Capcom’s latest release, “Onimusha: Way of the Sword”, presents an intricate portrayal of the legendary Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. The game seamlessly integrates Musashi’s strategic genius with its engaging gameplay mechanics, offering a fresh angle on role-play gaming that prioritises skillful, reactive combat over sheer tenacity.
A Combat System Shaped by Legacy
Crafted to mirror Musashi’s famed two-sword technique, “Way of the Sword” employs a combat strategy that emphasises momentum and attentive observation. Players are encouraged to counteract enemy moves with precision by executing an ‘issen’—a powerful parry that can disrupt and damage opponents. This approach demands players to adopt a reactive stance, echoing Musashi’s real-life preference for countering attacks over initiating them. Musashi famously won over 60 duels in his lifetime, and the game reflects this strategic mindset, urging players to focus on feints, timing, and decisive responses.
A Dance of Defence and Offence
Standard attack chains are intentionally designed to feel underwhelming, pushing players to rely on well-timed counters and dodges. This tactical emphasis forces players to endure longer battles where precision and reading the enemy’s moves are vital. The result is a gameplay experience that feels more authentic to Musashi’s legacy, outperforming even well-known titles like “Nioh”, “Wo Long”, and “Sekiro” in its commitment to skill-driven combat rather than flashy acrobatics.
Philosophy in Practice
Musashi’s treatise, “The Book of Five Rings”, is subtly woven into the game’s design. Capcom urges players to “pay attention even to trifles,” mirroring Musashi’s teachings by embedding detailed enemy animations and subtle signals into the fabric of gameplay. The game challenges players to develop intuition and understanding, as combat scenarios require a high level of attentiveness to succeed. Set against the backdrop of a desolate Kyoto, players must rely on sharpened instincts to navigate and overcome their adversaries.
A Strategic Journey Through Feudal Japan
Beyond its combat, “Way of the Sword” offers players a chance to explore both linear and dynamic environments, occasionally expanding to feature side missions. While these add depth to the game world and present opportunities to upgrade skills and equipment, a more streamlined path might have heightened the focus on core gameplay elements. Nonetheless, engaging with these side quests can significantly enhance Musashi’s combat prowess and offer rewards like new skins and abilities.
An Engaging Story and Memorable Moments
Driven by a captivating narrative, the game intersperses combat with exploration and puzzle-solving, maintaining player interest between significant battles. The cutscenes are noteworthy for their cinematic quality, reminiscent of Akira Kurosawa’s classic filmmaking style, and the game excels in merging drama with humour. The digital re-creation of Toshiro Mifune, a famed actor synonymous with samurai roles, adds to the game’s charm, ensuring that Musashi’s character is as engaging as it is authentic.
Replayability and Depth
The game encourages replaying boss fights with upgraded gear, highlighting the depth of each encounter. New strategies and opportunities continually emerge, offering players fresh experiences with each playthrough. “Onimusha: Way of the Sword” provides around 20 to 30 hours of gameplay, depending on a player’s commitment to exploring its nuances, rewarding those who delve deeply into its combat system.
Whilst some aspects of the game could benefit from refinement, Capcom expertly balances innovation with fidelity to Musashi’s philosophy. By urging players to embody Musashi’s teachings and master his way of the sword, “Way of the Sword” stands out as a distinctive and innovative addition to the action role-playing genre.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.