Onimusha: Way of the Sword starts off slow, but stick with it: You’ll be rewarded with some of the best action combat of the decade
Capcom’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword, released September 4 for consoles and Windows PC, has earned praise for featuring standout action combat despite a deliberately paced introduction. The game’s most distinctive element is its parry mechanic, which manages to feel fresh and impactful in a gaming landscape where parrying has become an overused standard feature across action titles.
The combat system centers on blocks, evasive dodges, and precisely-timed parries. While these mechanics may sound conventional, critics note that their execution creates compelling gameplay. The slow opening serves a deliberate purpose: establishing player mastery of the full defensive toolkit before escalating challenge and complexity. Players who persist through the initial stages are rewarded with some of the most engaging action combat in recent years.
The game’s parry system succeeds in standing out despite the saturation of similar mechanics across the industry, from major franchises to unexpected titles like 007: First Light. Onimusha: Way of the Sword demonstrates that even well-established mechanics can feel innovative with thoughtful design and implementation.