Summary (tl;dr)

Capcom's highly anticipated action-adventure game, "Onimusha: Way of the Sword," is trending as it officially launches this week, marking the first new mainline entry in the dormant samurai-demon slaying series in over two decades, accompanied by the release of initial reviews.

Essential Background

The "Onimusha" series, known for its blend of intense samurai swordplay, demonic foes, and a unique take on Japanese history, first captivated players in 2001 with "Onimusha: Warlords". The franchise, which famously cast real-life actors as its protagonists, went into hiatus after "Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams" in 2006, leaving fans yearning for a continuation. For nearly 20 years, Capcom struggled to allocate the necessary resources to revive the series, as development efforts focused on other major franchises like "Resident Evil" and "Monster Hunter". However, with the advancements of Capcom's RE Engine, the opportunity arose to finally bring "Onimusha" back to modern platforms. The new installment, "Onimusha: Way of the Sword," was first revealed at The Game Awards in December 2024, generating significant excitement among long-time fans.

The Full Story

"Onimusha: Way of the Sword" is set to release on September 4, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, with some North American players able to access the game on the evening of September 3 due to regional unlock times. The game features the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi as its protagonist, battling monstrous Genma in an Edo-period Kyoto twisted by malevolent forces. Reviews for "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" have begun to emerge, generally praising its "exhilarating sword-based action," "satisfying boss encounters," and a combat system that rewards precise timing, including the iconic "Issen" counterattacks. While the game's combat and cinematic presentation are widely lauded, some reviewers have noted a "middling narrative," "unnecessary open-world content," and occasional repetitive elements in the non-boss fights. Capcom had previously moved up the release date from September 25 to September 4, 2026, after feedback from a playable demo.

Why It Matters

The return of the "Onimusha" series with "Way of the Sword" is a significant event for the gaming community, particularly for fans who have patiently waited two decades for a new installment. The largely positive critical reception suggests that Capcom has successfully revitalized the franchise, leveraging its powerful RE Engine to deliver a modern action-adventure experience while retaining core elements that defined the originals. The game's success could potentially pave the way for future "Onimusha" titles or remasters of previous entries, which saw a spike in resale prices following the announcement of "Way of the Sword". This release further solidifies Capcom's reputation for skillfully reviving beloved, long-dormant franchises, contributing to the broader trend of games set in feudal Japan, such as "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" and "Ghost of Yotei".

Geographic Location

• Kyoto, Japan (setting of the game's main events during the Edo period)