Summary
Both the director and producer ofOnimusha: Way of the Swordhave revealed that the game will include an average of 20 hours of gameplay. This is due to the title’s linear stage progression, as the pair stated they didn’t want to go with an open-world design. In the same interview, the developers also discussed whetherOnimusha: Way of the Swordwill have connections to previous titles in the series or if it’s a standalone entry.
During The Game Awards 2024,Capcom unveiledOnimusha: Way of the Sword, announcing the franchise’s return after 20 years of dormancy. At the time, not many details were shared about the game, only that it would retain the familiar samurai-versus-Genma concept. However, new trailers have gradually revealed : Way of the Sword, including the fact that it is led by Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most famous swordsmen and strategists. In newly published interviews, further information about this new entry has been revealed.
In a newFamitsuinterview (translated byAutomaton), director Satoru Nihei and producer Akihito Kadowaki shared more details aboutOnimusha: Way of the Sword, including how long the game will be, its stage progression, and whether it has connections to previous entries in the series. According to the two,Onimusha: Way of the Swordis estimated to last around 20 hours as players progress through its dedicated linear stages, forgoing any notion of open-world exploration. Regardingwhat to expect fromOnimusha: Way of the Swordin terms of difficulty, for now, the producer mentioned that difficulty levels have not been implemented, but the team aim to strike a balance to please both veterans and newcomers alike.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword Will Take Roughly 20 Hours to Beat
Other gameplay details include the presence of Deadly Strikes and the Issen system, which is essentially the parry feature from pastOnimushagames. Kadowaki stated that successfully parrying enemy attacks will significantly increase the damage dealt to them. The producer also highlighted that each stage will feature various puzzles, meaning the game won’t focus solely on action. These puzzles and other unique elements could bethe edgeOnimusha: Way of the Swordneedsto stand out among other recent samurai-themed titles.
Lastly, the producer confirmed that in terms of story,Onimusha: Way of the Swordwill not have any direct connection to previous games in the series and will serve as a reboot. As of now, the onlyOnimushatitle available on modern platforms is the remaster ofOnimusha: Warlords, the first game. During the Capcom Spotlight event in February, it was announced that aremaster ofOnimusha 2is in developmentand is set to release on Jul 06, 2025. It remains to be seen whether Capcom intends to bring the other mainline entries back with remasters or if they will wait to gauge the public’s response toOnimusha: Way of the Sword, which currently has a release window set for 2026.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
WHERE TO PLAY
Fight through bloodbaths of intense swordplay action. Explore the historic Japanese capital of Edo-era Kyoto, twisted by malevolent clouds of Malice. With every stage cloaked in mystery, danger and intrigue. Battle against monstrosities from the underworld known as Genma in a tale of dark fantasy.Follow the tale of a samurai who wields the Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that grants its bearer the power to slay Genma. Through gritty, blood-soaked brawls, he searches for his reason to fight. What fate awaits at the end of his path?
