Onimusha: Way of the Sword, set to launch on September 25, marks a significant revival of Capcom's long-dormant franchise. This upcoming title features the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, whose unique personality adds a fresh twist to the gameplay, diverging from typical samurai tropes seen in recent titles like Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
During a recent hands-on session at Summer Game Fest, players experienced challenging swordplay combined with humorous interactions. Musashi, depicted as somewhat rude and oblivious, engages with characters like dancer Okuni, who humorously highlights his lack of practical skills, such as paddling a boat. This comedic element contrasts sharply with the game's macabre setting, featuring towns plagued by demon soldiers known as Genma.
The gameplay involves Musashi retrieving missing spirit statues to lift a curse afflicting the villagers, showcasing a blend of horror and dark comedy. This new direction hints at a more playful narrative style, suggesting that Way of the Sword will offer a distinct experience within the genre.