This is understandably a major disappointment for fans returning to the experience nearly two decades later, but it’s one of the very few things the remaster gets wrong. It means that the harder difficulty, different enemy and item placements, varied campaign progression, and new combat mechanics are nowhere to be seen. This re-release is based on the original PS2 version, rather than the updated Genma version that came to the Xbox a year later. When it comes to returning veterans though, it’s an ever so slightly different story. Those new to the experience will have an ever so slight adjustment period, but once you’re hooked, there’s no turning back. Beatable in the space of four hours, Capcom’s trip down memory lane is a welcome breath of fresh air. It’s a game with just two means of attack, items that have obvious uses, and an upgrade system that is clear and easy to understand. Amongst swarms of 80 hour games packed to the brim with mechanics and systems, Onimusha: Warlords is a trip back to simpler times.

In fact, it’s that basic nature that actually works in the game’s favour. The red variation is used to upgrade your weapons, blue orbs refill your magic meter, while yellow is traded for health. What sets it apart though is the gathering of Genma souls from every otherworldly creature you defeat. This gameplay loop remains untouched 18 years later, meaning it’s going to take some getting used to if this is your first exposure to the adventure of Samanosuke Akechi.

You’ll explore Inabayama Castle through fixed camera angles, solving puzzles, collecting items, and of course fighting enemies as you go. Is this enough to revive the skilled swordsmen of the past, or were they satisfied staying in their graves?įor those who don’t know, Onimusha: Warlords plays a lot like an early Resident Evil title. That all changes though with the remaster of Onimusha: Warlords, a re-release of the franchise’s 2001 origin that brings with it improved visuals, updated controls, and new features. The tales of a Japan overrun by the supernatural failed to put in an appearance anywhere outside of the sixth generation of consoles, making it 13 years since we last heard word of any Genma soul consumption. Whenever someone raises the question of which dormant game franchises need to be resurrected from the dead, it’s never too long before Capcom’s PlayStation 2-centric Onimusha series comes back as an answer.

Onimusha ps4.