Onimusha 2's Remaster is a Wonderful Celebration of a Messy and Bloated Sequel

The wait is finally over for fans of the Onimusha series, as the remastered version of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny has landed on our shores. Developer Capcom has outdone themselves with this latest installment, breathing new life into a game that was once considered a lesser sibling to its predecessor.

The game follows Jubei Yagyu, the younger brother of Samanosuke Yagyu from the first Onimusha game, as he takes on the role of protector in feudal Japan. The story is still somewhat convoluted, but the addition of new visuals and gameplay mechanics makes for an engaging experience.

A Visual Treat

The most noticeable change between this version and its predecessors is undoubtedly the graphical overhaul. Every aspect of the game has been revamped, from character models to level environments. The attention to detail is impressive, with beautifully animated cutscenes that bring the world to life.

However, while the visuals have improved significantly, they haven't changed the fundamental gameplay experience. Onimusha 2 still suffers from its linearity and lack of exploration options, which can be a major turn-off for some players.

A Grindy RPG-Style Experience

Onimusha 2 is more of an action-adventure game with RPG elements than a traditional RPG. While it has its moments, the grindy nature of the combat and exploration can be overwhelming at times. The addition of new characters to fight alongside Jubei doesn't quite live up to expectations, making the experience feel less fun.

Another notable aspect of Onimusha 2 is the RPG-like towns where you can interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) and receive gifts. These interactions are slow-paced and clunky, which might be off-putting for some players.

A Mixed Bag

In conclusion, Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is still a decent game that fans of the series will enjoy. While it doesn't quite live up to its predecessor in terms of pacing and combat variety, the remastered visuals make it worth revisiting.

As for future plans, there hasn't been any official word on an Onimusha 3 remaster just yet. However, with the success of this title, it wouldn't be surprising if we see a third installment in the near future.

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is available now for PS5, and a code was provided by the publisher to allow our Games Editor Oscar Taylor-Kent to try out the game. We've also included a list of new games that you might want to keep an eye on in 2025.

New Games of 2025

Check out our latest round-up of upcoming titles that are sure to captivate gamers:

• Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
• 1000xResist
• Metaphor: ReFantazio!
• Sonic 3 & Knuckles
• Naughty Dog's PS2 Masterpieces

Stay tuned for more gaming news, reviews, and previews from Oscar Taylor-Kent. And don't forget to follow us on social media for the latest gaming updates!

Games Editor Oscar Taylor-Kent

Oscar is a seasoned games editor with a passion for all things action-adventure. When not knee-deep in character action games, he loves to get lost in an epic story across RPGs and visual novels.