Samanouske is back!
What a great way to start 2019 and on the Nintendo Switch, Onimusha Warlords brings back so many memories of what great games once where. A mix of fiction and non-fiction characters and events, Onimusha Warlords re-release on the Nintendo Switch is a true gift.
Before wasting anytime, this game is a must own. A few upgraded graphics (although hardly noticeable) and in-game achievements Onimusha Warlords is back and with a vengeance. My only complaint about this release is I would have preferred a package-deal with the other sequels (Onimusha 2 and 3, specifically.) But for $20 you absolutely cannot go wrong.
The controls… this is probably my number one, most valued aspect to any game. Without tight and responsive controls a game can be very frustrating and unpleasurable – that’s what I love about Onimusha. Samanouske, the protagonist of the story, pretty much does whatever you tell him to do. With a block (L button) and stance/dash/dodge (R Button) you are able to move as quickly or as slowly as you want. It makes the game so easy to pick up, even for first timers and it is what you call: fun! I would say the only criticism to the controls are the typical and historical fixed backgrounds that make direction going from scene to scene somewhat challenging. Hate it or love it, this is the typical “Resident Evil” style of game – the only difference is you don’t have to manage bullets or worry about aiming quite as heavily, making Onimusha a perfect blend between RE and arcade-style game play.
The game is so fun that it makes me sad that there are not more action/RPG games that are story driven and not purely rogue-likes. The gaming market is saturated with cheap rogue-likes that make it hard for me to pick-up and invest. I mean, what is the point of investing time into a game when there are few progressive rewards for accomplishments, grinding, and time spent – only to have to start over from scratch? Don’t get me wrong… there are certain rogue-like action RPGs that implement rewards and development of progress, but they are few and far between.
This is another crucial point of Onimusha – the weapon development. I don’t want to spoil the game too much for anyone, but the RPG elements come into play with the weapons and collecting of souls (consider souls as experience.) The soul system works perfectly in combination with upgrading the weapons, regaining health, and also magic (mana.) It is almost a mini-game within the game and requires some timing and skill to master fending off your foes and absorbing souls before they disappear. What is also nice about souls and weapon upgrades is you can sit and grind them and max out your weapons or you can steam-roll through the game at base level – the choice is yours!
The story driven narrative keeps you engaged the entire time. Having beaten this game back on the Playstation 2 and the Xbox (Genma Onimusha) it was so refreshing to be reminded of the strong characters and diabolical antagonists. What I love about Onimusha are the strategically placed CGI that used to once be a staple in video games that would drive the narrative but also be key achievement points and subtle rewards for the gamer. Without spoiling anything, it is palatable to play a game that closes the loop at the end, also. Very, very, rewarding.
Add Onimusha Warlords to your Switch collection. The game offers enough secrets, rewards, and arcade-esque score at the end to constitute another play-through, or two. As a final note, I thoroughly enjoyed that this game offers items that allow the player to achieve finding 99% of all items without having to refer to some lengthy guide or resorting back to finding the answers online. The challenge is manageable, the controls are fun, the story is enthralling, and all-in-all this is a prime game to re-release.
Onimusha 2 – where are you?!
Nintendo Switch Game Reviews 