Hands on with Onimusha 2 – Remaster

The following preview consists of collecting the first 2 orbs in the game. The full review will be live on the game’s release later next month.

Returning after two decades with a fresh coat of paint, Onimusha 2’s remaster arrives in time to build hype for the newest entry in the series next year – Way of the Sword. The first Onimusha remaster released in 2019, more focused on bringing the series back to gamers than changing the wheel. Onimusha 2 operates in much the same way but has aged like the proverbial fine wine. The updates improve most of the game’s mechanics, feeling more capable in the action components. This preview focuses on the first two hours of the game, with a full review set to drop once embargo lifts.

Anyone recently playing Assassin’s Creed: Shadows will know the name Nobunaga, who is also the central villain of Onimusha 2. With a backstory steeped in Japanese folklore unafraid to use fantasy elements, the game follows protagonist Jubai through a revenge arc after Nobunaga and clan destroy his hometown (and everyone in it). The game’s cut-scenes have drastically improved graphically and mechanically, with style and identity enough to not expect 2025-level graphics for success. As someone who hadn’t played original Onimusha 2 on the PlayStation 2, I was quickly impressed by how engaging the story, combat and approach to progression felt (especially after playing so many open world games this year). The camera view is similar to that of the original Resident Evil and also Final Fantasy VII – fixed from a certain angle, changing when moving to the edge of the camera – which allows environments to thrive. This can pose challenges during boss fights, but familiarity and muscle memory soon kicks in. When assessing visuals, the detail on rocks, trees and houses is well achieved through the remake process – but this is a game that lives and thrives by its gameplay.

Jubai starts with a katana and uses the square button to attack. He can block, parry, charge attacks and land critical hits that operate like a riposte. Dodging is tied to a lock ‘tank’ system, which can be difficult at first but soon becomes second nature. I was surprised at the continued branching of the gameplay, which expands with new weapons such as spears, magic attacks and long-range options. Each weapon feels unique, and many have an elemental attack such as ice, thunder, wind and all the staples in this space. Swapping weapons can be done mid-fight and strategy develops when learning enemy moves. The enemies start out as simple men, but soon you’re parrying walking crocodiles, giant starfish creatures and spiky, spinning lizards. One minute you’re navigating a castle in search of a woman, the next you’re riding a mechanical horse. The weirdness works and becomes Onimusha’s charm, with little down-time between the chaos.  

The game has a party system of sorts, but in the first two hours you are merely introduced to these characters and can give them gifts. This requires talking to the character and learning more about them, deciding which gifts will reap rewards. More on this in the final review, as in the initial moments there is little to analyse in terms of the ‘pay-off’ for getting this right. The soundtrack is uplifting, powerful and aligns well to the game. While the dialogue can be slightly cheesy (one character in particular, a larger-than-life man hoping to be a feudal lord) the characters are well written and each has a role in the wider narrative. Their weaponry is unique (one has a gun, which seems OP off the bat!) and there is emphasis on the possibilities later in the game.

I really enjoyed my first two hours with Onimusha 2 and look forward to providing my thoughts on the full game. The mechanics have aged well and the story is intriguing, providing a great breather from the giant games on the menu at the moment. The PlayStation 2 had many sleeper hits, and this process of updating gameplay and graphics will likely see other gems benefit from Onimusha’s quality. If you played the game two decades ago, you’ll enjoy the trip back to Japan with Jubai and friends. If you’ve never experienced the series, now is the best time to dive in – Onimusha 1 was revamped in 2019, Onimusha 2 is releasing and the newest Onimusha will drop in 2026.  

See you in May!