Launching September 4 for PlayStation 5, Onimusha: Way of the Sword brings players to early Edo-period Kyoto, a historic capital under siege by monstrous fiends known as Genma. Players step into the shoes of Miyamoto Musashi, who unleashes supernatural Oni powers in an action-packed swordplay saga. Striking a bold impression as the protagonist, Musashi’s face model is based on the legendary samurai movie icon, Toshiro Mifune.
Trailer 6 unveiled: Featuring new deadly threats and Musashi’s Oni Awakening
At Gamescom 2026, Capcom debuted Trailer 6, showcasing intense swordplay against formidable new opponents and Musashi overpowering his enemies by releasing his inner Oni strength through “Oni Awakening.”
Demo update out now: Face off against the fearsome new boss, Daidara
The demo currently available on PlayStation Store has received a content update, expanding the playable areas for players to explore. Fans can now test their steel against a massive new boss, Daidara. Additionally, carrying over save data from the demo unlocks the “Kubi Akari” Charm in the full game and boosts Musashi’s stats.
Capcom interview: creating an Onimusha game anyone can jump into
We spoke with producer Akihito Kadowaki and director Satoru Nihei about the game’s world and combat, the recreation of Toshiro Mifune, and how the team is taking advantage of PS5 features.
PixelArena.io: Could you tell us about your creative vision and key highlights for building this game’s world?
Nihei: The game is set in Kyoto and is centered around the real-world Rokudo Chinno-ji Temple. Navigating the historical streets of Kyoto while experiencing local folklore and mystery forms a major part of our world-building.
We rebuilt the universe from the ground up so that first-time players can jump right in without any knowledge of the previous titles. We wanted to redefine the core concepts: What are the Oni? What is Genma? As a result, there are no direct storyline connections to earlier games in the franchise. In this story, Genma dwells in the depths of hell and spills into the human realm through portals when Malice overflows. The Oni exist to guard these gateways and destroy any Genma that attempt to try to cross into our world.
What challenges did you encounter in bringing Toshiro Mifune to life within the game?
Nihei: Since he is no longer with us, sourcing reference material and not being able to conduct 3D facial scans presented some challenges. However, thanks to the generous support of Mifune Productions, we are confident that we have recreated his iconic presence with utmost fidelity.
Kadowaki: Mifune Productions reviewed our progress on facial expressions and cutscenes at multiple stages. When they eventually told us, “It looks so spot-on, we feel like we don’t even need to review it anymore”, it was an incredibly rewarding moment for our entire team.
How did you capture that signature visceral slicing feel that defines the Onimusha series?
Nihei: We realized that the foundation of that visceral slicing feel comes down to the pure satisfaction of cutting through an opponent. Having a system like Dynamic Dismemberment, which allows enemies to be sliced cleanly along the exact trajectory of your blade, is a vital element in amplifying that thrilling feedback. On top of that, we introduced Break Issen, an attack you can trigger once you completely deplete an enemy’s Stamina Gauge. Traditionally, Issen required strict frame-perfect timing, but this new system allows players to experience those iconic attacks across a much wider variety of combat scenarios.
Are there any PS5-exclusive features, such as haptic feedback or adaptive triggers, that you’ve integrated?
Nihei: For haptic feedback, we optimized vibration data generated directly from audio waveforms, creating haptic responses that sync seamlessly with cutscene visuals and sound. We also leverage haptics to physically convey the overwhelming scale of massive Genma, the sensation of absorbing souls, and the impact of weapon strikes.
For adaptive triggers, drawing the bowstring increases physical resistance on the trigger. Furthermore, when sealing the demonic portals known as “Rift” from which Genma emerge, players must physically squeeze the trigger all the way down to absorb them.
3D audio clearly plays a vital role in elevating the immersion of both the narrative and combat. What was your approach to the sound design for this title?
Nihei: Our goal with 3D Audio was to capture the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto and make the battles with Genma feel truly real. We recorded Impulse Response audio directly inside real Japanese temples and historic residences. By implementing multi-channel IR data, including height channels, we accurately reproduced the unique acoustics of traditional Japanese architecture. We also utilized vertical sound positioning for flying Genma and collapsing structures to deepen the sense of scale. Additionally, the DualSense controller speaker outputs audio effects like soul absorption and voices echoing from the Oni Gauntlet.
Beyond everything we have covered so far, what are some key details you are most excited for players to discover?
Nihei: I would say it is the level of realism we achieved through extensive research in close collaboration with the City of Kyoto. For example, the number of wooden pillars supporting the stage at Kiyomizu-dera Temple matches the exact count of the actual structure. Meanwhile, although the famous Twin Dragons ceiling painting at Kennin-ji Temple did not actually exist during the Edo period, we chose to include it because we wanted players to experience the same breathtaking awe as anyone visiting the temple today.
— Finally, do you have a message for the fans who are eagerly awaiting the release?
Kadowaki: We’ve kept you waiting a long time, but the game is finally ready. Please give the demo a try first, and if you feel like it is something you will enjoy, we would be thrilled if you picked up the full game.
