Is Onimusha Way of the Sword a Reboot of the Series?

Read more to find out whether Onimusha Way of the Sword is a sequel or a reboot to Capcom’s classic action-adventure game.

Is Onimusha Way of the Sword a Reboot of the Series
Is Onimusha Way of the Sword a reboot of the original series? (Image via Capcom)

Onimusha Way of the Sword is an upcoming reboot of Capcom’s cult classic action-adventure series. The game has no fixed release date but is expected to arrive sometime in 2026. With that said, the reboot is looking to deliver the same samurai action-horror fans loved, but in a modern game engine.

The series has been dormant for years. However, Capcom has made several attempts at reviving iconic classics like Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, and Resident Evil. With that said, it looks like the Onimusha franchise is next in line.

Why Onimusha Way of the Sword Is a Reboot Instead of a Sequel?

Why Onimusha Way of the Sword is a Reboot Instead of a Sequel
A screenshot from the Onimusha Way of the Sword trailer. (Image via Capcom)

Origins

The Onimusha series is one of Capcom’s most successful titles. During its peak in the 2000s, it was regarded as “Resident Evil with Samurai” by fans. This was due to its survival horror element, something Capcom was well known for at that time. Additionally, it was originally going to be a spin-off of the Resident Evil franchise, but it eventually became its own project.

Just like the classic Resident Evil, the early Onimusha games featured a fixed camera angle. They included puzzle-solving, exploration, and inventory management, just like their western-themed counterpart. Unlike Resident Evil, Onimusha drew inspiration from Japanese history and folklore. This set it apart from other titles. The unique blend of action and horror set in the age of samurai made it a fresh take on the survival horror genre.

Why Reboot?

In the upcoming title, Onimusha Way of the Sword, Capcom has decided to reboot the franchise rather than continue the original storyline. The developers have yet to go into detail about why they chose a reboot instead of continuing the franchise’s story.

However, one possible reason could be the evolving trends and interests of players. The concept and story that made the game iconic almost two decades ago might not resonate as strongly today. Additionally, it might also push away new players who are less familiar with the franchise. Making a sequel could discourage new players who would have to revisit previous titles just to follow the story.

By doing a reboot, Capcom has the freedom to reintroduce the series without forcing newcomers to play older titles. They can even overhaul its gameplay mechanics, just like they did with the Resident Evil series. When done right, Onimusha Way of the Sword can also pay homage to long-time fans who grew up with Samanosuke and the Oni Gauntlet.

Release Date and Platforms for Onimusha Way of the Sword

At the time of writing, Capcom has yet to give an exact release date for Onimusha Way of the Sword. For now, we only have the release window, which is sometime in 2026. With that said, we already have a brief gameplay trailer to check out. This gives us a sneak peek at what we can expect from the game when it finally drops.

As for the supported platforms, Onimusha Way of the Sword will release on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. There is no news about a possible Xbox Game Pass or handheld console inclusion.


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