Onimusha: Way of the Sword Reviews
Though fairly standard in some ways, at its core, Onimusha: Way of the Sword delivers incredible, best-in-class swordfighting combat, making for an overall package that is well worth the long time that series fans have been waiting for it.
It's hard not to think about what Onimusha: Way of the Sword could've been in the context of prior entries - especially the first game. What is here, though, is still a thrilling action game (once it takes the training wheels off) with a loveable cast of characters and unique identity amongst CAPCOM's other goliath franchises.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks a successful return for the legendary series, one that wisely steers clear of the current trend of turning action games into ‘soulslikes’. The game shines with its brilliant, gory combat system, exemplary Sekiro-esque parrying, charismatic characters (the superbly animated Musashi!) and fantastic bosses. The game retains the series’ atmosphere and beautiful visuals, and the optimisation for the PS5 is flawless. The overly passive common enemies are a slight disappointment, and unfortunately there aren’t enough interesting puzzles; even so, it remains a highly satisfying power fantasy and a wonderful tribute to the series’ entire legacy.
Review in Polish | Read full review
All in all, it is an excellent, gorgeous, and addictive hack-and-slash adventure, and a defining new game for the genre mechanically.
For all the variety modern action games offer, the depth of combat still comes down to whether its core experience is satisfying. From that perspective, Onimusha: Way of the Sword delivers exactly what a pure action game should. It may retain plenty of traditional, even somewhat outdated design choices, while its level structure and progression system offer little that feels new. But Capcom has polished the most crucial part into an almost perfectly cohesive whole. For an old IP that had nearly faded from memory, this is about as perfect and dignified a return as one could ask for.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
After nearly two decades away, Onimusha is back. And thankfully, it still knows which end of the sword to hold.
A stylish title with incredible combat, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is easily one of the best action-adventure titles of the year and one that you shouldn't miss.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a satisfying return for the beloved series after a two-decade absence. The game offers solid gameplay mechanics that elevate the core experience and exhilarating boss fights you will keep coming back to.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is not just the best game of the series, but also an incredibly well-designed action game. Ironically, it’s not just combat that makes Way of the Sword stand out from other action games, but also its story and characters.
Onimusha's return was significant in its own right. But the real value of Way of the Sword lies in the fact that it doesn't simply bring the Onimusha name back. Capcom understood what made the series so beloved and has blended those qualities with the evolution of modern action game design.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Way of the Sword is arguably the best entry in the series since its debut. While it suffers from the usual ills of modern projects, like obscure side content and a drawn-out running time, it's a welcome return for Onimusha.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Onimusha: Way of the Sword rounds out Capcom's phenomenal year in style. It may be the best game the company has released in a year full of instant classics. This is a beautiful reinvention of the franchise and an exceptional game on its own merits, anchored by one of the best combat systems in years. A slow start and some unnecessary padding hold it back, but those are minor complaints. Way of the Sword is easily the best Onimusha game and a celebration of everything that makes the franchise work.
Capcom’s outrageous run of good form continues. With Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the Japanese studio has reestablished itself at the pinnacle of the action genre, proving the team is capable of delivering high-octane action in every conceivable format. This is the revival that the cult series needed, giving fans an addictive power fantasy that’s very difficult to put down once it hits its stride. To no one’s surprise, it also runs exceptionally well on Nintendo’s latest hardware, despite the obvious hit to graphical fidelity versus other current systems. This is a must-play title for those who use the Switch 2 as their primary console.
Yes, there’s been the staples with Resident Evil, Street Fighter and Monster Hunter, but Dragon’s Dogma, Pragmata, Kunitsu-Gami and now Onimusha: Way of the Sword show that Capcom’s serious about finding new ideas, too. That they are all landing so well speaks to a developer/publisher riding one of the best waves it has in its entire history.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword perhaps doesn't make the best first impression and takes a little time to warm to, but once all of its system are in play, it becomes pretty enthralling. Ultimately, it's a game worth picking up – even if only for its spectacular, and challenging, boss fights.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword never treats gameplay as a mere bridge between cutscenes, nor does it equate cinematic presentation with reducing the player to a passive spectator. Instead, it integrates its cinematic ambitions into the very fabric of its gameplay. Fluid animation, precise character movement, and the deliberate rhythm of combat generate the same sense of spectacle, scale, and dramatic weight that cinematic games often pursue by diminishing player agency and leaning heavily on scripted sequences. Here, cinematic presentation does not come at the expense of interactivity; it emerges organically from it. Onimusha has returned with remarkable force, and Way of the Sword feels less like the conclusion of a long-awaited comeback than the beginning of a new chapter.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Amid a sea of mediocre Soulslikes, Onimusha: Way of the Sword arrives as a much-needed breath of fresh air. Capcom has delivered a top-tier action title with remarkable depth and variety, keeping you fully engaged from start to finish. While a few minor flaws exist, they do little to dull the game's overall excellence. It is a triumphant comeback for the series, positioning Onimusha to reclaim its spot as a dominant force in the action genre.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Equipped with a unique gauntlet, a samurai stands against the advancing Genma threat in Kyoto'and he does so with great skill. The game offers, above all, superb sword combat.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I kept coming back for more battles and pushing myself to beat the bosses even though I fell over and over again. Onimusha has found its way of the sword by balancing on the edge of this phenomenally well crafted blade. It once again shows that Capcom remains on top of its game.
Young people sometimes use the term ‘bangier’. It suits Onimusha: Way of the Sword perfectly. It’s the very essence of a video game and exactly what I expect from this form of entertainment.
Review in Polish | Read full review