Onimusha: Warlords was the first PlayStation 2 game to sell over a million copies. An amazing achievement. But for such a popular game, it seems continually overlooked from where I’m standing. Such a shame that it isn’t talked about more.
Capcom essentially went with “what about RE, but in Feudal Japan with Demons?” The tank controls, the save rooms, the dialogue, it’s all there. But it also becomes clear early on that the game has made some of its own style choices too, separating it from its Capcom cousins.
A gauntlet granted to hero Samanouske distances Onimusha from its brethren, providing a simple layer of RPG progression to both the weapons it can form and the orbs that block your progression through doors. This item allows Sam to take on the demons standing between him and Princess Yuki.
Then there’s what you’re able to do with those weapons…fight effectively! Locking onto a target and being able to block incoming attacks combines with simple movement and swift counters to create actual sword fights! Block, shift, time it right, and then carve your way through. A bit of patience and you’ll be very hard to hit. This is several notches higher than Res when it comes to fighting. The weapons look cool too, which is always nice. They’re the right side of ridiculous.
Samanouske is your typical hero, stoic and brave. Neither the story or himself are willing to offer much information. Sam’s partner Kaede doesn’t come off well either, though her classic “Understand” is still used by my siblings. Some mechanics may have changed, but Capcom still get away with terrible dialogue being part of a game’s charm.
The story is pretty light, and the script is pretty bad, but when it comes to the look of the game, it’s gorgeous; I adore the aesthetic. One boss fight on a rooftop, under a bright moonlight, was particularly stunning. So stunning in fact that I nearly lost the fight. For a seventeen year old game to have that effect is some going.
Onimusha: Warlords is neither a long or particularly tough game (A grade yeah!), but I really enjoyed it. Graphically it’s still impressive, making the most of the time period. It’s an old game, and it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about games inspired by Resident Evil, but please don’t overlook it. In fact I might just have to finally get hold of the sequel.
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