Onimusha: Way of the Sword earns strong reviews ahead of September 4 release

Onimusha: Way of the Sword has received strong reviews ahead of its September 4 release, with critics praising its combat, bosses and visual presentation.

Capcom’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword has made a strong debut with critics, earning positive reviews ahead of its launch on September 4.

The review embargo lifted on August 31, with Metacritic recording a score of 85 from 82 reviews for the PlayStation 5 version. OpenCritic lists an average score of 86 from 83 outlets, with 94% of critics recommending the game.

Several reviews highlighted the action-adventure’s parry-focused combat system, alongside its Oni weapons, boss battles and difficulty design.

Critics also praised the portrayal of protagonist Miyamoto Musashi and the game’s recreation of Kyoto during the early Edo period.

Hey Poor Player awarded the game 10/10, describing it as “a visually stunning revival” that brings the classic franchise into the modern era using Capcom’s RE Engine. MonsterVine also gave it 10/10, praising its combination of action and skill-based combat.

Nintendo Life and Push Square both awarded 9/10. Nintendo Life highlighted the slower, deliberate combat and deflections, while Push Square praised the game’s cast, quests and progression.

Other reviews were more reserved. CGMagazine and GameSpot both scored the game 8/10, with criticism directed towards its semi-open-world structure. VGC awarded 6/10, arguing that the game surrounding its combat did not reach the same standard.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set in early Edo-period Kyoto, where miasma has consumed the city. Musashi acquires the Oni Gauntlet and battles the Genma while exploring semi-open-world areas, completing quests and upgrading weapons and abilities.

A free demo is currently available. The game launches on September 4 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2, with Xbox Play Anywhere support.