Onimusha: Way of the Sword Redefines Action Combat, But Pacing Flaws Limit Its Potential

Key points

• The game, released September 4, 2026, sold over 1 million copies on its first day and is considered Capcom's best Switch 2 port to date.
• Reviewers praise the combat system for blending hack-and-slash action with reaction-based dexterity, avoiding the rigidity of Souls-like games.
• A recurring criticism is the game's length, with Polygon describing it as a 12-hour action game stretched into a 25-hour slog due to repetitive side quests.
• GameSpot reports that disabling lock-on and using free aim significantly improves control and awareness in multi-enemy encounters, a tactic long used in Souls games.
• The Switch 2 version defaults to 30fps but offers an uncapped mode, with RPG Site calling it Capcom's strongest port on Nintendo hardware.

Background

Onimusha returned after a 20-year hiatus, following Capcom's focus on Resident Evil and Monster Hunter. The series previously defined the PS2 era with fixed-camera action and horror elements. This release marks a modernization of the franchise, competing directly with FromSoftware's influence on the action genre.

How outlets are covering it

GameSpot emphasizes a specific gameplay mechanic, arguing that disabling lock-on is essential for mastering the game's camera issues and multi-enemy fights. Seasoned Gaming focuses on the game's tonal balance, praising its shift from comedic absurdity to violent intensity and its unique combat feel. Shattered.io highlights the technical achievement of the Switch 2 port, noting it as a proof point for Capcom's pipeline on Nintendo's new hardware. While all sources agree on the combat quality, they differ on the game's structure: GameSpot and Seasoned Gaming note the game's length as a minor issue, whereas Polygon and Tom's Guide heavily criticize the pacing as a major flaw that dilutes the core experience.

Why it matters

The game's success signals a shift in the action genre, proving that character-based action can thrive outside the Souls-like formula. Its strong performance on Switch 2 is significant for Nintendo's new console, demonstrating that third-party publishers can deliver optimized, day-one ports, which may influence future release strategies for other studios.

What to watch

Capcom may address the pacing criticism through post-launch patches to reduce side-content repetition. The game's sales performance on Switch 2 will be a key metric for Nintendo's console strategy, potentially influencing how other publishers approach the platform in 2027.