A Legendary Tale Returns, Still Sharp After All These Years
In 2002, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny hit the PlayStation 2 and left a strong impression. With its stylish visuals, exciting swordplay, and deep atmosphere, it stood out as one of Capcom’s most beloved games of that era. Now in 2025, the remastered version brings the classic back, polished with HD visuals and some modern improvements. But does it still hold up? The short answer: yes—if you know what you’re getting into.
A New Hero, A New Journey
Unlike the first Onimusha: Warlords, this sequel tells a different story. You play as Jubei Yagyu, a skilled swordsman seeking revenge. His village has been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga, a real-life warlord twisted into a demon king in the game’s world. The story is set in medieval Japan, with demons (called Genma) running wild and Nobunaga leading them.
Jubei is not alone. He’s joined by four companions:
- Oyu: a skilled warrior with a sword
- Ekei: a loud monk who loves drinking
- Kotarō: a swift ninja
- Magoichi: a sharpshooter with a matchlock gun
These characters can fight beside you, but their help depends on how well you treat them. Giving them gifts increases their affection. Treat them well, and they might join battles, give you rare items, or even unlock extra scenes and playable segments. This system makes the game feel more alive and personal—though it’s not always clear what each character likes or dislikes.
Combat: Simple, But Still Satisfying
If you enjoy deep and flashy combos like in modern hack-and-slash games, Onimusha 2 may feel limited. Combat is basic by today’s standards. You have normal attacks, a block, a dodge, and magic attacks tied to elemental weapons. However, timing is key. If you strike right as an enemy attacks, you’ll trigger a powerful “instant kill” move. With practice, you can chain these together for quick, stylish fights.
You collect souls from enemies to upgrade your weapons and armor. This makes battles more rewarding, even if it still feels like a grind. However, the game is short (5–6 hours), and the New Game Plus mode encourages replaying.
Each of the four main weapons feels different:
- The Raizan is a fast lightning blade.
- The Enryuu is a heavy fire sword.
- The Senpuu is a wind spear with wide swings.
- The Dokoutsu is a massive hammer that shakes the ground.
Swapping weapons now happens in real time—but the system feels clunky. You have to pause mid-fight, stand still, and then switch. A quick-select wheel would’ve been better. It’s a small misstep in an otherwise solid update.
Visuals and Presentation: A Polished Classic
Capcom has done a great job updating the game for modern platforms. The pre-rendered backgrounds, once standard for the PS2, are now cleaned up in HD. You can choose between the original 4:3 view or a new widescreen 16:9 ratio. Cutscenes also look sharper, though the animations still carry a retro vibe.
There are quality-of-life updates, too:
- Auto-save helps you avoid repeating large sections.
- Modern controls let you use the analog stick instead of the old “tank” controls.
- Sprint is instant, making exploration smoother.
- Easy mode is unlocked from the start.
- Hell mode adds an extreme challenge—one hit and you’re dead.
You also get bonus content like:
- All sub-games unlocked from the start
- A gallery with over 100 HD artworks
- A full 43-song soundtrack
Town Life, Puzzles, and Replayability
One of the game’s strongest elements is its early structure. Between missions, you return to Imasho Town, where you can talk to NPCs, find gifts, and build relationships. These parts feel peaceful and fun. Sadly, this charming loop vanishes halfway through the game. The second half becomes more linear and serious, focusing only on the main story.
Puzzles return, and some are still annoying. Most are simple, but a few (especially the number and sliding tile puzzles) feel dated and hurt the game’s pacing. They’re not enough to ruin the experience, but they can be frustrating.
A Game of Two Halves
The first half of Onimusha 2 is quirky and packed with charm. There’s humor, odd moments, and strange gift exchanges—like giving someone a dance fan or a book of erotica. You never quite know what you’ll get in return. The second half becomes more action-focused, which may disappoint players who enjoyed the town and companion parts the most.
Also, once you pass a certain point, you’re locked into a single companion’s path. Others may vanish from the story without a word. It’s a bit of a letdown after spending time building bonds with them.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Convenience
Despite a few rough edges, Onimusha 2 still shines. It’s a unique blend of action and survival horror mechanics, mixing Resident Evil-style exploration with fast-paced combat like Devil May Cry. And of course, there’s Gogandantess—a ridiculous, over-the-top demon swordsman who completely steals the show. He’s dramatic, loud, and memorable—exactly what you’d want from a classic PS2 villain.
The game isn’t for everyone. If you dislike older game design or expect modern action gameplay, this might feel too old-school. But if you enjoy revisiting classics or discovering them for the first time, this remaster does justice to a title that deserves more love.
Final Verdict: A Strong Remaster of a Cult Classic
Pros:
✔ Faithful remaster with clean HD visuals
✔ Easy to learn combat, still satisfying
✔ Unique gift/companion system with replay value
✔ Optional new controls and difficulty modes
✔ Gogandantess.
Cons:
✘ Combat depth is limited by today’s standards
✘ Clunky real-time weapon switch
✘ Some companions vanish in the second half
✘ A few puzzles break the flow
Score: 8/10 – Aged, but Gracefully
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny Remastered is a heartfelt update of a PS2 gem. It brings back everything that made the original great, while adding just enough to make it more playable today. It’s not perfect, but it’s still a thrilling ride full of charm, demons, and unforgettable swordsmen.
Go play it—and may Gogandantess bless your blade.