Reviews · Updated September 2026
Onimusha: Way of the Sword Reviews & Metacritic Score
Onimusha: Way of the Sword received 'generally favorable' reviews on PS5, PC and Xbox, and 'universal acclaim' on the Nintendo Switch 2 version. The embargo lifted on August 31, 2026 — four days before launch — with IGN's 10/10 leading a string of combat-focused praise, tempered by recurring criticism that the 25-hour campaign is padded with repetitive side content.
Aggregator scores
Metacritic: 86 multi-platform (PS5 85, PC 83, Xbox Series X|S 83); 90 on Nintendo Switch 2. OpenCritic: 86, with approximately 95% of critics recommending. User score on Metacritic: 8.6 (623 ratings).
Critic sentiment breaks down as roughly 93% positive, 7% mixed, 0% negative — a very clean spread for a series revival.
Notable outlet scores
IGN — 10/10 (Will Borger): 'an incredible action game with an excellent story to match.' Nintendo Life — 9/10. PC Gamer — 83/100. Eurogamer — 4/5. GameSpot — 8/10. Push Square — 9/10. Game Informer — 8/10. Forbes — 9/10. Hey Poor Player — 100/100. Vice — 9.8/10. GamesRadar+ — 3.5/5. VGC — 3/5.
What critics agree on
Combat and the Issen system are the headline. The signature perfectly-timed counter — the Issen — and the parry-heavy, weighty swordplay are what reviewers keep returning to. Boss fights against rivals like Sasaki Ganryu were singled out across positive and mixed reviews alike. Miyamoto Musashi's characterization — modeled on Toshiro Mifune's likeness — was praised as charismatic and grounded.
What critics disagree on
Campaign length vs. content. Polygon called the game 'an excellent 12-hour action game stretched into a 25-hour slog'; Game Informer echoed this with criticism that the campaign 'struggles to justify the repetition' of fighting the same mini-bosses. Capcom officially cites a ~20-hour campaign with closer to 30 hours for full completion.