Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Capcom and released on PlayStation 5. Players take control of the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi in a dark fantasy version of Edo-period Kyoto overrun by malevolent forces.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on precise sword combat against supernatural enemies known as Genma. Musashi wields a single katana for light and heavy strikes that chain into combos, while timing-based parries and deflections interrupt attacks and create openings. A prolonged parry lets players steer foes, and a dedicated guard stance blocks strikes from multiple directions. Successful counters and dodges build momentum for follow-up moves, including the Break Issen execution that dismembers weakened opponents. The Oni Gauntlet absorbs souls from defeated enemies, which power health restoration, upgrades, and special Oni Armaments that deliver heavy damage. Exploration takes place across a twisted Kyoto filled with shrines and temples, where players navigate bloodstained battlefields and confront rival swordsmen whose skills match Musashi's own. The experience emphasizes deliberate, weighty swordplay over button-mashing, with animations that highlight every clash and stance shift.
Game Modes
The game offers a single-player campaign that follows Musashi's journey through the capital's districts and key locations. Difficulty options include a forgiving Story setting with wider parry windows and visible prompts, the standard Action mode that demands precise timing, and a punishing Carnage mode unlocked after completing the story for New Game Plus runs. The main path spans roughly twenty hours for a focused playthrough, extending toward thirty hours when players engage with side content and collectibles scattered throughout the hub areas of Kyoto. No separate multiplayer or co-operative modes exist, keeping the focus entirely on the solo narrative and combat challenges.
Story and Setting
Musashi arrives in Kyoto seeking to prove his unmatched swordsmanship, only to encounter the spreading Malice that summons Genma from the underworld. Equipped with the Oni Gauntlet after a fateful encounter, he battles through eerie, blood-soaked streets while searching for his personal reason to fight. The setting draws from real historical sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, reimagined under supernatural influence with an atmosphere of dread and intrigue. Formidable bosses and rival duelists test Musashi's growing abilities in direct confrontations that highlight the game's emphasis on martial skill and timing.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reviews describe the combat as highly satisfying and among the strongest in recent action games, with standout boss encounters that reward observation and precise execution. The single-player campaign delivers consistent sword-focused action across its length, supported by strong character animation and presentation on PlayStation 5. Reception has been generally favorable, with praise centered on the tactile feel of blade clashes and the modernization of the series' formula without shifting into unrelated genres. Players who enjoy deliberate, timing-heavy melee combat in a focused narrative will find the experience rewarding, while those seeking variety beyond the core loop may note some repetition in exploration and side activities. The title stands as a strong entry for fans of samurai action on PlayStation 5.
