Like Capcom used to make
Capcom continues to bring back their classic franchises, that is of course unless your name is Dino Crisis. The Onimusha series was everywhere during the PS2 era, then sort of just disappeared. In 2019 the original game got an HD version, and it felt like the series might make a return. Then it went quiet for a long time. Now, with the announcement of a brand-new game, we are also getting a remaster of the second game. Onimusha 2 was a great follow-up to the original. Tweaking some of the original’s problems, while still delivering the Onimusha experience gamers had come to expect. The big question is how does it hold up in 2025, and what is added to make it even better?
For those that don’t know, Onimusha was originally a Resident Evil game set in feudal Japan, and it still kind of is. The mechanics are fairly similar to Capcom’s titular series. Fixed camera angles and tank controls galore. The sequel takes place after the original, and once again sees Oda Nobunaga trying to conquer Japan. In his quest he comes across the Yagyu village where his actions send our new protagonist Jubei on a vengeance-filled adventure.
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
The plot is basic cookie cutter, but the characters that Jubei comes across during his adventure make this entry much more entertaining than the first. Capcom really leans into some of the ridiculousness of what is happening and it balances being both dramatic and entertaining at the same time. I do wish Jubei was a little more fun in his personality, but everyone around him more than makes up for it.
Revisiting this game, it definitely was a product of its time. It retains that Resident Evil style of game play, but Capcom did add analog controls which makes Jubei feel a little better to control. There is also a parry move added to the sequel, but man, that timing is impossible. The rest is Resident Evil in every aspect. The fixed camera angles constantly had me running weirdly into the walls when they switched. The sequel also introduced a gifting system, which was huge in the early 2000s. This changes who accompanies Jubei on the mission. I could also play as these characters, and each one has their own unique style. One even has a gun, for even more Resident Evil comparisons.
Alright, let’s talk about what is new in this updated version. First and foremost, we have the HD upgrade. The game looks like I remember it, the higher resolution does a nice job of making the game look good. Pre-rendered backgrounds age well, and the models look solid with the resolution increase. As mentioned earlier, the controls have been updated. They also added seamless weapons switching, which is nice without having to go into a menu. Cut scenes can now be skipped and the mini-games are unlocked from the beginning.
For extras we get a new Hell difficulty, which is just no fun for me, but I am sure there are people out there that will love it. The easy mode is now available from the beginning, which is great for my old gaming skills. There is also a new gallery mode with some brand-new artwork, which is nice. That is about it though. The game is more about making it available on modern consoles, than adding a bunch of new content to the core package.
Onimusha 2 was a great game in its time, but times have changed. It definitely has blemishes that showcase game design from the early 2000s. Still, it was fun revisiting this game and I hope they managed to get the third game out there eventually. I just hope it doesn’t take another six years. With a new entry in the franchise on the horizon it would be a great time to revisit these classics. Just know what you are getting into before diving in.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
