Samanosuke gradually builds up a selection of multiple swords and a scarce number of ranged weapons, like a bow and musket. Enemies are also susceptible to being impaled if brought down on the ground. Many are executed depending on context if Samanosuke performs an attack right before an enemy strikes, then that attack is an instant kill, though understandably, it doesn’t work on bosses. These actions transition smoothly into one another and never break the flow of battle. Hardly any human interaction occurs beyond the prologue and Samanosuke stands alone against demonic samurai swordsmen, archers, ninja and other supernatural beings.Ĭombat consists of simple hack and slash mechanics, strafing, blocking, and special attacks which consume magic. Most of the castle’s inhabitants have either fallen prey or succumbed to demons. But as you progress the story, the noise subsides and nothing but corpses and walls smeared with fresh blood remain. In the beginning, clashing blades resound in the halls of the castle, as valiant samurai struggle against relentless hordes of demons. And my personal favourite – the trick box – requires aligning numbers in a sequence within a limited amount of moves. Some require finding pieces of a specific item to unlock a door, while others utilise Samanosuke’s various abilities. Puzzles and various contraptions also populate the castle. Many objects can be examined closer, after which Samanosuke reveals his thoughts about any particular one. Quality over quantity – or scale, in this particular case.
Authentic interior design features furnishings and decor, like tatami and ornamented sliding doors no two rooms look alike. Predominant with the traditional architecture of its period – towering pagodas and bamboo gardens – outdoor environments may be second only to their indoor counterparts. Exploration has certain Metroidvania aspects to it many locations become accessible only after obtaining a particular ability, while the environments are largely limited to Inabayama Castle and its surrounding area, but they’re a joy to explore for anyone obsessing over Japan. The English version sounds like a poorly executed play from the 16th century.ĭuring the game’s short storyline, which lasts approximately 6 hours, you will explore the Inabayama Castle and reveal its many mysteries. Along with his female ninja companion, Kaede, the young samurai will travel to hell in order to thwart Nobunaga’s plan.īecause Onimusha: Warlords supports two voice-over options, I decided to switch to a Japanese version early on. Voiced and portrayed by Japanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro (House of Flying Daggers Returner), samurai Samanosuke Akechi must save the princess from demons and send their tainted bottoms into oblivion. This ritual intends to bestow unimaginable power upon warlord Nobunaga Oda, now possessed by demons. Onimusha: Warlords begins when demons ambush the royal Inabayama Castle and kidnap princess Yuki for the purpose of a dark ritual. Honors represent an equivalent to achievements and trophies, and don’t possess any real purpose beyond that, unfortunately. Minor improvements include analogue stick support and an in-game Honor system.
Ranging from traditional, calm Japanese tunes involving a flute to powerfully epic compositions accompanying the many boss battles, the music is definitely among the strongest assets of Onimusha: Warlords on Xbox One. The soundtrack has been completely re-recorded and sounds positively amazing.