Nestled amongst PS2’s legacy collection’, the Resident Evils, the Monster Hunters, and Avenue Fighters, is Onimusha. The horror-tinged historic action-adventure collection is likely one of the Japan’s outlier franchises, positive, however there’s sufficient of a cult following for the second within the collection – Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future – to warrant a repress. If you happen to’re undecided the place to start; maybe you’ve by no means performed and are questioning what the fuss is about then stick round as listed below are fifteen issues to know.
It is a remaster
Initially launched in 2002, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future is the collection’ second instalment. This remastered sequel – an ample mix of basic horror’s stately pacing, mounted cameras, and environmental puzzles with Souls-like swashbuckling motion – comes with sharper graphics, modernised controls, and a handful of quality-of-life enhancements, the latter two of which we’ll focus on in better element on this function.
No prior data of collection required
Sure, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future could also be a sequel however with a distinct protagonist to its predecessor plus a standalone story no prior data of 2001’s Onimusha: Warlords is required. This sport could be loved whether or not you’ve performed the opposite video games within the collection or not. Nevertheless, for those who’re kind to choose at the least an understanding of a sport’s universe with out diving in blind, Onimusha: Warlords acquired the remaster therapy just a few years in the past and is playable on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Change.
Story
After defeat by the hands of younger warrior Samanosuke Akechi, as soon as dwelling warlord turned undead demon king Nobunaga Oda has risen as soon as once more to proceed his quest to rule the world, ransacking villages and slaughtering any harmless who dares stand in his manner. Set in medieval Japan, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future is a story of revenge, with player-character Jubei Yagyu decided to cleanse the world of Oda’s presence as soon as once more, not simply to halt the bloodshed however as private retribution for Oda eliminating Yagyu’s clansmen.
Jubei Yagyu’s backstory and motivations
Well-known for founding the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, Jubei Yaygu is a grasp swordsman who, throughout his revenge mission, learns of his oni heritage; an influence which grants him demon slaying potential. Past revenge on Oda, his purpose is to find 5 sacred orbs which, as legends foretell, can save mankind from demonic oppression. When he collects sufficient demon souls, Yagyu can remodel into a strong oni demon himself.
4 accompanying allies
Accompanying Yagyu are 4 allies, every possessing distinctive expertise and intriguing backstory, bringing one thing distinct to the get together. They’ve their very own goals main, generally, to in-fighting. Swordswoman Oyu fights alongside Yagyu, however all is just not what it appears; behind her stunning look is a mysterious previous. Stealth-based ninja Kotaro Fuma is very distrustful of Oyu, a darkish secret defining his outlook. Magoichi Saiga is equally adept with weapons as he’s with blades, however his rational character oftentimes finds him making cruel selections. Grasp spear wielder Ekei Ankokuji additionally harbours a grievous previous, however for now his debaucherous way of life belies his tutelage.
Branching storyline
Relying on the power of Yagyu’s bond with every of his 4 companions – indicated by one thing referred to as “affinity worth” – new occasions and thus totally different story instructions can happen. A method of strengthening ties with a specific character comes by way of sharing presents with them. Nevertheless, Yagyu must be thoughtful as to which current they cross to their ally; the reward should match their temperament. For instance, flowers to Oyu are cool, flowers to Saiga is just not. The stronger the bond, the extra probably Yagyu can have the entire forged of allies to struggle alongside him. Inversely, a weak bond leaves him open for betrayal later down the road. All in all, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future boasts 100 totally different occasions to find via managing affinity worth.
Fight overview
Yagyu is samurai, in order you’d anticipate he’s a dab hand at swordplay. Blades are his weapon of selection nonetheless as the sport progresses, he’ll amass a small arsenal of brief vary, lengthy vary, and melee weaponry – spears, bows, hammers, that form of factor. An vital consideration although: oftentimes Yagyu and his crew discover themselves scuffling in tight areas, so particular consciousness and selecting the proper weapon for the setting are additionally essential for fulfillment.
Magic energy
All through Samurai’s Future Yagyu can unlock numerous elemental results for his weapons by way of magic powers. One of many first he’ll encounter in-game is the Buraitou, or thunder sword, which permits him to swing a blade charged with lightning. And the basic results proceed all through: ice spears, earth hammers, fire-based broadswords, et cetera. When geared up, these elemental results could be waved at any time, resulting in extra highly effective assaults. They’re upgradeable too, as much as three ranges.
Issen counters
A quintessential manoeuvre, Issen counters are Onimusha 2’s trademark parries. These operate barely totally different to what you’re in all probability used to although. As an alternative of parrying with the block button gamers should provoke an assault on the good second to counter an enemy lunge. There’s better threat right here: timing the assault button press with lower than surgical precision leaves Yagyu susceptible. On the flipside, land an Issen completely and enemies will perish immediately. Moreover, Issen counters could be chained collectively, granting Yagyu a flashy technique to down a number of enemies concurrently.
Souls overview
One other key side of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future’s fight is Yagyu’s soul absorbing energy. Enemies will launch them when defeated, with every color of orb denoting a selected trait: crimson orbs, the commonest, reward expertise factors that may be spent upgrading Yagyu’s weapons and armour; yellow orbs restore his well being; blue orbs will replenish spent magical potential. The rarest color – purple – remodel Yagyu into his demonic Onimusha state as soon as 5 are collected, a type whereby he’s as highly effective as he’s invisible.
Hell mode
Hell mode is a brand new function on this remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai Future. Ostensibly a one-hit kill mode, the sport advises that this mode is just not for the feint of coronary heart. Making well being recovering yellow orbs out of date, must you be adept on the sport’s senior ‘essential’ issue you then may wish to give this a go. It’ll actually make each encounter an intense wrestle to get via.
High quality of life enhancements
There’re a handful of quality-of-life enhancements current in Onimusha 2’s remaster. A straightforward mode, for starters, now exists for individuals who simply wish to benefit from the story with out pushing via any form of problem. Cutscenes can now be skipped; nice for individuals who’re replaying to see these hundred distinctive story occasions. Auto save has additionally been added, as has the power to swap weapons mid-battle with out having to trundle via a momentum disturbing menu.
Platforms, launch date, value
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Future is releasing to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Change, and PC by way of Steam on Could 23rd, 2025, and within reason priced at $29.99 / $24.99.
Pre-order bonuses
One among Onimusha 2’s most enduring options is Tawo Iwashiro’s distinctive soundtrack. Perhaps for this reason the sport opted to package deal a small choice of tracks right into a pre-order bonus. The Onimusha 2: Orchestra Album Choice Pack incorporates 5 orchestral variations of music from the sport. A helpful merchandise pack is bundled together with the music too, containing herbs, medicines, magic liquids, and crimson souls. Those that have already got a save file for sequel predecessor Onimusha: Warlords can acquire a particular outfit for Jubei Yagyu, the Samanosuke outfit, which is predicated on Samanosuke Akechi, the protagonist of the primary sport.
PC necessities
As per the sport’s Steam itemizing, minimal PC necessities are as follows: Intel Core i3 8350k or AMD Ryzen3 3200G processor, 8GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX560 GPU. Really useful necessities record the identical processors as minimal however up the RAM demand to 16GB with GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX570 GPUs. 25GB cupboard space can also be required. Moreover, screens will have to be set to at the least 60Hz refresh price else framerates might drop in graphically intense scenes.
