Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny
" Enhanced action game with deep swordplay and multiple endings but linear level design "
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Review
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is widely appreciated as one of the best entries in the Onimusha series, particularly for fans of classic hack-and-slash games. The remaster enhances the original with improved graphics, notably clearer textures and backgrounds, and quality of life updates such as real-time weapon switching, skippable cutscenes, and more save options.
Players praise the game's deep combat mechanics, replayability through multiple endings, and the addition of RPG elements like character relationships that affect story progression. However, some criticisms focus on the linear level design, awkward controls, and auto-aim functionality that can frustrate combat. The remaster also suffers from minor port issues like border display and poor lip-syncing in English voiceovers. Despite these, the game remains a nostalgic and enjoyable experience, with many hoping for further remasters of the series and new entries.
Highlights
Players especially praise the improved graphics and detailed environments, which elevate the classic PS2 visuals.
The combat system is deep and engaging, with multiple weapons and playstyles, enhanced by RPG elements that add replay value through alternate endings.
The storyline, while sometimes seen as convoluted, is supported by strong voice acting and character interactions, making it a memorable experience for fans.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the linear and reused level design, which reduces exploration and variety.
The auto-aim mechanic is often described as frustrating, particularly when it targets weaker enemies first.
Players also note awkward controls, poor lip-sync in English, and tedious grinding required to unlock character storylines, which detracts from the overall experience.
Pros
- • Improved graphics with clearer textures and detailed backgrounds enhance visual appeal.
- • Deep and varied combat system offers multiple weapons and playstyles.
- • Quality of life improvements like real-time weapon switching and skippable cutscenes.
- • Multiple endings and RPG elements increase replayability.
- • Strong voice acting adds emotional depth to characters.
- • Remaster makes the game accessible to new players on modern platforms.
- • Comfortable keyboard controls compared to previous ports.
Cons
- • Linear and reused level design limits exploration and variety.
- • Auto-aim targets weaker enemies first, causing combat frustration.
- • Awkward controls and input delays noted by some players.
- • Lip-sync issues in English voiceovers reduce immersion.
- • Grinding required in early game to unlock character storylines.
- • Some port flaws like persistent screen border and no full-screen option.
- • Removed content such as teaser trailers and music videos.
Rating Criteria
Reclaim your destiny. Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny returns with higher resolution graphics and modernised controls to perform issen critical counter attacks and intense swordplay. Experience this dramatic revenge story set in Feudal Japan.