Onimusha: Way of the Sword Prioritizes Action, Not Soulslike

Onimusha: Way of the Sword deliberately avoids becoming a soulslike or open-world title. Discover how Capcom's development team honors the series' legacy while paying tribute to legendary actor Toshiro Mifune's likeness.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Stays True to the Series

Not an Open-World Soulslike

Marking the first mainline entry in two decades, Onimusha: Way of the Sword builds upon the franchise's core strengths rather than chasing contemporary trends. In a June 19 interview with Automaton, Director Satoru Nihei clarified the game's direction regarding soulslike mechanics and open-world design.

Nihei explicitly stated: "Onimusha: Way of The Sword isn't building an open-world environment, nor is it implementing punishing die-and-retry mechanics commonly found in soulslike titles."

The developer emphasized accessibility for all skill levels while maintaining the series' signature combat intensity. "Our primary focus was perfecting the visceral experience of blade collisions," Nihei explained regarding the action system.

During a March Famitsu interview, both Nihei and Producer Akihito Kadowaki reiterated their commitment to the traditional linear progression system. Kadowaki projected 20+ hours of gameplay with potential CERO Z (18+) rating in Japan.

Capcom Spent 2 Years To Get Toshiro Mifune's Likeness

Since beginning production in 2020, the development team prioritized authentic samurai representation, particularly through protagonist Musashi Miyamoto's character design. The team secured the likeness of iconic actor Toshiro Mifune after two years of negotiations.

Nihei revealed to Game Watch on June 16 his instant recognition of Mifune as the perfect model: "When envisioning our blood-and-mud covered young samurai concept, Mifune-san immediately came to mind as the ideal embodiment."

Mifune's legendary portrayal of Musashi in 1950s samurai cinema and his appearance in Netflix's Onimusha anime demonstrates Capcom's commitment to preserving the actor's iconic status. The developers view accurate representation of feudal Japanese aesthetic as crucial to the franchise's identity.

Scheduled for 2026 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Onimusha: Way of the Sword promises to deliver an accessible yet deeply authentic samurai experience. Stay updated with our ongoing coverage for the latest developments.