The unveiling of Onimusha: Way of the Sword emerged as a standout moment during The Game Awards last year, even though CAPCOM’s revival plans had already been teased through leaks. While the franchise remains cherished by fans of its PlayStation 2-era titles, modernizing its formula for today’s action-RPG landscape—where soulslikes dominate—posed a unique challenge. Fortunately, the developers have prioritized preserving the series’ identity over chasing trends, opting to refine its classic mechanics rather than overhaul them.

At a recent Gamescom 2025 demo session, I experienced a 30-minute preview of the game. Though brief and containing some rough edges (notably less polished than the concurrently showcased PRAGMATA), it highlighted how the title honors its roots while modernizing exploration and combat. Players guide Miyamoto Musashi through the haunting corridors of Kiyomizu-dera temple, unraveling mysteries tied to a corrupting “Malice.” The atmospheric environments and revamped, yet familiar, gameplay systems immediately set it apart from other historical fantasy titles.

Gone are the static camera angles of earlier entries, replaced by dynamic perspectives that occasionally echo the series’ signature framing. Combat retains its strategic essence: parrying enemy strikes, breaking demonic defenses with well-timed counters, and unleashing devastating Issen finishers. Exploring the temple’s labyrinthine paths felt intuitive, enhanced by the Oni Gauntlet’s ability to harvest souls for upgrades—a system offering surprising depth even in the limited demo build.

The preview culminated in a showdown with Sasaki Ganryu, a formidable rival inspired by Musashi’s legendary real-life opponent. Their duel blended cinematic flair with accessible mechanics, as parrying his telegraphed attacks proved satisfying but undemanding. While balance remains a concern given the game’s early state, CAPCOM’s emphasis on storytelling over punitive difficulty suggests a focus on immersive, player-friendly action.

Initial skepticism about the game’s pacing dissolved upon hands-on play. If the final release maintains this demo’s quality, Onimusha: Way of the Sword could reignite interest in a dormant franchise. Slated for a 2026 launch across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, this return to feudal Japan’s supernatural conflicts might just carve its own niche in an evolving genre.