In the realm of gaming, the resurgence of older franchises has been met with both excitement and skepticism. One such franchise that has been quietly anticipated in recent years is Capcom’s Onimusha. This August, at Gamescom 2025, a sneak peek into the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword offered attendees an enticing glimpse into a game that promises to deliver a visceral and atmospheric experience, powered by Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine.
Musashi in a Dark World
The demo of Onimusha: Way of the Sword plunges players into a world that is both darkly beautiful and hauntingly grim. The game opens with a chilling forest scene, where the shrieks of the tormented villagers clash against the eerily serene backdrop. Here, the protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi, a historical figure known for his dual-wielding combat style and undefeated duel streak, struts onto the stage. Capcom’s incarnation of Musashi is a masterclass in character development, swiftly shifting between the roles of a stoic warrior and a sharp-witted comedian. His banter with the mysterious entity housed in the Oni Gauntlet lends a much-needed spark of humor to the oppressive atmosphere.
As Musashi journeys deeper into the heart of darkness, he encounters the demonic Genma, whose relentless assault on the innocent civilians serves as a grim reminder of the stakes at play. The narrative is interspersed with haunting cutscenes, one in particular standing out where Musashi experiences a jarring flashback, depicting villagers seemingly compelled to murder their own kind. This scene effectively builds tension and hints at the Genma’s influence over the populace, leaving the extent of their control open to a terrifying interpretation.
Combat and Gameplay
The combat in Onimusha: Way of the Sword feels organic and satisfying, with a catalogue of light and heavy attacks that can be strung together into devastating combos. Enemies, aggressive and varied, guard attacks and gang up on Musashi, encouraging strategic thinking and precise timing. The Oni Gauntlet, an integral part of the Onimusha franchise, functions as it did in the original PlayStation games, allowing Musashi to absorb the essence of slain Genma to replenish his health and other combat resources.
However, the enemy variety in the demo errs on the side of conservatism, with melee and ranged Genma troops, and the occasional hovering demonic head, being the extent of the opposition. This, however, is to be expected from a mere glimpse into what will presumably be the early stages of the game. As Musashi’s journey progresses deeper into the heart of darkness, one can expect to encounter a wider array of foes.
A Boss Battle Showcase
But perhaps the most captivating moment of the demo comes towards the end – the boss fight against a flamboyant, mentally unstable swordsman, who has been eerily augmented with Genma powers. The fight is a masterclass in action set-pieces, with a perfect blend of scripted and organic elements that immerses players in a seemingly genuine duel. The fierce clashing of swords, the pulsating demonic details, coupled with the haptic feedback of the DualSense Wireless Controller, all culminate in a cinematic extravaganza that leaves a lasting impression.
Why It Matters
Despite the bleak setting and oppressive atmosphere, Onimusha: Way of the Sword finds itself in a sweet spot, balancing grit and levity with remarkable finesse. Capcom has a knack for creating games that embrace grotesque themes but nonetheless possess an undeniable charm. This upcoming title, slated to release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC, is no different. It’s confrontational, visceral, and unapologetically grim, but there’s an undeniable allure to its grimy world and its cast of eclectic characters that makes it one of the most anticipated titles on Capcom’s slate for 2026.
In a gaming landscape littered with sequels and reboots, it’s refreshing to see a game that doesn’t shy away from its roots yet still manages to forge its own path. With its enticing blend of hack-and-slash combat, engaging storytelling, and stunning visuals, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is shaping up to be the sort of game that can captivate both addicted series veterans and cautious newcomers alike. Capcom, once again, has proven that there’s more to gaming than just zombies and fitness trackers.
