Capcom has pulled off yet another resurrection. Nearly two decades after the Onimusha franchise went quiet, Onimusha: Way of the Sword has arrived, and according to early reviews, the samurai action series has lost none of its edge. ScreenRant’s review of the game celebrates the return of a franchise that, like Dino Crisis, spent years gathering dust in Capcom’s vault.
A Dormant Giant Finally Wakes Up
As ScreenRant points out, Onimusha enjoyed a five-year run from 2001 to 2006, delivering four mainline entries that blended Resident Evil-style atmosphere with brutal katana combat set in feudal Japan. Then, silence. Aside from remasters and ports, the series sat dormant – much like Dino Crisis, another Capcom property fans have begged to see revived.
That comparison matters. Capcom has built a reputation in recent years for bringing back classics – Resident Evil remakes, Dead Rising, and now Onimusha. Way of the Sword proves the publisher isn’t just mining nostalgia; it’s genuinely invested in giving its legacy franchises modern makeovers.
What Makes Way of the Sword Shine
Precision Swordplay at Its Core
The heart of Onimusha has always been its combat, and Way of the Sword doubles down on timing-based sword fighting. The series’ signature Issen counter mechanic – a perfectly timed strike that instantly fells enemies in a flash of crimson – returns, rewarding patience and precision over button mashing. Absorbing souls from fallen enemies to power up your blade also remains a satisfying loop that separates Onimusha from other action games.
A Dark, Demon-Infested Japan
Set against a haunting vision of historical Japan overrun by demonic forces, the game leans heavily into atmosphere. Built with modern hardware in mind, the visuals bring eerie temples, misty villages, and grotesque demons to life in a way the PS2 originals could only dream of. Longtime fans will recognize the series’ blend of horror and samurai cinema, while newcomers get a fresh entry point with a new protagonist.
Is It Worth Playing in 2025?
ScreenRant’s verdict frames Way of the Sword as a successful comeback rather than a mere nostalgia trip. The game modernizes the formula without abandoning what made the originals special: tight combat, memorable enemy design, and a moody, cinematic presentation. For players who missed the series the first time around, this is arguably the best possible introduction.
That said, expectations should be calibrated. Onimusha was never an open-world epic – it’s a focused, combat-driven experience, and the revival honors that structure. If you come in expecting a lean, intense samurai action game rather than a sprawling adventure, you’ll walk away satisfied.
Where to Get Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is available now on Playstation 5 and PC. If you’re looking to grab the game digitally, you can pick up discounted PlayStation Network gift cards and Steam wallet codes at TURGAME.com, making it easy to top up your balance and jump straight into the demon-slaying action.
After nineteen years of waiting, Onimusha fans finally have a reason to unsheathe their swords again – and by all accounts, the wait was worth it.
Source: ScreenRant Gaming – Onimusha: Way of the Sword Review