Ranking the Onimusha Games from Worst to Best
What does Resident Evil have in common with demons and ninjas? If this were a completely different universe, they would make Sengoku Biohazard, a ninja-themed Resident Evil video game. Sengoku Biohazard never made it to the multiverse’s thread of space. Onimusha, however, was a direct result of the idea and spawned a series of games pitting skilled ninjas against hordes of demons.
Capcom’s beloved Onimusha series draws inspiration from Resident Evil but focuses on action and swordplay. Capcom has published six titles since Warlords was released in 2001. These include four core releases as well as two unique spin-offs.
It may seem natural to jump into Onimusha right away, but for players with a tight schedule, we have compiled this ranking of Onimusha games from worst to most. Even if you have only time for one or two entries, you can still research plot points you missed.
Capcom did what many developers do, porting the Onimusha series to a handheld device two years after its success with Onimusha 2: Warlords. At the time, the Game Boy Advance was the preferred device, but it couldn’t handle 3D environments like console games. Capcom decided to go the tactical route and created a game that looked and felt shockingly like Final Fantasy Tactics.
It wouldn’t a problem if Onimusha Tactics had a more muscular leg. Tactics were not as charming as its console predecessors. It was a boring game with a weak story and gameplay. Although characters could be personalized with new weapons or improved attributes, it isn’t a novel approach to the genre—YYou’dbe better off just playing Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.
Onimusha Tactics ddoesn’tnecessarily has a bad reputation. Even with the return of characters and a new storyline iit’sjust forgettable.
Onimusha Blade Warriors
As you play through the Onimusha first two games, you may wonder, “hy ddidn’tCapcom make this a Super Smash Bros.-inspired brawler?” It sounds silly, but that ddidn’tstop Capcom from pursuing it. Blade Warriors can be described as Smash Bros, except that it is stiff, repetitive and lacks personality.
Blade Warriors is a great game we would love to see on modern consoles. It promises thrilling action and frantic swordplay. It was a little too short in 2003 and had uninspired gameplay—IIt’snot fun to play alone after the first few rounds. However, multiplayer is more enjoyable when you have someone to chat with.
Blade Warriors was not engaging enough to last the long haul. However, adding an elemental attack that works somewhat like Smash BBros’Smash Attack changed the combat a little. It’s a shame that Blade Warriors couldn’t have been more entertaining if Capcom had spent more time creating smooth, fast-paced gameplay.
