Onimusha: Best action combat of the decade
If you’re tired of the repetitive motions of parrying in action games, you might find a refreshing, if sometimes slow-burning, antidote in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. While the game opens with a deliberate, almost glacial pace, it holds a secret: its combat system is a masterclass in layered defensive mechanics that truly shine once you unlock their full potential.
Initially, the introduction to combat relies heavily on the basics: the timed block, the deflect, and the parry. While these mechanics establish the foundation, they can feel restrictive at first. It is this slow drip-feed of mechanics that gives the impression that the game is hesitant, like a deer afraid to bolt into the underbrush.
But that slowness is simply the setup. Beneath the surface of simple blocking lies a sophisticated system designed to reward careful observation. The game subtly introduces the full suite of defensive abilities, guiding you toward a level of tactical awareness that separates the casual player from the true master of the sword.
The real depth of Onimusha is revealed as Musashi’s toolkit unfolds throughout your playthrough. You begin with the basic timed block, but quickly gain access to more complex tools. These include a more involved parry that requires a preparatory block, a timed dodge that excels against unarmed attacks, and the game-changing Issen.
Issen stands out as one of the most rewarding defensive tools. It is a calculated risk—requiring you to time an attack button to leave yourself exposed, offering the chance to one-shot opponents, deal significant stagger damage, and charge up super states. This choice perfectly balances risk and reward, adding a thrilling layer of decision-making to every confrontation.
Once these core defensive tools are in place, the combat truly ignites. The game excels at the interplay between your weapon attacks and unarmed strikes, forcing you to master timing to swat aside sword-swipes or dance around fisticuffs. Enemies are constantly throwing a variety of threats—from blade barrages to unpredictable blade locks—demanding that you constantly shift your focus and react.
The dynamic between the player and the enemy is constantly shifting. They might enter a countering stance that requires a physical reaction to dislodge them, or they might unleash an unavoidable attack demanding a perfect parry or deflect. This relentless, multifaceted assault ensures that there is never a moment to rest, keeping the tension high in this deadly world.
As the game progresses, the mandatory repetition of boss and miniboss encounters transforms from a chore into an opportunity. Once the combat system clicks, these rematch sessions become a stage for demonstrating mastery. You no longer just survive; you dissect the enemy’s dance, using the accumulated knowledge to dispatch foes with newfound, sharp efficiency.
Ultimately, while Onimusha takes its sweet time to reveal its true action-game bliss, the payoff is immense. It is a well-designed system that rewards your investment tenfold, offering a textured and compelling combat experience that places it firmly among the best in the genre.
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