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Musashi’s Story Comes Into Focus in Way of the Sword
A Warrior Torn Between Strength and Fate
Capcom has released the latest story trailer for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the upcoming entry in the series launching in 2026. The footage centres on legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who unwillingly inherits the Oni Gauntlet after arriving in Kyoto.
Musashi’s philosophy is rooted in self-reliance — he believes mastery of the sword must come from one’s own strength. But when a Genma attack forces him to use the Oni’s supernatural powers to survive, he becomes trapped between his ideals and a destiny he never sought. The story follows his struggle to reconcile the path of the sword with the cursed power now bound to him.
Allies Along the Journey
The trailer also introduces the allies who shape Musashi’s path:
- Oni Lady — A spirit dwelling within the Oni Gauntlet who guides Musashi in combat and appears when the need is greatest.
- Ono no Takamura — An ageing swordsman of immense skill, carrying his own Oni Gauntlet and wisdom. His mysterious role suggests a deeper connection to Musashi’s burden.
- Izumo no Okuni — A renowned Kabuki dancer, driven by personal loss to seek the power to fight Genma. Her artistry contrasts with her determination to join the battle.
Together, these characters deepen the story’s exploration of fate, sacrifice, and the bonds forged in conflict.
Distinctive Stages and Settings
Players will explore Kyoto landmarks reimagined through the lens of corruption and malice. Key locations include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, twisted by the Genma; the mysterious Oni Refuge, which hints at a deeper connection to Musashi’s gauntlet; and an underground laboratory where new Genma are engineered amid deadly traps.
Swordplay and Oni Power
Onimusha: Way of the Sword builds on the series’ legacy of sword combat, blending realism with supernatural power. Techniques include parries, deflections, and environmental interactions — from using tatami mats as shields to knocking enemies into hazards. Returning is the fan-favourite Issen, a perfectly timed counter that can chain into devastating combos.
The Oni Gauntlet allows Musashi to absorb enemy souls for healing, upgrades, or fuelling powerful Oni Armaments. Abilities such as The Two Celestials (dual blades for high-speed combos), Earth-Shakers (giant hammers to break armour), and Wind-Whipper (a naginata whirlwind that can transform into fire) showcase the mix of strategy and spectacle.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is scheduled for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Capcom has promised more story details and character reveals in the coming months.
