Capcom recently showcased its upcoming titles during a Spotlight event, revealing key insights into some highly anticipated games, including the Capcom Fighting Collection 2, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, and Street Fighter 6. Among the major announcements, the highlight was undoubtedly the unveiling of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the first mainline addition to the beloved Onimusha series in nearly two decades. Announced at The Game Awards 2024, this new installment is set to launch in 2026. While the showcase provided limited gameplay footage, it offered a glimpse into the developer’s vision for this highly awaited title.
Fans might have been taken aback by Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s early appearance at the Spotlight, as many were not expecting further news on the franchise so soon. Adding to the surprise, Capcom also disclosed a remaster of the classic 2002 hack-and-slash game, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, which is scheduled to release later this year. This remaster aims to serve as a bridge for fans, keeping their excitement alive until the arrival of Way of the Sword. Should it find commercial success, there is an optimistic hope that Capcom will consider bringing additional Onimusha titles to current-gen hardware.
Future Remasters: Onimusha 3 and 4 Deserve Attention
The Onimusha franchise is cherished by many, yet its legacy spanned a relatively brief period, with all titles—except for the Japan-exclusive browser game Onimusha Soul—released between 2001 and 2006. Currently, the franchise comprises only four mainline titles, all of which debuted during the heyday of the PlayStation 2 and remain largely confined to older consoles.
Remaster Journey: Onimusha: Warlords
The inaugural Onimusha title, Onimusha: Warlords, originally launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2001, later transitioning to the original Xbox and Windows PC. After a prolonged hiatus for the series, the game received a remaster in 2019 for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. While this upgrade was not comparable to other significant remasters, such as the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, it introduced enhanced graphics, 16:9 widescreen compatibility, improved control schemes, and a refreshed soundtrack.
Following this remaster, many fans speculated that additional Onimusha titles might receive similar treatment. However, the years rolled on without any updates from Capcom regarding the future of the franchise. Speculation arose that the lackluster sales of Warlords led to a temporary shelving of the series, dampening hopes for a return to the realm of Onimusha.
A Call for Remasters: Onimusha 3 and 4
Now, with the recent revival of the Onimusha series through the announcement of the new game and the remaster of Onimusha 2, the likelihood of additional remasters is more promising than ever. Titles such as Onimusha 3: Demon Siege and Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams (or Onimusha 4) remain trapped on PlayStation 2, desperately needing modern remastering. Capcom would greatly benefit from releasing these before the debut of Way of the Sword, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the rich narrative of the series.
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