[gamescom2025] Onimusha: Way of the Sword Preview – Musashi Strikes Back in Demon-Infested Kyoto

When you think of Onimusha, the names Samanosuke Akechi, the iconic Issen counter, or the ominous Oni Gauntlet probably come to mind. At Gamescom 2025, we went hands-on with Onimusha: Way of the Sword for about 25 minutes on PS5, and it genuinely feels like the series is back in full swing.

From silky-smooth combo chains and blood-soaked duels to oppressive skies looming over Kyoto, Way of the Sword hits all the nostalgic beats while introducing fresh twists. This time, you’ll step into the sandals of Miyamoto Musashi, modeled after the legendary Toshiro Mifune, bringing wit and gravitas to the demon-infested battlefield.

Movement & Combat
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Combat feels fluid and weighty, with a clear difference between light and heavy attacks. Musashi’s arsenal includes one-handed and two-handed blades, offering strategic flexibility depending on your situation.

Landing an Issen counter or perfect parry remains one of the most satisfying mechanics in the game, delivering a visceral strike that instantly rewards precision. While Onimusha: Way of the Sword is firmly an action RPG rather than a souls-like, there’s still a rewarding learning curve in timing and execution.

Soul System
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The classic soul absorption system makes a triumphant return. Defeated enemies drop colored souls:

Red Souls – Experience
Yellow Souls – Health
Blue Souls – Special abilities

Consumables like food and defensive buffs can also be found, though, unlike some ARPGs, there are no invulnerability shortcuts here; you’ll need skill to survive.

Guard Gauge Mechanic
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One of the most interesting mechanics is the Guard Gauge. Both you and your enemies have one, and taking hits or blocking drains the bar. Once empty, the character staggers, leaving them vulnerable to powerful execution moves.

Regular Genma enemies can be staggered and finished quickly, while bosses like Sasaki Ganryu require precise targeting of multiple weak points for a killing blow.

Enemy Variety
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Across the demo, we encountered familiar Genma enemies, including sword-wielders, archers, and specialized troops. They may not overwhelm in numbers, but their timing and positioning force you to dodge smartly and counterattack strategically. Being careless often means getting surrounded or punished by projectile fire.

Boss Fight: Sasaki Ganryu
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The highlight of the demo was the intense duel against Sasaki Ganry inside the foreboding Kiyomizu Temple. His moveset punishes bad habits, particularly backward dodges. More than once, his vertical slashes or downward kicks caught us mid-escape, leading to three brutal deaths before adjusting our strategy.

His guard is much stronger than regular enemies, requiring multiple precise weak point executions to bring him down. Finally landing a clean counter against Sasaki felt electrifying—a true Onimusha moment that will stick with us.

Visuals & Atmosphere
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Visually, Way of the Sword is breathtaking. Kyoto, twisted by demonic malice, drips with tension and atmosphere. The shadow-drenched temple corridors, steel-on-steel clashes, and blood-soaked battlefields capture the essence of classic Onimusha.

Musashi’s character model is highly detailed, with facial animations and sword swings that radiate power. The Oni’s Eye mechanic further encourages exploration of shadowy terrain, blending dark fantasy with historical flair.

First Impressions
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While not a souls-like game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword demands awareness, timing, and mastery of its mechanics. The parry-based combat, combined with the Guard Gauge and soul absorption, gives the game its own identity in today’s crowded action RPG space.

The hands-on demo left us confident: this isn’t just a nostalgic throwback. It’s a modern revival of Onimusha that feels satisfying, brutal, and deeply rewarding.

Image Credit: GamerBraves

From tense boss duels to cinematic visuals and rewarding combat mechanics, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is shaping up to be a triumphant return for the series. Stepping into Musashi’s role offers a fresh yet familiar perspective, honoring the franchise’s roots while adding exciting new systems.

Set to release in 2026, this is one action RPG that fans, both old and new, should be watching closely. Kyoto awaits, drenched in blood and shadow. Will you be ready to reclaim your place as a legendary Onimusha?

Here’s our preview video if you’d like to take a look:

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