Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster
Release Date: May 23, 2025
OpenCritic
Steam
A refreshed version of the popular slasher with survival horror elements, originally released by Capcom in 2002. Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny Remaster takes us to a fantasy version of medieval Japan. The main protagonist is a warrior named Jubei Yaguy, who is chasing after Nobunaga Oda - leader of the army of demons.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a the first part of the series. The company Capcom, which oversees the brand, is responsible for the development and release of this version.
Story
Although Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny shares a universe with its predecessor, it tells a separate story. The game takes us to an alternative, fantasy version of medieval Japan, and its main character is Jubei Yagyu. After the demon army leader Nobunaga Oda massacred the representatives of the protagonist's clan, the revenge-thirsty Jubei sets off in pursuit of him.
On the way, the hero learns that he possesses the power of Oni, which allows him to kill demons and absorb their souls. Furthermore, as the warrior progresses, he meets allies who him to confront the sinister Oda. Choosing which of these characters we befriend may, to some extent, affect the course of the story.
Gameplay
Combat system
In Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny we watch the action from various "cinematic" angles. The core of the gameplay is fighting opponents that we encounter when exploring locations. The protagonist uses melee weapons, as well as a bow and a black powder rifle. Jubei can also make use of elemental-based magical attacks.
Unlike most other slashers, the combat system is based not only on agility and delivering quick combinations of blows, but also on timing. At the moment when the enemy goes on the offensive, the hero gains the ability to launch a deadly Issen attack, which immediately eliminates his target.
Absorption of souls
On the way, Jubei absorbs the souls of defeated demons, which are presented in the form of colorful energy balls. While the red ones are used to upgrade the samurai's weapons and armor, the yellow ones regenerate his health, and the blue ones allow him to use magic. There are also purple orbs - collecting five of them allows the warrior to transform into the titular Onimusha, which for a short time provides him with resistance to attacks and the ability to inflict increased damage.
Safe haven and other characters
During breaks from battles, we end up in the mining town of Imasho, where we can build relationships with characters by giving them gifts. Friendly characters come to Jubei's aid in certain situations and the game allows us to take control over them for a short time.
Videos and Screens
[0:50] Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny - Magoichi Saiga Trailer
[0:48] Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny - Kotaro Fuma Trailer
GameSpew: 7 / 10 by Richard Seagrave
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a bold sequel that adds RPG elements into the mix and has more of an action focus. Awkward fixed camera angles add unwanted frustration to combat, though, and the new weapon switching mechanic is troublesome to use in the heat of battle.
PC Gamer: 65 / 100 by Sam Desatoff
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny represents the design tenants of a bygone era, more often for worse than better.
Game Rant: 8 / 10 by Matt Karoglou
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a remaster that does the PS2 original justice and a great experience to whet the appetite before the series' revival.
The main pros of the game
- Beautiful Graphics: The remastered version features stunning pre-rendered backgrounds and improved graphics that enhance the overall visual experience.
- Smooth Controls: The game benefits from modernized controls, including full analog movement, making gameplay more fluid and enjoyable.
- Engaging Combat System: The combat remains satisfying, with the iseen critical counter system and a mix of ranged and close-range magic attacks.
- Rich Story and Character Development: The friendship system allows for multiple pathways and outcomes, adding depth to the narrative and character interactions.
- Nostalgia Factor: Many players express a strong emotional connection to the game, recalling fond memories from the original PS2 release.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Features such as easy mode available from the start, skippable cutscenes, and immediate weapon swapping enhance the gameplay experience.
The main cons of the game
- Censorship Issues: Some s are disappointed with the censorship of certain character outfits, feeling it detracts from the original experience.
- Camera Shifts: There are complaints about excessive camera shifts that can disrupt gameplay, even with the addition of analog movement.
- Slow Weapon Swapping: Although quick weapon swapping was introduced, some players find it less efficient than the previous system.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s
- Playable Gogandantess Campaign: Some players feel it would have been a great addition to have a campaign featuring the character Gogandantess.
- Full Screen Option: A full screen option was not available, which some s found limiting, although it can be adjusted in-game.
- Text Visibility on Notes: A suggestion was made to allow players to hide text on notes to appreciate the game's art without obstruction.
Summary
- Overall, *Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny* has received positive for its remastering efforts, but some players have noted areas for improvement and features they wish had been included.
Summary generated on:
9
GAMES
in Onimusha Game Series
Game Series
Onimusha Series
A series of action adventure games set in the umagicized realities of feudal Japan. The brand is considered one of the six most important in Capcom's publishing portfolio.
9 video games
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3-8350K / AMD Ryzen 3 3200G, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 960 / Radeon RX 560, 25 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i3-8350K / AMD Ryzen 3 3200G, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 4 GB Radeon RX 570, 25 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Unfairly overlooked slasher classic returns. I played Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny
We've been waiting years after the first remaster, but Capcom has finally decided to release a refreshed Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny game later this year. As it happens, I've already had the pleasure of playing it.
Opinions
April 27, 2025
News about Onimusha: Way of the Sword aren't the only highlights from Capcom Spotlight show
On The Capcom Spotlight, we received a message from the developers of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and also the info about a remaster of the previous installment, and some other announcements from the Japanese developer.
video games
February 5, 2025