Capcom announces new Onimusha: Way of the Sword coming in 2026

Tue,Dec 17 ,2024

Big news for Onimusha fans! At The Game Awards, Capcom revealed Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the first new game since 2006! The trailer looked awesome, with red flames flying around feudal Japan and some cool shots of the protagonist fighting all sorts of crazy monsters, like samurai covered in fungus and huge beasts (including a giant boar walking on two legs!). It’s coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC in 2026.

here’s the official trailer by Capcom:

aside from the announcement, we will take this chance and review the history of Onimusha game series.

The Onimusha series by Capcom is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game franchise with elements of hack-and-slash combat and survival horror. Set primarily in feudal Japan, the series incorporates historical events and figures while blending supernatural themes and traditional Japanese folklore. Below is an overview of the series:

Core Themes and Gameplay

Setting:
- The games take place during the Sengoku period, a turbulent era in Japan marked by civil wars and political intrigue.
- Historical figures like Oda Nobunaga are often depicted, though they are reimagined with supernatural and demonic twists.
Story:
- The plot typically revolves around a warrior or a protagonist who battles against demonic forces (known as the Genma) to save the world from their evil plans.
Gameplay:
- Combines swordplay with puzzle-solving.
- Players wield a variety of weapons and utilize magical abilities.
- A signature mechanic involves absorbing the souls of defeated enemies to upgrade weapons and abilities, which adds a unique progression system.

Main Titles

Onimusha: Warlords (2001)
- The first entry in the series.
- Players control Samanosuke Akechi, a samurai fighting to rescue a kidnapped princess and uncover the demonic plans of Oda Nobunaga.
- Introduced the core mechanics of the series.
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny (2002)
- Introduced a new protagonist, Jubei Yagyu, who seeks revenge on Nobunaga for the destruction of his village.
- Expanded the narrative and introduced a deeper ally system.
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege (2004)
- Brought the series into a modern-day setting alongside feudal Japan.
- Featured Jean Reno (a French actor) as one of the playable characters.
- Offered more dynamic combat and 3D environments.
Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams (2006)
- Marked a significant evolution in gameplay, offering a more open experience with multiple characters and a focus on party-based mechanics.
- Took place after Nobunaga’s demise, introducing new characters and threats.

Spin-offs and Side Titles

Onimusha Tactics (2003):
A tactical RPG for the Game Boy Advance.
Onimusha Blade Warriors (2003):
A fighting game featuring characters from the series.

Critical Reception

The series was widely praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and gameplay mechanics, especially in the early 2000s.
Onimusha: Warlords sold millions of copies, becoming Capcom’s first PS2 game to reach platinum sales.
The series has often been compared to Resident Evil, as it shares a similar tone and was developed during the same era.

Legacy and Hiatus

Despite its success, the series went on hiatus after Dawn of Dreams, largely due to declining sales in the later titles and shifting trends in gaming.
In 2019, Onimusha: Warlords was remastered for modern consoles, renewing interest in the franchise.

Future of the Series

While Capcom has not officially announced a new entry, fan demand and the success of the remaster indicate that the series still holds potential for a revival.
The blend of Japanese history and supernatural elements remains a unique niche in gaming, making it a prime candidate for a modern reimagining.

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