Onimusha: Way of the Sword reimagines Miyamoto Musashi

Capcom is reviving the Onimusha series with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a reimagining that casts Miyamoto Musashi as the lead in Edo-period Kyoto overrun by demonic Genma. The game releases Sept. 25, 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC. Pre-orders and a free demo are available on the Xbox Store; demo progress can unlock a charm for the full game.

Development is led by director Satoru Nihei and producer Akihito Kadowaki. The team began assembling around 2020 and built the game in Capcom’s RE Engine, shifting the series from isometric views to a third-person action-adventure format to support closer, faster camera work and more kinetic combat. Kadowaki recalled that assembling the right team and the maturity of RE Engine were the conditions that allowed the project to start.

The studio chose Musashi to anchor the story in Kyoto and to present a distinct interpretation of the historical figure. Nihei noted the intent to create “our own unique version” of Musashi and to draw on the swordsman’s traditional association with Kyoto. The setting uses real locations, temples and local legends as reference points and then applies a supernatural element called Malice to alter those places.

Key series mechanics return in updated form. The Issen counter remains a high-risk, high-reward timing mechanic; the team preserved its core timing and danger while adding features that modern technology enables, including a dynamic dismemberment system that severs enemies where blades pass. The Oni Gauntlet, which absorbs Genma souls, is central to combat and now enables Oni Armament attacks such as paired blades that strip souls and a twin-blade cyclone called Wind-Whipper. Soul absorption can be performed while moving to match the faster tempo.

To address accessibility, the game offers Story and Action modes plus tuning tools and an “action guide” to help players adjust difficulty. Kadowaki described design choices intended to reduce pressure during combat transitions, including slowing time when switching Oni Armaments.

Bosses and enemies are designed with distinct attacks and motivations. Nihei highlighted the rival Sasaki Ganryu as an early, notable boss encounter. The free demo features the Ganryu fight. The development team consulted historical experts while drawing on Kyoto folklore and yokai legends to shape environments that are recognizably based on real sites and then altered by Malice.

Capcom will offer Deluxe and Premium Deluxe editions that include charms, sword appearances, outfits and other cosmetic items as pre-order content. The studio used the likeness of samurai film actor Toshiro Mifune as the face model for Musashi’s appearance. On launch day the game will support Xbox Play Anywhere, giving access to both console and PC versions without an additional purchase.