Major Comeback of Capcom’s Onimusha Franchise

Major Comeback of Capcom’s Onimusha Franchise

Overview of Onimusha: Way of the Sword

  • Capcom is set to launch Onimusha: Way of the Sword in 2026, reviving the dark aesthetics that fans cherished in earlier installments.
  • The newcomer showcases exhilarating combat and distinct abilities, positioning it competitively among contemporary Samurai action titles.
  • This release reflects Capcom’s growing trend of revitalizing classic franchises, as evidenced by its commitment to reintroducing beloved games.

Onimusha is officially making its return with an exciting announcement during The Game Awards. Onimusha: Way of the Sword will mark the first new main entry in the renowned series in over ten years.

Originally debuting on the PlayStation 2, the Onimusha series was initially envisioned as a blend of Resident Evil and the Sengoku period in Japan. Gamers engaged in thrilling battles against horrifying demons, acquiring their powers while solving intricate puzzles. Despite its robust popularity in the early 2000s, the franchise dwindled into relative obscurity as the gaming landscape shifted to the PlayStation 3. However, the tides are turning once more.

Reviving Onimusha: A Look at Combat and Gameplay

At Geoff Keighley’s 2024 Game Awards, a spectacular new trailer unveiled Onimusha: Way of the Sword, slated for a 2026 release. The trailer emphasizes the series’ trademark dark and gritty themes. Although the teaser is succinct, we see the returning protagonist wielding iconic Oni abilities to absorb Genma orbs scattered throughout the environment—a nostalgic nod to long-time fans of the original series.

The newly released trailer also hints at intense combat sequences, featuring our sword-wielding hero battling foes ranging from reanimated corpses to massive, menacing creatures. Notable moves include a well-timed kick to deflect blows, a headbutt for counterattacks, and a dramatic finishing sequence executed by scaling an enemy’s back. While it remains unclear which scenes depict actual gameplay, the quick, visceral action suggests that Onimusha: Way of the Sword could emerge as a strong contender within the high-profile realms of Soulslike and Samurai-inspired games.

Jubei Yagyu fighting in a bamboo forest
Onimusha Warlords
Remastered Onimusha Warlords
Onimusha Demon Siege
Onimusha Blade Warriors

In preparation for this major announcement, Capcom has gradually revisited its Onimusha heritage, starting with the 2018 remaster of Onimusha: Warlords. Additionally, Onimusha VR: Shadow Team surfaced recently, although it hasn’t garnered much buzz beyond live demonstrations. Capcom’s strategy appears to focus on breathing new life into its iconic titles, leveraging the advanced RE Engine, which fueled the latest Resident Evil releases. As fans yearn for remakes of other classics like Dino Crisis, it will be intriguing to see how Onimusha resonates with a fresh generation of gamers.

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