Onimushа: Way of the Sword

Onimusha: Way of the Sword - a samurai action game from Capcom where Miyamoto Musashi cuts through demons in Edo-period Kyoto. Musashi's face is modeled on the late actor Toshiro Mifune, star of many classic samurai films.

A duel that goes wrong

Musashi and his rival Ganryu meet for a duel, and Genma interrupt it. These demons are chimeras of humans and animals, pulled into the living world by Malice, an energy that is slowly opening the gates of hell over Kyoto. Both swordsmen come out of it with Oni Gauntlets, which absorb souls and turn them into strength. Musashi uses his to push the Genma back. Ganryu kills innocent people to grow stronger and keeps showing up as a rival. Along the way Musashi crosses paths with Okuni, the woman history credits with creating kabuki.

Reading the next strike

Combat rests on light and heavy attacks, deflects and dodges. Weapon attacks call for a well-timed deflect that throws sparks and staggers the enemy, while grabs and bare-handed blows need a dodge. Enemies have a stamina gauge too, and draining it opens a heavy finishing strike. The Issen is the riskiest move, a counter landed a split second before the enemy swings that cuts the enemy in two, and it works on bosses. Mistakes cost more than health, because some Genma can steal souls from Musashi.

Oni weapons and wall runs

Next to the katana, Musashi picks up Oni Weapons. One spear spins up a whirlwind, and a pair of hammers tears through stamina. There is also a bow for targets out of reach. Oni Agility lets him run along walls and leap back up after a knockdown.

Kyoto between missions

Story levels are built by hand, and between them Musashi returns to an open part of Kyoto that grows as the plot moves on. There he clears corruption, rescues Lion Dogs and takes on Mysteries, side missions built around local myths. If you plan to download the Onimusha: Way of the Sword torrent, set aside 20 to 30 hours for the story with side content.

Key Features

• Miyamoto Musashi modeled on Toshiro Mifune.
• Edo-period Kyoto overrun by Genma.
• Issen counters that slice even bosses in half.
• Oni Gauntlet that turns absorbed souls into strength.
• Oni Weapons such as a whirlwind spear and twin hammers.
• An open area of Kyoto with Mysteries and Lion Dogs to find.