Sharp Combat Meets Repetitive Pacing
According to a review published by CNET on August 31, 2026, 'Onimusha: Way of the Sword' revives the classic action franchise but falls short of delivering a fully satisfying experience. The reviewer observes that the game's crisp, decisive combat style feels well-suited for a market currently dominated by the soulslike genre. However, a major drawback is how rapidly the initial novelty wears off as players are subjected to repetitive combat encounters throughout their journey.
Challenges in Sustaining Player Engagement
CNET reports that while the return of the Onimusha franchise was met with high anticipation, the game's level design and combat pacing fail to solve the challenge of long-term player retention. Although the responsive striking mechanics make a strong impression in the opening hours, continuously repeating the same combat patterns drags down the overall experience, dulling the excitement surrounding the return of this iconic series.