What to Expect From Onimusha: Way of the Sword in 2025

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At the 2024 Game Awards, Onimusha: Way of the Sword was among the series revivals from the past, and it’s a welcome sight indeed. Capcom initially introduced the franchise in 2001, with Onimusha offering a more combative, feudal Japan spin on the classic Resident Evil. The series was quite popular back then, selling over 8.7 million units globally, but it had been nearly twenty years since the less favored fourth mainline installment, Dawn of Dreams. Thankfully, following the remaster of Onimusha: Warlords in 2018, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is now prepared to carry on the battle.

Despite only having a limited gameplay trailer and brief description available at present, it appears that Onimusha: Way of the Sword has successfully revived the series as if no time had passed. Similar to the 2023 Netflix show set in the Edo period, which follows after the Sengoku period where the original Onimusha began, Way of the Sword transports the demon-slashing action to Kyoto. The main character of the Onimusha Netflix series, Musashi Miyamoto, may reappear as the new protagonist, but Capcom is yet to disclose any further details about the story or gameplay. However, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is scheduled for release in 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, so we won’t have to wait much longer for more information.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Should Reveal Itself Across 2025

What Past Onimusha’s Tell Us About Way of the Sword

In “Onimusha: Way of the Sword”, many elements shown and suggested are linked to the game’s history. Once more, the Genma forces appear as grotesque, demonic, and zombie-like adversaries that a lone or sparingly assisted swordsman battles against. Luckily for him, the Oni Gauntlet is back and can absorb colored souls for their standard resources and advantages. The protagonist’s remark about his own corruption suggests that the powerful Onimusha super form has resurfaced along with it, though its implementation will likely be unique.

In the trailer for “Way of the Sword,” it seems they’re bringing back the Issen counter-attack, a signature move from the original “Onimusha” games. This mechanic adds an exciting element to the game’s methodical gameplay by allowing players to strike enemies during their attacks. It resembles the parrying in “Metal Gear Rising,” but it appears to function differently than the deflecting in “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.” We’ll need to wait and see how Issen functions in “Way of the Sword.” Additionally, a press release mention hints that the game will follow a stage-based structure, reminiscent of the linear progression found in previous “Onimusha” titles.

When Fans Can Expect To See Onimusha: Way of the Sword Again

2025 is likely when we’ll hear more about Onimusha: Way of the Sword as its scheduled release in 2026 is drawing closer. This anticipation might stem from Capcom previewing potential gameplay before 2025, but a more accurate reason is that Onimusha serves as Capcom’s final game for their fiscal year following Monster Hunter Wilds and Dragon’s Dogma 2. As of now, Pragmata and Resident Evil 9 have yet to be confirmed, which could mean that Onimusha might occupy the expected February or March 2026 release window; further details will be unveiled in late 2025.

Based on that reasoning, it seems quite possible that a trailer and possibly press previews might show up during Summer Game Fest. Given its development timeline, Onimusha: Way of the Sword could also potentially appear at Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, and The Game Awards 2025. Similarly, there’s a chance it may feature in any upcoming State of Play or PlayStation Showcase. A gap of six months followed by a release date announcement at Summer Game Fest seems most likely. This sequence could be Capcom intentionally mimicking the timeline of Monster Hunter Wilds, which was revealed in 2023 and launched in February 2025. If development progresses according to this schedule, Onimusha: Way of the Sword could be perfectly timed for release.

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2025-01-09 21:03