Unlocking the Secrets: Onimusha 2 Remaster’s Game-Changing Features!

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Summary

  • Most game features are unlocked from the start, including multiple difficulties and bonus modes – great for both veterans and newcomers.
  • Improved controls with option for stick play, quick weapon switching, and Onimusha mode for strategic gameplay.
  • Quality of life improvements include the ability to skip cutscenes, increased save slots, an autosave feature, and an Honors system for replay value.

It’s hard to imagine that Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny came out in 2002 for the PS2, and now it’s back after twenty years. Capcom has taken a long time to produce another remaster in this series since Onimusha: Warlords received its remaster in North America in 2019. What’s more, they are also working on a new game in the franchise, titled Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

For Onimusha enthusiasts, it’s an excellent period as the remaster of “Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny” offers several user-friendly enhancements. However, there is one noticeable drawback – the absence of the captivating attract mode trailer featuring the iconic song “Russian Roulette” by Tomoyasu Hotei, which was part of the original release. After listening to this classic track, discover what sets this remaster apart.

6. Most Things Are Unlocked From The Start

From Difficulties To Modes

Initially, when players first began, the initial version was quite minimalistic. However, upon completing the game at least once, additional features were unlocked. Nowadays, many of these features are accessible right from the start thanks to Special Features. The key aspect is the variety of difficulty settings, which include five levels: Easy, Normal, Hard, Critical, and Hell.

For enthusiasts seeking a thrill or novices looking to gently immerse themselves in this chilling samurai adventure, there’s a wealth of material to explore. If you complete certain bonus modes like The Man in Black, Team Oni, and Puzzle Phantom Realm, you’ll unlock more content. Plus, there are exclusive outfits for Jubei and Oyu, as well as artwork, available too.

5. Controls Like A Dream

And Quick Switching Weapons

Despite the PS2 version of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny initially featuring analog support due to the system’s launch configuration, players were required to use the D-Pad and tank controls to navigate the game. However, in the remastered version, while tank controls remain an option for those who prefer them, it is significantly more enjoyable to play with the sticks. Although the remaster retains its fixed camera angles, which can be perplexing during scene transitions, navigating without the actual tank controls makes it less confusing and more manageable.

An improvement in controlling your arsenal during gameplay involves swiftly switching weapons by holding L2 and using the left D-Pad for ranged options, while the right side allows cycling through the four main elemental weapons. While it’s not flawless, it’s a step up from previous methods, and players can still access the menu when needed.

4. Onimusha Mode

Holding Off On A Good Thing

As a dedicated fan, I immerse myself in the game world by absorbing different colored souls: red ones for leveling up, blue for replenishing my magic supply, yellow to mend my wounds. Giant purple souls are also part of my arsenal, and collecting five will metamorphose me into Jubei’s Onimusha form – a powerful transformation that feels like a Limit Break! I trigger it by pressing the L2 and R2 buttons simultaneously for an unstoppable burst of power.

As a gamer, I’m finding that whatever weapon I’ve got equipped is dealing more damage, giving me an edge in combat. Plus, I can fire off these purple orbs that zero in on enemies, which can be particularly useful against bosses. The catch is, the meter drains quickly, but it’s worth it for the added power. And now, instead of transforming automatically when I collect the fifth orb like before, I have the option to save it up for strategic use.

3. Skipping Through Cutscenes

Also, A Warning System

It can be incredibly frustrating when you want to pause a movie-like scene in a game for any reason, but instead, it jumps ahead. In many contemporary games, the game will pause automatically, giving players an option to continue if desired. However, in the original version of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, most scenes couldn’t be skipped, and accidentally pressing a button during these moments would cause the scene to play out.

In the updated version, players can bypass each cutscene, although they need to press the start button to do so. This new method provides a more effective warning system compared to the previous one. It’s worth noting that this feature allows you to skip certain mechanics such as door openings or a ladder descending into a hole. However, it’s advisable not to skip the story of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny during the initial playthrough because its narrative is among the most outrageous and cheesy on the PS2. Yet, having this skip option for subsequent plays can be quite convenient.

2. The Save Options

Automatic Checkpoints

In the past, one had to concern themselves with purchasing memory cards for various systems. However, the classic game Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny enabled players to save their progress ten times per memory card. This technically meant an infinite number of saves, though it came at a cost. Fortunately, the remastered version boasts twenty save slots, which is ample for any player’s needs.

Fans appreciate having quick access to their preferred game sections without needing to replay the entire campaign from scratch, making this feature a pleasant addition to the remaster. In addition to manual saves, players are now provided with an auto-save function. This is beneficial as it serves as a checkpoint for players if they die before a save point, or in rare cases like power outages.

1. Honors And Trophies

Another Reason To Replay

Based on the chosen difficulty level, the game “Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny” can last players between six and nine hours, not counting additional content. It’s an engaging journey that moves along swiftly, but unfortunately, there isn’t a New Game+ mode available. However, progress is saved between playthroughs in some way. While I can’t reveal the specifics without spoilers, it’s advisable to replay the game at least once for a complete understanding of its mechanics.

In contemporary video games, trophies or achievements serve as incentives for players to re-experience games multiple times. For instance, in the game Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, they are referred to as “Honors.” These can be effortlessly monitored within the game’s settings menu, without needing to return to the game’s main homepage. This feature is consistent across all versions, not just those for PlayStation.

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2025-05-26 21:46