the rhythm of the moves is crucial , as the game severely punishes mistakes, forcing the player to adopt a defensive stance against stronger opponents and an offensive one against basic attacks.
Exploration between the linearity and freedom of Kyoto
The game's structure is intriguing. On one hand, there are linear, action-packed areas with a few minor puzzles where the objective is to progress and clear the path of monsters. On the other hand, the game features a semi-open hub area recreating the city of Kyoto. In this space, Musashi can accept requests from citizens, close dimensional rifts that function as combat arenas, and search for chests containing valuable materials.
This light role-playing component is vital, as it allows you to improve Musashi's vitality and attack through amulets and equipment upgrades. If the player ignores these side quests, they are very likely to encounter unbearable difficulty spikes when facing the final bosses. While some may feel that the stay in Kyoto artificially lengthens the game, it serves as a necessary respite between the intense linear missions.
Technical power and visual display
The use of the RE Engine is simply spectacular. The game boasts incredibly detailed environments, from misty forests to ruined palaces, achieving a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere reminiscent of the best moments of Resident Evil. The cinematics are so meticulously crafted that the line between video and gameplay sometimes blurs, thanks to motion capture work done with real swordsmen to make every slash feel authentic.
In terms of performance, the game offers a range of quality and performance options, supporting up to 120Hz on compatible displays. On versions like the PS5 Pro, ray tracing and 60fps make for a smooth and visually stunning experience, further immersing the player in the environment thanks to the DualSense controller's speaker. The sound design, featuring traditional Japanese instruments, completes an outstanding technical offering.
This installment manages to revive a dormant franchise, transforming it into a modern action spectacle that doesn't try to be a Soulslike, though it does inherit some of its tense elements. With a playtime of around 20 to 30 hours and an enviable technical display, Capcom has made Musashi's return a resounding success, restoring prestige to a saga many thought was lost and paving the way for future adventures in feudal Japan.