Onimusha: Way of the Sword shines through its silliness but slows in the open world
Onimusha: Way of the Sword opens with chaotic humour and energetic combat. In the hours that follow, however, it only occasionally recaptures that momentum, while sections of its gloomy open world become a slog.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is at its strongest when it embraces silliness. Its opening combines absurd humour, frantic combat and a chaotic escape through a village.
The protagonist, wandering ronin Musashi, wakes beneath a bridge and shouts “WOT?!” after noticing starving children watching his rice ball. He is then pursued by what feels like two thousand martial arts students, occasionally fighting back with a wooden plank and stopping to rescue a dog.
Humour against a gloomy tone
The sequence sets the game apart from more solemn fantasy slashers. Its brash comedy is as effective at distinguishing it as a well-executed parry mechanic.
An uneven pace
After the energetic introduction, Way of the Sword only intermittently maintains the same momentum and tone. Later sections can become a gloomy slog through the open world.
What we know
- The game opens with Musashi caught in a chaotic, comic village chase.
- Musashi wakes beneath a bridge and protects his rice ball from starving children.
- During the pursuit, he fights with a wooden plank and rescues a dog.
- The game only intermittently sustains the opening's energetic tone.
What is being verified
- The newsroom is checking the report that the game opens with Musashi caught in a chaotic, comic village chase.
- Reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun is being compared; a second independent confirmation is not yet available.
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