Unfairly overlooked slasher classic returns. I played Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny

by

Frankly, I was taken aback when I learned I could preview the remastered edition of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny prior to its official launch, which is not something you typically see happening without much noise. This move by Capcom made me delighted since it presents a chance to revisit classics and potentially introduce new players to cult games. Revisiting the past always sparks fresh insights for me, as I feel I can now truly appreciate these games with my expanded industry knowledge.

This Onimusha franchise is quite legendary, yet it didn’t attain the commercial success it truly merited. Looking back, though, this seems to enhance its mystique. Many gamers have fond memories of playing these games, even if they weren’t blockbuster hits. They may not have sold in enormous quantities, but they did produce sequels, which suggests some level of success. To be clear, it wasn’t a commercial disaster, but the series aimed for far greater popularity.

Oda Nobunaga is wreaking havoc again

The first two installments of Onimusha were initially developed for the PlayStation, but later made available on newer consoles. Essentially, the first game resembled the Resident Evil series with its fixed camera angle and emphasis on environmental puzzles and combat. However, Onimusha stands out distinctly due to its captivating atmosphere, superb artistic direction, and unique elements such as using demonic powers and the precise katana cuts that are incredibly satisfying. Although the fighting system isn’t as intricate compared to games like Devil May Cry, and there may not be as many mechanical details, Onimusha is recognized for its use of movie-like accents, incorporating images of well-known actors, a trademark feature of the series.

It seems that in many conversations, the Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny series is frequently overlooked, which is unfortunate because it’s not just a straightforward sequel, as a recent remaster has shown me. Instead, it’s an innovative continuation, largely developed by a separate team, and this distinctiveness is evident in the gameplay and the slightly altered mood. The main character is also different this time around, portrayed by the late Yusaku Matsuda. Our protagonist, Jubei Yagyu, is a fierce and somewhat rugged warrior who seeks revenge against those responsible for the brutal annihilation of his clan and the villagers in his hometown. Consequently, we join him on a bloody quest for vengeance against the demonically resurrected Oda Nobunaga and his sinister minions.

As I delved back into this updated game, it brought back memories of all the modifications shaping its narrative. Unlike its predecessor, the newcomer boasts a wealth of character interactions, making them feel more alive and expressive. This enhanced ally system also lessens the sense of isolation that was once so prevalent in my journey. Instead, there are numerous instances where I find myself surrounded by others grappling with their personal traumas, such as losing loved ones. This added layer of companionship is coupled with a more leisurely exploration element, allowing me to wander and take things at my own pace. To top it off, the developers had extra time to refine

Samurai destiny

The classic gameplay has proven resilient over time, and improvements in control have been skillfully executed, despite occasional issues with camera movement during boss fights. The battle arenas could be larger, but that aside, I was impressed by the game’s graphics! Despite being a remaster, it seems to have been refined and polished effectively. For instance, the PS2’s unique graphic effects like transparency or fog are well-preserved here, unlike in many other remasters which can ruin the overall atmosphere. The static backgrounds are stunning, the locations retain their original graphical enhancements, and the 3D models have been improved and better integrated with the surroundings compared to the initial release. The rain in the opening scenes and the lifelike river continue to be visually striking. Essentially, this remastered version has been sharpened and touched up where necessary.

What truly mattered to me was enjoying myself immensely during those short while hours. To be honest, I ended up playing much more of the game than planned, as I found myself unable to let go of the controller. Regardless, it’s still a fantastic game and an excellent warm-up for the upcoming installment, which I eagerly anticipate will captivate audiences and reach unprecedented heights, given how deserving this series is of such success.

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny will be released on May 23rd on PC, PS5, and XSX.

Read More

2025-04-28 11:32