There are gaming franchises that slip quietly into legend, their legacies preserved in the memories of longtime fans. For years, Onimusha stood as one of those untouchable relics — a product of a specific era, largely dormant since the early 2000s. Aside from a modest HD remaster of Onimusha 2, Capcom seemed content to let the series rest. But at Summer Game Fest 2025, the unexpected happened: Onimusha returned. Not as a retro-styled homage or a mobile spin-off, but as a fully reimagined, technically advanced title titled Onimusha: Way of the Sword — and it’s shaping up to be a triumphant resurrection.
Unveiled behind closed doors at Capcom’s booth, this bold new iteration doesn’t just revive the franchise — it redefines it, embracing modern sensibilities while honoring the soul of the originals. Running on the powerhouse RE Engine and shown on a PlayStation 5 Pro, Way of the Sword left an impression even among a sea of high-profile presentations.
A Private Showcase, A Powerful Statement
Capcom opted for a “look but don’t touch” approach, inviting members of the press to a private 20-minute gameplay presentation. A developer handled the controls live, showcasing a vertical slice of the game. While attendees didn’t get to go hands-on, the demonstration was compelling enough to stand out in a jam-packed event schedule — a testament to the game’s confidence and polish even at this early stage.
At the center of this new tale is none other than Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most iconic historical swordsmen. He’s brought to life with a digital likeness of legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, instantly grounding the game in a rich cinematic tradition. This is not a coincidence — it’s an intentional callback to the golden age of chambara films, evoking a sense of stylized drama and gravitas that permeates every sword stroke.
A Scene Set in Stillness
The demo opens with atmosphere, not action. The setting is a village ravaged by violence. Smoldering ruins line the path, peasants cry out in pain, and lifeless bodies are strewn across the muddy terrain. The camera clings to Musashi’s back in an over-the-shoulder style familiar to fans of Resident Evil 4, immersing the viewer in the quiet devastation. There’s no fight to be had — not yet. This moment is about tone, about mood — and Capcom nails it.
This stillness is key. It allows players to soak in the finely tuned visual fidelity: meticulously detailed textures, dynamic lighting, and expressive facial animations. The RE Engine, already celebrated for its work on Resident Evil Village and Monster Hunter Rise, delivers once again — although it still carries that slightly desaturated “gray veil” look that some might find visually muted.
Combat as Choreography
When the action does arrive, it does so with theatrical flair. As Oni demons descend upon Musashi, the camera smoothly pulls back, granting a wider field of view and ushering in a combat system that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh.
Capcom is clear on one point: this is not a Souls-like. But that doesn’t mean it’s without challenge. Combat here is deliberate, calculated, and precision-based. Think Ghost of Tsushima meets Sekiro, with its own unique rhythm. There’s no mindless button-mashing. Every strike matters.
The parry system is a standout feature. It’s flexible, dynamic, and incredibly satisfying. Unlike the instant-deflects of other games, parries in Way of the Sword can evolve into blade clashes that last several seconds. Sparks fly. Steel grinds against steel. And if the player times it just right, the result is a cinematic counter-attack, complete with stylized animations that feel plucked straight from a Kurosawa film.
Even ranged threats are treated with flair. In one striking moment, Musashi deflects an incoming arrow mid-air, redirecting it with perfect timing into the heart of the archer who fired it — an instant kill that feels as elegant as it is brutal.
A Familiar Artifact Returns: The Oni Gauntlet
Long-time Onimusha fans will immediately recognize the Oni Gauntlet, a series staple. It allows Musashi to absorb souls from fallen enemies — a mechanic that’s more than just window dressing. These souls act as a resource for upgrades and abilities. But there’s a twist: some enemies can try to steal those souls themselves. If they succeed, they explode in a violent burst, creating high-stakes moments of split-second decision-making after every encounter.
This added layer of risk — even after a fight — injects tension throughout the game and adds another dimension to the already strategic combat.
Time Travel, Puzzle Solving, and Dual Realities
Way of the Sword isn’t just about duels and demon slaying. Capcom has infused the game with new gameplay mechanics, most notably time travel. Through supernatural rifts in space and time, Musashi can access echoes of the past — not as passive cutscenes, but as fully playable sequences.
In these spectral flashbacks, players are tasked with solving puzzles or uncovering hidden truths that directly affect the present. It’s a smart mechanic that draws comparisons to The Medium, but Onimusha handles it more organically. The transitions are seamless, and the historical layering adds weight to the narrative.
Environmental Interactivity: Survivalist Edge
Another refreshing addition is environmental interaction. Musashi can use his surroundings in clever, combat-relevant ways. Need cover? Flip a tatami mat. Want to knock back an enemy? Hurl a broken piece of furniture.
These aren’t just gimmicks — they’re responsive, fluid mechanics that give players more agency. It also pushes the game subtly into survival action territory, where awareness of your surroundings can mean the difference between life and death.
A Duel to Remember: Musashi vs. Kojiro
The demo’s climax delivers an unforgettable duel: Miyamoto Musashi vs. Sasaki Kojiro. Their rivalry is legendary in Japanese history, and Capcom leans into it with dramatic flair. Kojiro is depicted with youthful elegance and an almost androgynous demeanor, starkly contrasting the weathered stoicism of Musashi.
The result? A battle that feels not just physically intense but emotionally charged. And Capcom has confirmed this isn’t the last time we’ll see them clash — Kojiro is a recurring nemesis, and their story will evolve throughout the game.
A Confident Reinvention for a Forgotten Legend
In many ways, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a masterclass in how to revive a dormant franchise. Capcom isn’t chasing nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, they’re honoring the core of what made Onimusha great — atmosphere, precision combat, and mythic storytelling — while smartly folding in modern innovations.
The visuals are cinematic. The combat is demanding but rewarding. The pacing is methodical, never rushed. And perhaps most importantly, the game respects its audience’s intelligence — it trusts players to engage deeply, think tactically, and appreciate its quieter moments as much as its clashes of steel.
With its release expected in 2026, Onimusha: Way of the Sword may very well become one of the year’s standout titles — not just for action game fans, but for anyone craving a richer, more thoughtful experience in a sea of fast-paced clones.
For longtime fans, it’s the return they’ve waited two decades for. For newcomers, it might just be a revelation. One thing’s for certain: Capcom has unsheathed something special.
