Overview of Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- The gameplay experience in Onimusha: Way of the Sword is expected to last about 20 hours.
- This installment will adopt a linear format, merging action elements with engaging puzzles.
- It is positioned as a reboot, featuring no direct ties to previous entries in the Onimusha franchise.
According to both director Satoru Nihei and producer Akihito Kadowaki, the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword promises an average of 20 hours of gameplay. This duration stems from the game’s linear structure, as the developers have opted to steer clear of an open-world design approach. During a recent interview, they further elaborated on whether this title would connect with its predecessors or stand as a separate adventure.
The highly anticipated game was introduced during The Game Awards 2024, marking Capcom’s return to the franchise after a 20-year hiatus. Initial announcements revealed that the game will maintain the classic theme of samurai battling Genma, but further trailers have disclosed more intriguing details, including the protagonist’s identity—Miyamoto Musashi, celebrated in Japan as a legendary swordsman and strategist. Additional insights have emerged from interviews following the game’s premiere.
In a recent interview with Famitsu, translated by Automaton, Nihei and Kadowaki provided deeper insights into the title’s mechanics. They confirmed that the game spans approximately 20 hours of playtime, structured around linear stages that discourage open-world exploration. The producer also noted that while difficulty levels haven’t been formally established, the development team aims to cater to both seasoned players and newcomers.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword – Gameplay Duration Insights
Onimusha: Way of the Sword | New Details â–ªï¸\u008fApproximately 20 hours to complete â–ªï¸\u008fFeaturing puzzles â–ªï¸\u008fLinear stage progression â–ªï¸\u008fNo ties to past titles, making it user-friendly for new players â\u017e¡ï¸\u008f https://t.co/HQUN624r0s pic.twitter.com/KR4DmWYW71 — Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) March 29, 2025
Other notable gameplay features include Deadly Strikes and the Issen system, which functions similarly to the parrying mechanic from earlier Onimusha titles. The producer emphasized that perfecting enemy parries will amplify the damage dealt, enhancing combat strategy. Players can also anticipate various puzzles in each stage, ensuring that the game balances action with cerebral challenges, distinguishing it from other contemporary samurai-themed video games.
In terms of narrative, Kadowaki stated that Onimusha: Way of the Sword will function as a standalone reboot, lacking direct connections to earlier games in the series. Currently, the only Onimusha title available on modern gaming platforms is the remaster of Onimusha: Warlords, the original release. During the Capcom Spotlight event in February, the company announced an upcoming remaster of Onimusha 2, slated for release on May 23, 2025. Whether Capcom plans to revitalize other entries in the franchise with remasters remains uncertain, as they may choose to assess audience reactions to Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which holds a tentative release date in 2026.