Why You Should Play Onimusha: Warlords Again
Its Gameplay Is Simplistic but Satisfying
Onimusha: Warlords was originally released by Capcom for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. The central design concept? What if Resident Evil had ninjas?
In this, they were successful, as Onimusha really does play a lot like a classic Capcom title from this era. And while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, its core gameplay loop is simple but satisfying.
With Onimusha: Warlords receiving the remaster treatment, we thought now would be the perfect time to take a trip down memory lane and inspire some hype for a replay.
Onimusha is an action-adventure/survival horror hybrid that takes more than a few nods from its big brother, the Resident Evil series. You will spend a lot of time carving your way through demonic foes, foraging for items and hunting down ridiculous keys that open ludicrous doors.
Like any good Capcom adventure game, there are puzzles abound. Some are pretty obtuse, granted, but there is an undeniable sense of satisfaction that comes from overcoming these impediments to progress.
There is also a nice weapon upgrade system that is engaging enough and will require some grinding, perfect for shorter play sessions on the Switch.
Why You Should Play Onimusha: Warlords Again
It Doesn’t Overstay Its Welcome
Samanosuke’s journey into the demon-infested Inubayama Castle in his search for Princess Yuki is an epic adventure, if somewhat brief. Onimusha, like a good English sitcom, may end suddenly, but it succinctly and satisfyingly ties up its narrative threads.
In this modern era of massive, open-world RPG’s and games with infinitely replayable multiplayer-suites, shorter experiences are usually the domain of indie titles and narrative experiences.
With an average play time of just over five hours, Onimusha can be beaten in a single sitting if you are determined enough. And while this might not seem like a good thing to some, others will argue that this kind of brevity is a refreshing change of pace.
2018 was filled with massive blockbuster experiences like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassins Creed: Odyssey, so jumping into something short and sweet in the New Year can be like a digital palate cleanser before the mega-ton releases of February and March.
Why You Should Play Onimusha: Warlords Again
You Get to Relive a Bygone Era of Capcom Game Design
Capcom in the late ’90s and early 00’s revolutionized the survival horror genre, releasing titles that range from the iconic (Resident Evil) to the cult-classic (Dino Crisis).
And while this golden era wouldn’t last forever, few could deny that Capcom was at the top of their game during those years.
Games of this vintage are distinctive for several design choices, some of which are infamous. Chances are, if you ever played these older Capcom games, you’ve made your peace with tank controls, and nothing we say here will change your opinion.
Whether you love them or loathe them you know what to expect.
Fixed camera angles allowed the developer to add a sense of foreboding to the proceedings. Taking away the players ability to see what might be around the next corner is incredibly effective at building tension, but it does take some getting used to.
Onimusha’s action takes place in cramped hallways, with foes coming at Samonoske from multiple directions, which keeps the pressure on and adrenaline pumping.
Prerendered backgrounds, which might seem dated in today’s era of HD visuals, are another product of a bygone era. They make the player feel like they are exploring a painting.
Onimusha’s backgrounds are a beautiful mixture of’ Sengoku era backdrops and landscapes, and the halls and hidden passages of Inubayama Castle are fully realized, if not as iconic as the Spencer Mansion.
Why You Should Play Onimusha: Warlords Again
To Get You Hyped for Resident Evil 2
One of the biggest games of Q1 is a remake that a lot of fans have been eagerly awaiting: Resident Evil 2. And while RE2 is representative of the new Capcom, taking its inspiration from titles post-RE4, swapping its tanks controls for something a little faster and more precise.
Onimusha was released just a few years after the original Resident Evil 2 came out, and a lot of the design DNA that went into RE2 can be found in Onimusha.
Both feature multiple playable characters, with additional game modes and difficulties becoming unlocked after completing the game, and both feature that B-movie dialogue that’s so bad, its good.
Playing through Onimusha will be a great way to tide yourself over until Resident Evil 2 comes out.
Why You Should Play Onimusha: Warlords Again
To Show Capcom That You Want a Sequel
So what if you are already an Onimusha veteran, and you know the halls and grounds of Inubayama like the back of your hand? What if you have played the series to death, and slay demons as easily as swatting flies?
If that sounds like you, then it sounds like you could use a new game in the mainline series, as the last release (Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams) in the series did not perform well financially.
With the Onimusha: Warlords remake, Capcom could be testing the waters to see if the world is ready for another mainline entry, and the best way to convince them is by supporting their efforts.
If you can’t wait to get your hands on Onimusha: Warlords, or you still need some more convincing, be sure to check out this nostalgic gameplay trailer. Or, if you prefer your demon-slaying on the go, be sure to check out how the Switch version holds up,
Either way, you won’t have long to wait: Onimusha: Warlords releases on Jan. 15th for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
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