The first review wave for Onimusha: Way of the Sword has arrived, and the early consensus is strongly favorable, according to a roundup published by Pure Xbox on Monday. Critics are highlighting the game’s combat as a standout element, though several note that the experience overstays its welcome.
Pure Xbox reports that the initial reviews are “very good,” citing coverage from multiple outlets. Game Informer’s review calls the action “excellent,” while Nintendo World Report also weighed in with a positive assessment of the Switch 2 version. Forbes offered a more measured take, describing the game as closer in spirit to director Takashi Miike’s work than to Akira Kurosawa’s classic samurai films.
The most significant criticism comes from Polygon, which argues that the game contains a “incredible 12-hour action game” buried inside a “25-hour slog.” That review suggests the pacing could have been tightened considerably, even as it acknowledges the quality of the core combat.
Context from the roundup indicates that Onimusha: Way of the Sword is generating strong buzz ahead of its release, with reviewers consistently praising the swordplay and enemy encounters. The mixed notes on length appear to be the main point of disagreement, rather than the fundamental quality of the game itself.
With the review embargo now lifted, potential buyers have a clearer picture of what to expect. The main question going forward is whether Capcom will address pacing concerns in a future patch or if the extended runtime will remain a sticking point for players who prefer a more focused campaign.
