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Onimusha: Way of the Sword is best understood as a character-action game built around the timing and impact of blade clashes, not a punishing die-and-retry Soulslike. That is director Satoru Nihei’s stated intent, and the released game’s reported death and progression systems support the distinction. But deflections, stamina interactions, boss attack-reading and checkpoint shrines give players legitimate reasons to make the comparison.
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword a Soulslike?
Not in the sense of a game built around repeated deaths, lost currency and character-build crafting. In a June 19, 2025 interview with AUTOMATON WEST, director Satoru Nihei said, “Onimusha: Way of The Sword isn’t an open-world game, and it certainly isn’t a punishing die-and-retry (soulslike) game either.” He said the design priority was “to express the clashing of blades through the action.” Those are statements of intent, not a universal genre ruling.
A later Tom’s Guide review of the released game points to concrete differences: it reports that players do not lose currency on death, bosses can be restarted immediately, and build crafting is not a factor. The same review notes checkpoint shrines and stamina management—familiar enough to Soulslike players to make the resemblance understandable.
Why the comparison comes up: defense, stamina and bosses
Way of the Sword asks players to pay attention to enemy attacks rather than rely on uninterrupted offense. Its combat adds Deflecting, Redirecting and Break Issen to series staples including regular Issen attacks and absorbing souls with the Oni Gauntlet. A successful deflection can drain an enemy’s special stamina gauge; empty it and the player can trigger Break Issen, which can destroy parts of a boss.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultimate Swordplay Action – Master the blade with an arsenal of exhilarating sword techniques in absorbing battles and overcome fierce fights using every tool at your disposal, including environmental hazards and supernatural abilities.
- A Legendary Cast of Characters – Dark fantasy and history collide to tell tales of fabled figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (whose face is modeled after the late, iconic samurai movie actor Toshiro Mifune), plus Sasaki Ganryu, and more.
- Overcome Your Demons – Duel formidable foes in intense boss encounters, standing toe to toe against unfathomably powerful Genma and a sadistic rival swordsman armed with an Oni Gauntlet and devilish powers of his own.
- Explore the Mysteries of Kyoto – Step into a twisted vision of Japan’s historic capital, including faithful recreations of real-life locations like the famed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as otherworldly realms with surreal landscapes.
- Pre-order Bonuses – Reserve an early copy to receive the “Sealed Curse” sword skin and “Lion Dog” charm as bonuses. Pre-orders of the Deluxe Edition and Premium Deluxe Edition also include additional bonus rewards.
That emphasis on timing and reading attacks can feel Soulslike, particularly in a demanding boss encounter. In a preview of its own Osaka play session, Game Informer described fighting a dual-Nue boss with parries, Reflex Dodges and Issens, and reported that rushing in with attacks failed. That encounter shows why defense matters; it does not establish that every fight or the full game has the same difficulty.
The distinction is what those defensive tools serve. Nihei framed them as part of the sensation of clashing blades, rather than evidence that the game is designed around a Soulslike cycle of punishing failure and rebuilding for another attempt. Gamereactor’s 2.5-to-3-hour hands-on offered another outlet’s impression: a paced action-adventure between harsher Soulslikes and faster hack-and-slash games. That is a preview characterization, not a definitive genre classification.
Rank #2
- Ultimate Swordplay Action – Master the blade with an arsenal of exhilarating sword techniques in absorbing battles and overcome fierce fights using every tool at your disposal, including environmental hazards and supernatural abilities.
- A Legendary Cast of Characters – Dark fantasy and history collide to tell tales of fabled figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (whose face is modeled after the late, iconic samurai movie actor Toshiro Mifune), plus Sasaki Ganryu, and more.
- Overcome Your Demons – Duel formidable foes in intense boss encounters, standing toe to toe against unfathomably powerful Genma and a sadistic rival swordsman armed with an Oni Gauntlet and devilish powers of his own.
- Explore the Mysteries of Kyoto – Step into a twisted vision of Japan’s historic capital, including faithful recreations of real-life locations like the famed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as otherworldly realms with surreal landscapes.
- Pre-order Bonuses – Reserve an early copy to receive the “Sealed Curse” sword skin and “Lion Dog” charm as bonuses. Pre-orders of the Deluxe Edition and Premium Deluxe Edition also include additional bonus rewards.
How its world is structured
The game is not open world. Instead, it combines more linear story stages with an “open-town” Kyoto hub. Game Informer describes the hub as having side paths, secrets, side quests, NPCs, items and vendors, alongside standard stages. Tom’s Guide likewise describes story levels connected by a manageable Kyoto hub. The result offers optional exploration between missions without turning the whole adventure into a vast continuous map.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from the game
Game Informer reported that Onimusha: Way of the Sword launched on September 4, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. Its preview also described a Dokyo stage in an underground lab beneath Kyoto’s imperial castle, illustrating the contrast between authored stages and the hub. Check your regional storefront for current platform and edition availability.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
![Onimusha Way of the Sword Premium Deluxe Edition Steelbook - [XBOX]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kn+-x1xOL._SL160_.jpg)
- Fight over blood-stained battlefields and prove yourself to be an outstanding swordsman. Explore the Edo-temporal historic Japanese capital of Kyoto as it is engulfed by vicious clouds from Miasma - each section is shrouded in secrets, dangers, and intrigue. Battle monstrosities from the underworld known as Genma in a gloomy supernatural story. Follow the story of a samurai wearing the Oni glove - a mystical artifact that gives its wearer the power to kill Genma.
- A passionate samurai who wants to prove in Kyoto that he is second to none in dealing with the sword. But the path that lies ahead of him takes an unexpected turn
- Equipped with the Oni glove, Musashi has powers beyond the human possible. He not only gives it the strength needed to defeat the genma, but also has numerous other abilities - for example, absorbing the souls of Genma and using their energy. But who is behind the voice that penetrates from the glove?
- In his fight against the Genma, Musashi will meet powerful opponents whose power is equal to his own. Will he win or die in battle? In the capital, bloody duels are waiting for life and death
- The game takes place against the backdrop of countless shrines and temples of Kyoto, such as the Kiyomizu-dera. The capital is slowly engulfed by vicious clouds from Miasma and takes on an eerie, ominous appearance
Rank #3
- Armed with the superhuman power of the Oni, the Onimusha makes a stand against the enroaching Genma menace.
- Meet the protaganist, Musashi, and the cast of unique characters he will encounter. Wield the power of the Oni. Master your timing and unleash Issen. Experience the ultimate in exhilarating swordplay.
- Explore early Edo period Kyoto, twisted by malice.
- Pre-order Bonus: A set of 2 containing charms and sword appearances that can used in-game
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