The Authenticity of Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary swordsman, is said to have engaged in his first duel at the tender age of 13, defeating a seasoned samurai with nothing more than a stick. Over the years, he honed his skills, claiming victory in numerous duels and participating in significant battles, all while penning a treatise on swordsmanship that may blur the lines between fact and fiction. Regardless of the embellishments, Musashi’s dedication to his craft is undeniable, a sentiment echoed in Capcom’s latest offering, Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
This action game aspires to capture the essence of authenticity, drawing inspiration from the storied past of samurai culture. A notable feature is the inclusion of the likeness of the iconic actor Toshiro Mifune, who famously portrayed Musashi in a series of films during the 1950s. The game distinguishes itself by deliberately slowing down combat, a refreshing contrast to the rapid-fire mechanics prevalent in many contemporary action titles. In this world, a few well-timed strikes can decisively turn the tide of battle.
During a recent hands-on session, alongside other anticipated titles like Pragmata and Resident Evil Requiem, it became clear that Onimusha stands out as one of Capcom’s most promising releases for the upcoming year. The gameplay showcases Musashi’s tactical prowess; in one sequence, he kicks a table to incapacitate an opponent, deflects an attack to send an enemy tumbling into a torch, and cleverly blinds another by ensnaring them in a kimono.
The combat system offers two defensive maneuvers: a parry and a deflect. Each serves a distinct purpose, particularly against ranged adversaries. For instance, when an archer loosed an arrow, a well-timed parry not only deflected the projectile but also ricocheted it into another foe. Conversely, a deflect allows for a more strategic response, redirecting an arrow back at its source.
While I could delve deeper into the intricacies of the 20 minutes I spent with Onimusha, it’s clear that Capcom is likely to provide further opportunities for exploration before the game’s release next year. The experience is refreshingly different from other action games currently on the market, setting itself apart even from Capcom’s own franchises like Devil May Cry and Monster Hunter.
With titles like Phantom Blade Zero and Ninja Gaiden 4 also on the horizon, the gaming landscape is becoming increasingly rich with action games that offer a departure from the typical soulslike experience, leaving players eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
