We previewed this remaster of Onimisha 2: We previewed Samurai’s fate a month ago, and we have to say that most of our ultimate feelings are still ringing with true. Check out the full preview of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny here.
This remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s fate is roughly the same as the game released in 2002, but with some neat and meaningful improvements that help both crossing and fighting feel very smooth. It’s also much cleaner visually and hasn’t received a full remake treatment with the new engine and mechanisms, but it’s going pretty well in 2025 and on the latest platforms.
Welcome Return
Onimsha 2: The fate of the samurai lies at the heart of the protagonist Jubei Yaguyu, a skilled samurai warrior returning to his hometown village. Currently, on the path of revenge, Jubey is soon given the power of Onimisha and is tasked with collecting five Oniobies.
The story is certainly passed down and is relatively simple. It’s not a problem for pacing as games are rarely welcome, but by today’s standards it’s still a bit short. The preview only covered the opening three hours of the story, but it’s almost over a third, and everything closes in just under ten hours. Still, that’s what I’m taking my time.
Along the way, Jubei also becomes friends with the main support characters in the games Oyu, Ekei, Kotaru and Magochi. They all can even appear in boss fights or custcens if they are incredibly charming and likeable in their own unique way, and out of the way to help them throughout the story.
For the game released in 2002, it’s something the remastered touch hasn’t gotten. But with the same breath, I think it will work. It simply serves as an ending tool to follow the path to revenge, and in most cases you will not waste your time doing so. If I were honest, it obviously surprised me when the credits rolled.
It brings a fight
Mechanically, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s fate is not given much facelift when it comes to combat. It wasn’t a bad thing in the first place, so I don’t think that’s a problem, but it feels a little thin by today’s standards. Players can slash, dodge, block, and even counter with basic attacks. The counter also uses the same attack button. At the last moment possible, you should attack the incoming strike.
Jubey can also confuse things with certain magical abilities. Magical abilities are acquired early and fueled by gathering souls. Unlike the original game, in contrast to the original game, you can choose to stick to a special soul and activate the devastating Onimusha mode.
You can switch weapons on the spot by holding the shoulder button, pressing the directional button, and pressing a feature that is not available even in the original. But when you start the game soon, the most notable difference will sigh in relief. Tank control, or lack of it. Jubey can now move in any direction with the left stick. This will quickly make the game smoother and pick up the pace. That being said, you can also use those clunky tank controls via directional buttons if you want. I don’t think I can just look back.
However, there are some issues with the overall gameplay. For example, a fixed camera angle doesn’t help keep things consistent because you don’t know when the angle will change. If you’re stuck in just the right place, prepare for a headache as the camera range will switch back and forth at a faster speed.
The other world
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s fate spends most of the time in a small central mining village before sending you in different directions to grab each orb. Here you can chat with friends, do errands, collect gear and gifts for special rewards, and even give gifts. They comment on your odd choices, so trading the wrong gift for the wrong ally may be unintentionally funny, but it only adds to the overall appeal of the game.
The world itself is relatively linear, with occasional trucks lying from beaten paths for collectibles, but generally short-lived. But even so, the relatively linear corridors and environment of the game still remains interesting to explore and navigate that most corners are giving you a challenge.
The only problem that arises from the linearity of the game is the difficulty of a huge variety of bosses. Given the addition of a new hellish difficulty that kills you after one hit, you wouldn’t be surprised if players were stretching this game to over 30 hours, but they feel it will undermine the overall enjoyment of the core experience.
Please look at the parts
I’m going to bring our ideas from the pieces of our preview.
“This also looks pretty good for the 23-year-old game remaster. The better resolution certainly helps, but the more detailed character models and pre-rendered background look much better without sacrificing or changing the game’s original aesthetic.”
That applies to overall performance as well. There’s nothing this game drops frames or makes them ring in any way. It also simply adds to a clean and smooth presentation that enhances the overall experience in another era where new platforms feel relevant to components.
Final thoughts
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is a remake that improves the weaknesses of the original game, all while blessings that depend on its strengths. The combat is certainly functional, but thanks to more fluid movements and immediate weapon switching, it feels much more modern.
Game relationships and side quests don’t add much to the game’s full length, but even in 2025 it’s a journey worth taking over the weekend or two courses.
3 and a half stars (out of 5)
Highlights: The charming battles have improved. Attractive side characters. Smooth visuals and performance
Low light: The overall length seems a little short by today’s standards
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Nintendo Switch
Available: May 23, 2025
Reviews conducted on Xbox Series X use pre-release code provided by the publisher.
