After nearly two decades without a standalone entry, Capcom is bringing the Onimusha series back, and the first reviews of Way of the Sword are out ahead of its Sept. 4 launch.
What the critics say
The verdict is largely positive and centered on a combat system built on timing. IGN called the bosses the game’s greatest strength and praised its optional content after a 39-hour playthrough. CNET found the swordplay crisp and fitting the Soulslike era but said novelty wanes over repetitive fights. Gamereactor called it a “cracking game” with the best combat of 2026 so far.
A combat-first samurai revival
Players take on a young, brash Miyamoto Musashi, killed by demons and reborn through the series’ soul-gathering Oni gauntlet. Combat rewards precise parries and Issen counters, drawing comparisons to Sekiro and Elden Ring.
Where it stumbles
Critics flagged repetition in enemy and mission design, with CNET noting fights run together and Gamereactor observing that around half of its 30-hour run went to repetitive side activities.
Score and verdict snapshot
| Outlet | Verdict | Key takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| IGN | Positive | Bosses are the highlight; strong optional content |
| CNET | Mixed | Crisp, timing-based combat but novelty fades over endless fights |
| Gamereactor | Positive | Best combat of 2026 so far; repetitive outside it |
How to play
Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches Sept. 4, 2026 on PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch 2, with an expanded free demo available ahead of launch. For more on the current gaming landscape, see our look at Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 and Monster Hunter Outlanders.
