Onimusha: Way of the Sword Will Be a 20-Hour, Stage-Based Experience – Not Open World, Confirms CAPCOM

CAPCOM’s surprise revival of the long-dormant Onimusha franchise with Onimusha: Way of the Sword was one of the standout reveals during The Game Awards 2024. After nearly two decades since the last major installment, fans welcomed the news with open arms. Now, thanks to a new interview conducted by Japanese gaming outlet Famitsu, further details have emerged regarding the structure, gameplay duration, and tone of the upcoming action title.

Speaking to Famitsu, Producer Akihito Kadowaki and Game Director Satoru Nihei provided insight into the vision behind Way of the Sword. While speculation initially swirled around whether this could be CAPCOM’s next major open-world title, Kadowaki clarified that the game will follow a stage-based format, remaining true to the roots of the classic Onimusha formula.

“It’s not a game where you defeat the same boss over and over like Monster Hunter, so I think it will take about 20 hours to complete. It hasn’t been decided yet, though. Basically, the story progresses as you clear stages. It’s not an open world,” said Kadowaki.

The game’s narrative will take place primarily in early Edo-period Kyoto—a setting rich with historical and supernatural intrigue. While the timeline remains consistent, Kadowaki noted that location shifts are possible throughout the game. However, he emphasized that this will be a new chapter entirely in the Onimusha universe, offering a reimagined setting and lore with a fresh take on the Oni and Genma clans. That creative decision makes the game highly accessible to newcomers, as it won’t require prior knowledge of the original series.

As for the difficulty curve, Way of the Sword will not aim to replicate the punishing challenge of modern Souls-like games. Instead, the team is focused on striking a balance between accessibility and engaging gameplay. Nihei noted:

“We want a wide range of action game fans to enjoy the game, so we are proceeding with a policy of not making it extremely difficult. However, if the bosses are easily defeated, it will be boring, so we are continuing to make adjustments every day.”

Kadowaki echoed this sentiment, stating that a difficulty setting hasn’t been finalized, but the goal is to ensure players feel a rewarding sense of accomplishment without being overwhelmed.

With a 2026 release window, CAPCOM has time to refine this bold reboot of the beloved samurai-demon-slaying saga. While it may not carry direct narrative threads from the original titles, Onimusha: Way of the Sword appears to preserve the spirit of the franchise while modernizing its structure and accessibility for today’s players.

Are you excited for a new take on Onimusha, or were you hoping for a more direct sequel? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!