Onimusha: Way of the Sword Emphasizes Action Over Soulslike Elements

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is not a soulslike, nor does it feature an open world. Instead, Capcom is staying true to the core identity of the franchise, focusing on intense, satisfying combat and a narrative-driven experience rooted in samurai tradition. Discover the developers’ vision behind the game and how they’re honoring the legacy of its iconic protagonist.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Stays True to the Series

Not an Open-World Soulslike

Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks the first mainline entry in the series in over two decades, aiming to revive the essence that made the franchise iconic. Rather than following current industry trends, the development team has chosen to focus on what defined Onimusha from the start—tight level design, cinematic storytelling, and visceral action.

In a June 19 interview with Automaton, Director Satoru Nihei made it clear that the game will not adopt soulslike mechanics or open-world exploration. “Onimusha: Way of The Sword isn’t an open-world game, and it certainly isn’t a punishing die-and-retry experience,” Nihei stated.

Instead, the team is prioritizing accessible yet deep combat that appeals to both veteran action fans and newcomers. “Our main focus was to express the clashing of blades through the action,” Nihei explained. The game retains the series’ signature linear progression, as previously confirmed by Nihei and Producer Akihito Kadowaki in a March interview with Famitsu.

With over 20 hours of gameplay expected and a potential CERO Z rating (restricted to players 18 and older), Way of the Sword promises a mature, story-rich experience grounded in feudal Japan’s dark fantasy setting.

Capcom Spent 2 Years To Get Toshiro Mifune’s Likeness

Since development began in 2020, Capcom has placed a strong emphasis on authenticity, particularly in the portrayal of the game’s protagonist, Musashi Miyamoto. To capture the true spirit of the legendary swordsman, the team sought to base Musashi’s appearance on the iconic Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune.

As revealed in a June 16 interview with Game Watch, it took Capcom two full years to secure the rights to use Mifune’s likeness. For Director Nihei, the choice was immediate. “When I thought about who would embody the image of ‘a young samurai covered in blood, covered in mud, fighting violently,’ Mr. Mifune was the perfect match,” he said.

Mifune’s legacy in samurai cinema is unparalleled—most notably for his portrayal of Musashi in Hiroshi Inagaki’s The Samurai Trilogy from the 1950s. His influence on the genre makes him a natural fit for the Onimusha series. Capcom previously used his likeness in the 2023 Netflix Onimusha anime, reinforcing the actor’s enduring connection to the franchise.

By honoring Mifune’s legacy, Capcom is ensuring that Onimusha: Way of the Sword remains deeply rooted in the cultural and visual aesthetics of classic samurai storytelling.

Set for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Onimusha: Way of the Sword aims to deliver a powerful, accessible action experience that respects its heritage while forging a new path forward. For the latest updates, keep an eye on our ongoing coverage.