What Insights Did Onimusha: Way Of The Sword Bring from Gaming Legends?

The upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks a significant revival of a beloved franchise, blending nostalgic elements with modern gameplay mechanics. This soft reboot seeks to reintroduce players to a world of samurai and supernatural horrors, all while drawing from rich Japanese cultural narratives. With an emphasis on sword combat and atmospheric storytelling, the developers aim to attract both long-time fans and a new generation of players.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The game features a soft reboot of the Onimusha franchise, focusing on sword combat and atmospheric storytelling.
• Developers Akihito Kadowaki and Satoru Nihei aim to blend traditional Japanese culture with modern gameplay.
• Gameplay will include challenging sword-fighting mechanics while maintaining accessibility for new players.
• The game draws inspiration from Japanese history and mythology, aiming to educate players about these narratives.
• Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2026.

Reviving a Classic: The Onimusha Franchise

Originally launched in 2001, the Onimusha series quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of action-adventure gameplay and horror elements, often likened to Resident Evil. However, the franchise has been dormant for nearly two decades, leading to questions about how to effectively revive such a beloved, yet forgotten, title.

According to producer Akihito Kadowaki, the first step in the revival process was a thorough examination of the original games. "As a team, you get together and you look at the previous games... and you decide what from those games you want to bring forward and keep in the new one," he explained. This strategy ensures that the essence of Onimusha is retained while allowing for new innovations and updates.

Staying True to Onimusha's Roots

While the developers acknowledged the gameplay similarities to Resident Evil, they emphasised that their focus was primarily on the Onimusha titles themselves. Director Satoru Nihei stated, "We didn’t really consider Resident Evil at all in the ideation of the game." Instead, the aim was to maintain the "eerie setting" that fans expect while ensuring the core gameplay remained intact.

One of the challenges the team faced was balancing the horror aspects of the game without leaning too heavily into the genre. Kadowaki noted, "We didn’t approach it from the idea that we’re creating a horror game." Instead, they integrated moments of horror that felt natural to the game's narrative and atmosphere.

Dynamic Sword Combat

Sword fighting is a central component of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and the developers have worked hard to create a combat system that feels both satisfying and distinct. Kadowaki mentioned that they have introduced mechanics such as deflecting enemies into environmental objects and a "Blazing State" that temporarily boosts damage output. These features aim to set the game apart from other titles in the sword-fighting genre.

The developers also sought to create a sense of physicality in combat, drawing inspiration from samurai films and previous Onimusha entries. Nihei explained, "There’s also influence from samurai movies," which have historically portrayed intense and visceral sword fights. This connection to traditional media enriches the game's narrative and gameplay, creating a more immersive experience for players.

Accessibility for a New Generation

Recognising that existing fans of Onimusha may have grown older, the developers have made a conscious effort to ensure the game is accessible to newcomers. Nihei remarked, "We set out, at the start, to make sure we weren’t just trying to make one of those impossibly difficult games." The team has adjusted difficulty levels to cater to both seasoned players and those new to action games, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

While the demo presented at Gamescom was linear, Kadowaki hinted at future explorative elements, stating, "There are puzzles that you need to get through... and you can explore within the stages to find areas that are not required to get through the game." This balance of linearity and exploration aims to deepen the gameplay experience without overwhelming players.

Incorporating Japanese Culture and Mythology

One of the standout features of Onimusha: Way of the Sword is its deep engagement with Japanese history and mythology. Unlike previous efforts, such as the inclusion of French actor Jean Reno in Onimusha 3 to appeal to Western audiences, this game aims to present authentic Japanese narratives. Kadowaki explained, "We want to get that out and have people play it and go, ‘Oh, I didn’t know that’ and introduce that to the world through the game."

The developers have integrated real legends and historical content into the fabric of the game, enhancing its cultural significance. This approach not only enriches the storyline but also provides an educational experience for players unfamiliar with Japanese lore.

The Influence of Japanese Gaming Culture

Japan has long been a powerhouse in the gaming industry, creating a unique cultural soft power that few other countries can replicate. Kadowaki expressed pride in this heritage, stating, "We’re standing on the shoulders of giants here, with previous developers demonstrating Japanese culture." This legacy empowers the current generation of developers to create games that resonate both domestically and internationally.

While many countries produce games, few manage to instil their cultural identity so deeply. Kadowaki elaborated on this, noting, "We feel like we’re surrounded by elements that we can bring into the game," highlighting the abundance of local inspiration available to Japanese developers.

What’s Next for Onimusha: Way of the Sword

As anticipation builds for the release of Onimusha: Way of the Sword in 2026, fans of the franchise are eager to see how the developers will blend traditional elements with modern gaming expectations. The commitment to accessibility, engaging combat, and authentic cultural representation presents a promising direction for this soft reboot.

With the game set to launch on platforms such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it will be fascinating to see how both long-time fans and newcomers respond to this revitalised entry in the Onimusha series.

FAQs

When will Onimusha: Way of the Sword be released?

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to be released in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

What is the gameplay style of Onimusha: Way of the Sword?

The game features a blend of sword combat and atmospheric storytelling, with a focus on accessibility for both new and returning players.

Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword related to Resident Evil?

While Onimusha: Way of the Sword shares gameplay similarities with Resident Evil, the developers primarily drew inspiration from the original Onimusha titles and Japanese culture.

Will there be puzzles in Onimusha: Way of the Sword?

Yes, the game will include puzzles that players must solve to progress, alongside opportunities for exploration within stages.

How does Onimusha: Way of the Sword incorporate Japanese culture?

The game integrates elements of Japanese history and mythology, introducing players to real legends and narratives through its storyline and gameplay.

As Onimusha: Way of the Sword approaches its release, it will be intriguing to see how this blend of culture and gameplay resonates with diverse audiences. Can this revival spark a new era for the franchise? #Onimusha #GamingCulture #JapaneseMythology