Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster

More than two decades later, Capcom has decided to give Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny a second chance. It's inevitable to see that, as a remaster, it leaves something to be desired, but setting aside the fact that it could have taken a more ambitious path, it remains a great video game— incredibly fun and with high replay value.

There is a lot of game to go at in Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, as well as a host of bosses to beat, each one providing a stellar challenge. If you like samurai affairs, or the Onimusha games in general, Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is an easy sell, as it is very much more of the same.

Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny doesn't feel 20 years old; it still feels fresh with its action sections, story, bosses, and even puzzles that are far more inventive than in most Resident Evil games. The additions may not be extensive, but they do their part to give this remaster its own identity .

Deserving of its remaster treatment, Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is well worth revisiting (or, indeed, playing for the first time), especially, if, like me, you're excited for the arrival of Onimusha: Way of the Sword next year.

A smart remaster that retains the core of the original while improving graphics and adding quality of life improvements, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is great for both fans and newcomers.

Onimusha 2 was a great game in its time, but times have changed. It definitely has blemishes that showcase game design from the early 2000s. Still, it was fun revisiting this game and I hope they managed to get the third game out there eventually. I just hope it doesn’t take another six years. With a new entry in the franchise on the horizon it would be a great time to revisit these classics. Just know what you are getting into before diving in.

Some elements of the Onimusha 2 remaster still hold up 23 years after its original release, offering moments of engagement and fun. Others, however, haven't aged as gracefully, and time has taken its toll. As a result, this remaster feels more like an intriguing relic of the past—best appreciated by longtime fans looking to revisit the reasons they once fell in love with the series, rather than newcomers.

There's nothing quite like what the Onimusha series offers. There's plenty of Japanese mumbo-jumbo to enjoy, the 16th century world is wonderfully designed, and Jubei Yagyu and his friends are all great characters. Plus, the game never gets frustrating or drawn out thanks to the slightly smoother gameplay system and the fact that it's only around ten hours long.