Capcom’s long-dormant Onimusha franchise has formally returned with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, arriving on multiple platforms the same day — including Nintendo’s new hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2.
The series, which started life as an experimental concept before becoming a PlayStation 2-era mainstay, re-emerged after a 2019 remaster of the first entry rekindled interest.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the first original mainline Onimusha title to appear on a Nintendo platform so close to its launch window, and it runs on Capcom’s RE Engine.
Development and series context
Onimusha’s development history spans multiple console generations: the franchise evolved from early concepts on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation hardware before establishing itself on the PlayStation 2.
After several sequels and a 2006 entry, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams, the series went quiet.
A remaster of the first game released at the end of 2019 helped renew attention in the IP, and Capcom followed that renewed interest with a remaster of the second game and the new title Way of the Sword announced in late 2024.
Character design and legacy casting
Capcom continues the series’ tradition of basing protagonists on famous actors.
In Way of the Sword, protagonist Musashi Miyamoto’s appearance is modeled after screen legend Toshiro Mifune.
Mifune — who starred in classics such as Seven Samurai and portrayed Musashi in Hiroshi Inagaki’s Samurai Trilogy — passed away in 1997; Capcom’s implementation is therefore limited to his likeness and animated mannerisms rather than direct involvement.
The studio’s animation work aims to capture Mifune’s rakish presence and to make Musashi one of the most charismatic leads in the franchise to date.
Gameplay, combat and design
Onimusha: Way of the Sword retains core series hallmarks — supernatural samurai action, exploration, puzzle-solving, item collection, and weapon upgrades — while modernizing combat.
The game expands melee options with parries, dodges, escape throws, sword clashes and the series’ signature one-hit Issen attack.
The combat difficulty rises steadily, and the design encourages players to learn enemy patterns and mechanics rather than rely on brute force.
Nintendo Switch 2 performance
The Nintendo Switch 2 build offers a day-one release alongside other platforms and includes a fixed 30 FPS mode for steadier performance.
Visual fidelity and resolution are scaled relative to more powerful systems, but the Switch 2 version delivers a competent handheld experience that preserves the game’s core gameplay and visual identity.
Capcom’s current RE Engine work on handheld hardware shows continued optimization across recent releases.
Conclusion and review note
Onimusha: Way of the Sword revitalizes key elements of the franchise while updating combat and presentation for modern audiences.
The Switch 2 port is a solid option for handheld players and those who prefer Nintendo’s platform.
Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review copy provided by Capcom.
Total Score: 9/10.
The series, which started life as an experimental concept before becoming a PlayStation 2-era mainstay, re-emerged after a 2019 remaster of the first entry rekindled interest.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the first original mainline Onimusha title to appear on a Nintendo platform so close to its launch window, and it runs on Capcom’s RE Engine.
Development and series context
Onimusha’s development history spans multiple console generations: the franchise evolved from early concepts on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation hardware before establishing itself on the PlayStation 2.
After several sequels and a 2006 entry, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams, the series went quiet.
A remaster of the first game released at the end of 2019 helped renew attention in the IP, and Capcom followed that renewed interest with a remaster of the second game and the new title Way of the Sword announced in late 2024.
Character design and legacy casting
Capcom continues the series’ tradition of basing protagonists on famous actors.
In Way of the Sword, protagonist Musashi Miyamoto’s appearance is modeled after screen legend Toshiro Mifune.
Mifune — who starred in classics such as Seven Samurai and portrayed Musashi in Hiroshi Inagaki’s Samurai Trilogy — passed away in 1997; Capcom’s implementation is therefore limited to his likeness and animated mannerisms rather than direct involvement.
The studio’s animation work aims to capture Mifune’s rakish presence and to make Musashi one of the most charismatic leads in the franchise to date.
Gameplay, combat and design
Onimusha: Way of the Sword retains core series hallmarks — supernatural samurai action, exploration, puzzle-solving, item collection, and weapon upgrades — while modernizing combat.
The game expands melee options with parries, dodges, escape throws, sword clashes and the series’ signature one-hit Issen attack.
The combat difficulty rises steadily, and the design encourages players to learn enemy patterns and mechanics rather than rely on brute force.
Nintendo Switch 2 performance
The Nintendo Switch 2 build offers a day-one release alongside other platforms and includes a fixed 30 FPS mode for steadier performance.
Visual fidelity and resolution are scaled relative to more powerful systems, but the Switch 2 version delivers a competent handheld experience that preserves the game’s core gameplay and visual identity.
Capcom’s current RE Engine work on handheld hardware shows continued optimization across recent releases.
Conclusion and review note
Onimusha: Way of the Sword revitalizes key elements of the franchise while updating combat and presentation for modern audiences.
The Switch 2 port is a solid option for handheld players and those who prefer Nintendo’s platform.
Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review copy provided by Capcom.
Total Score: 9/10.
