Best Onimusha Games

Highlights

Onimusha, one of Capcom’s best franchises, needs a comeback.
Blade Warriors and Tactics spin-offs were not as impressive.
Warlords, Dawn of Dreams, and Samurai’s Destiny were memorable.

As a longtime fan of the Onimusha series, I can confidently say that these games have been an integral part of my gaming journey since their initial release on the PlayStation 2. The blend of action, adventure, and historical Japanese folklore has always captivated me, and each installment offers a unique experience that stands out in its own right.

In Capcom’s extensive library of intellectual properties, there’s been a notable absence—the Onimusha series. While the initial game received a stellar high-definition remaster, boosting its appearance on new platforms for the first time, sales did not meet expectations, dissuading Capcom from continuing the franchise. Yet, Onimusha, which originally shone during the sixth generation of home consoles, delivered an array of terrific games across platforms such as the PS2, PS3, PC, and Game Boy Advance.

As a devoted fan, I’d describe my experience with the Onimusha series as stepping into a captivating fusion of Resident Evil and Akira Kurosawa’s cinematic mastery. This enchanting game, set primarily during Sengoku-era Japan, combines the gripping inventory management and spine-chilling horror elements of Capcom’s iconic zombie saga with a supernatural samurai tale that never fails to impress. With its distinctive blend of historical figures and thrilling samurai action, Onimusha remains a franchise that deserves another look. The allure of this unique narrative lies in its timeless appeal, something the gaming world could certainly use more of today.

7 Onimusha: Blade Warriors

Smash-Style Fighting Game Features Multiple Onimusha Franchise Characters

Platform: PS2
Release Date: March 23, 2004
Developer: Capcom

Although Onimusha: Blade Warriors was released in 2004 when it was only three years old, the series had gained enough popularity to warrant spin-offs in the form of fighting games. In this game, Capcom drew inspiration from Super Smash Bros., creating 2D battle arenas where Onimusha characters could fight each other. These arenas were filled with power-ups, dangers, and a fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere.

Onimusha: Blade Warriors – A Solid Attempt at a Smash-Style Game, Yet Pales in Comparison to Its Peers from the Same Era

6 Onimusha Tactics

Tactical RPG Set In Sengoku-Era Japan

Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release Date: November 11, 2003
Developer: Capcom

In 2003, it was quite unexpected to find the Onimusha series adapted into a tactical RPG format, especially considering the abundance of popular franchises undergoing similar transformations today. Among the Game Boy Advance’s extensive collection of games, Onimusha Tactics stands out as one that is challenging to rank among the very best, but it remains a solid tactical strategy game worth exploring.

In a different rendition:

5 Onimusha: Dawn Of Dreams

Party-Based Action Game Features Fast-Paced Fun

Following the conclusion of Onimusha 3: Demon Siege, which marked the end of Samanosuke and Oda Nobunaga’s story, Capcom opted to create a fresh chapter for the series. With Keiji Inafune, new COO at Capcom, serving as producer, the fourth Onimusha game was born, transforming into Dawn of Dreams and introducing innovative gameplay features and characters.

In “Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams,” Capcom transitioned from pre-rendered backdrops and fixed perspectives to a 3D environment with camera control for a more immersive experience. Moreover, this installment featured multiple playable characters and AI partners that could be commanded. While it was an enjoyable game, it seemed like the Onimusha series needed a pause, given that Dawn of Dreams was the sixth title in just five years. However, there were still enjoyable moments to be had as it strived to breathe new life into the franchise.

4 Onimusha: Warlords

Debut Title In The Series Is One Of The PS2’s Best Games

1997 saw Yoshiki Okamoto, a former contributor to the original “Resident Evil,” expressing a desire to develop a ninja-themed spinoff for the survival horror series. Initially, work on this project started for the N64DD but was later abandoned. The project then moved to the PS1, and eventually, after several adjustments, it found its rightful home on the PS2 as “Onimusha: Warlords.” Ultimately, this game surpassed all expectations, earning a place among the top games for the PlayStation 2.

As a longtime fan of action-adventure games with a strong emphasis on storytelling and intricate mechanics, I find myself captivated by the beauty and terror that is Onimusha: Warlords. Having grown up playing games on various consoles throughout the years, I vividly remember the release of this title on the PlayStation 2 back in the early 2000s, and it remains one of my all-time favorites to this day. The stunning 2D pre-rendered backgrounds, seamlessly blending the elegance of Japanese architecture with the chilling imagery of demons and monsters, have always been a visual delight that never fails to impress me.

3 Onimusha 3: Demon Siege

Spectacular Action Game Transplants Samanosuke Into The Future

In the last installment of a supposed trilogy, Capcom went all out by reintroducing Samanosuke, the main character from the original game. Although he was absent in the second part, he made his triumphant return in Onimusha 3: Demon Siege. Additionally, Capcom opted to leave behind pre-rendered backdrops and instead utilized 3D environments with fixed camera angles, resulting in one of the best PS2 action games ever produced.

“Siege of Demon” occurs towards the end of Oda Nobunaga’s rule in 1582, during a period of warfare. The narrative unfolds through two intertwining tales – Samanosuke is transported to the future, while Jacques Blanc unexpectedly lands in Japan. The swift and energetic gameplay of “Onimusha 3” remains impressive even today, with Samanosuke and Jacques showcasing distinct personalities. This final installment served as a poignant conclusion to the saga that began with “Onimusha: Warlords”, one of the greatest games of its era.

2 Onimusha: Warlords Remastered

High-Definition Remaster Of Original Game Brings Series To Modern Hardware

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Release Date: January 15, 2019
Developer: Capcom

2018 saw Capcom reviving the Onimusha: Warlords franchise with a remastered version on modern hardware, as announced in a blog post. The graphics have been upgraded, offering enhanced backgrounds and maintaining a smooth 60 frames per second performance, which is ideal for an action game.

As a longtime fan of the Onimusha series, I am thrilled about the recent remastered version of Onimusha: Warlords that was released for modern consoles. Having played the original game on my trusty PlayStation 2 back in the day, it brings back fond memories of countless hours spent battling demons and solving intricate puzzles. The new control scheme, which offers both traditional tank controls and a more modern system, is a welcome addition that caters to both old and new players alike. I personally prefer the traditional controls, but it’s great to have the option for those who might find them too restrictive.

1 Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny

Outstanding Sequel Shines As The Onimusha Franchise’s Greatest Title

Released concurrently with the initial game, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny was unveiled in the same year as its predecessor, which came out in 2001. It hit the market approximately a year afterward, introducing a new main character, Jubei Yagyu, who was seeking revenge against Oda Nobunaga for destroying his samurai clan.

The fighting system in this installment has been enhanced compared to the last one, introducing a parry feature for tactical skirmishes. It appears that the game is no longer merely drawing from Resident Evil, but also from Capcom’s action-packed series, Devil May Cry. All aspects of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny surpass those found in Warlords, with the combat feeling quicker and the stoic character Jubei being a delight. Unfortunately, the slow sales of the remastered version of Warlords have prevented Samurai’s Destiny from moving beyond the PS2. Nevertheless, it’s worth acquiring a console specifically to enjoy this exceptional game.

2024-08-09 06:04