| Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny | |||
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| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Forge your destiny and seek revenge against the demonic warlord Nobunaga Oda to save Feudal Japan in Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Review Overview
What is Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny?
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny was a samurai action-adventure game originally released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2. CAPCOM Co., Ltd. brought the title back with a remastered version that launched on May 23, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The remaster featured updated HD graphics, modernized controls, and additional enhancements. Players took on the role of Jubei Yagyu as he journeyed across feudal Japan in pursuit of vengeance against Nobunaga Oda, a warlord commanding a demonic army. Alongside various allies, Jubei confronted his heritage and awakened his Oni powers to face the growing threat.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny features:
⚫︎ Action Adventure
⚫︎ Enhanced Visuals and Audio
⚫︎ Feudal Japan Setting
⚫︎ Revenge Story
⚫︎ Remastered PS2 Game
⚫︎ Samurai and Ninja Game
⚫︎ Japanese Weapons
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny's gameplay and story.
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| Price | $29.99 | |||||||
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Satisfying and Rewarding Combat System An Engaging Story with Likable Characters In-Depth Gift System |
Horrible Voice-Acting Frustrating Locked Camera Angles Needs More Quality of Life Features |
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Overall Score - 74/100
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny slices its way onto modern consoles with reverence for the PS2 original, carrying the spirit of feudal Japan and demon-slaying action into the present day. Yet, much like a weathered katana, it could use a little extra polish—its age peeks through in both gameplay and visuals, dulling the edge of its full potential. Still, beneath the rust lies a core of timeless fun that proves the way of the samurai never truly fades.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Story - 8/10
Don’t go in expecting Shogun-level storytelling—this is a straightforward revenge tale at heart. But what it lacks in narrative complexity, it makes up for with a colorful cast that brings the story to life. Their larger-than-life personalities inject the plot with a fun, cheesy energy, and their interactions with Jubei, your protagonist, add just enough drama and charm to keep things exciting all the way through.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Gameplay - 7/10
Combat in Onimusha 2 is a rewarding dance of steel and strategy—accessible enough for newcomers, yet layered with just enough depth to keep long-time fans engaged. A variety of weapons, memorable boss battles, and the occasional chance to step into the shoes of Jubei’s allies all add to the thrill. But while the core action is undeniably fun, the experience is occasionally marred by a lack of polish and missing quality-of-life features, which can make certain moments feel more frustrating than they should.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Visuals - 7/10
The RE Engine breathes new life into the original, injecting the game with a fresh coat of vibrancy and cinematic flair. It’s a noticeable upgrade that makes the world pop—until the PS2 roots start to show. Blurry faces, pixelated backgrounds, and the occasional awkward character model can break the immersion, sometimes feeling a bit jarring. Still, these visual hiccups never cross into dealbreaker territory, and for a game of its era, it holds up surprisingly well.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Audio - 6/10
The remastered soundtrack and sound design shine, immersing you in every clash of steel and demon howl. The satisfying slice of your blade and adrenaline-pumping battle themes add real weight to the action. Unfortunately, the voice acting stumbles hard—both in performance and audio quality. Lines sound muffled and flat, often dragging down the otherwise compelling story.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Value for Money - 8/10
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is priced at $29.99—a great deal considering many remasters go for twice as much. It’s also the only way to experience this classic on modern consoles. Although it could use a bit more polish, the gameplay remains genuinely enjoyable and stands strong beyond just nostalgia.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Review: A Worn Blade with a Warrior’s Spirit
There’s a certain beauty in a blade that’s seen battle—its edge dulled by time, its surface marked by age, yet it still carries the weight of every strike it’s made. Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is just that kind of weapon. Released at a time when cinematic storytelling in games was just beginning to take root, it carved out its place in history with style, spirit, and samurai steel.
But nearly two decades later, does it still hold up? The answer, like any good warrior’s tale, isn’t so simple. This is a game that still cuts deep—but not without rust.
Revenge Never Gets Old
At its heart, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is a tale as old as time—vengeance forged in flame and blood. The story follows Jubei Yagyu, a lone warrior cast into chaos after his clan and village are decimated by the demonic forces of Nobunaga Oda, a tyrant reborn through the power of the Genma—twisted beings that now fester in the shadows of feudal Japan.
What begins as a simple revenge story unfolds into a mythic journey, steeped in folklore and layered with intrigue. As Jubei walks the war-torn roads of Japan, he uncovers a truth buried within his own bloodline: the sacred, cursed lineage of the Oni. This revelation doesn’t come with joy—it’s a reluctant inheritance, a necessary darkness he must wield to vanquish the greater evil.
Along the way, Jubei is not alone. He crosses paths with a diverse cast—Magoichi, the sharpshooting rogue with a sharp tongue; Ekei, the brash monk with dreams of power; Kotaro, the swift-footed ninja; and Oyu, the enigmatic warrior woman clad in Western armor, whose connection to Jubei runs deeper than blades and blood. Together, their bonds shift between camaraderie and chaos, lending levity and warmth to a tale steeped in sorrow.
There’s a theatrical flair to Onimusha 2—as if the story were a kabuki performance rendered in steel and shadow. The revenge-driven narrative, while familiar, is brought to life by a setting rich in myth and monsters, by characters who bring both heart and humor, and by moments that pulse with poetic brutality. One of the most haunting is the opening scene: Jubei’s village is razed, innocence burned away as mothers and children fall to the blade. It's raw and unflinching—a horror that justifies every step Jubei takes toward vengeance.
What elevates the journey is not just the blood spilled, but the humanity found between battles. Jubei may carry the stoicism of a classic hero, but in his quiet moments—halting squabbles between friends, reflecting on the burden of power—he becomes more than a vessel for revenge. He becomes real.
While the villains may wear the masks of archetype, their designs are unforgettable—grotesque, elegant, and perfectly suited to the stage they haunt. And through it all, the game maintains a masterful balance of darkness and light, myth and metal, tragedy and play.
Combat Aged Gracefully
One of the biggest leaps Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny makes over its predecessor is in its combat—more refined, more dynamic, and a lot more fun. While the first game laid the foundation, Onimusha 2 takes it further, focusing heavily on variety, responsiveness, and strategy to deliver an experience that still feels great to play today.
The premise is simple: you’re on a mission to gather five mystical orbs across feudal Japan to stop the demonic warlord Nobunaga. But what makes the journey memorable is the sheer thrill of slicing through the demon horde along the way. At first, combat seems straightforward—press Square to attack, L1 to guard—but the deeper you go, the more tools and systems open up to you.
From swords and spears to giant war hammers and bows, every weapon feels distinct. You’ll gradually gain access to elemental magic attacks, each with flashy and devastating effects. Enhancing your weapons at save points makes every swing feel more powerful, and the return of the Critical Attack system gives battles a high-stakes rhythm—strike just before your enemy lands a hit and you'll unleash a brutal, cinematic counter that can be chained together for maximum carnage.
Defeated enemies drop four types of souls—red (for upgrading weapons and items), blue (to restore magic), yellow (for health), and the rare purple souls, which let you temporarily transform into the invincible Onimusha form, turning the tide of even the toughest fights. The soul system, along with elemental powers, feels like an early blueprint for future Capcom action hits like Devil May Cry.
What truly makes combat shine is its balance—it makes you feel powerful without letting you mindlessly button-mash your way through everything. Enemies, especially in groups, demand strategic blocking, dodging, and timing. Boss fights like Gingafatsu, the hulking demon in the mining area, challenge you to read patterns, dodge leaps, and find safe windows to strike. The Ice Spear is a standout here: its range and magic ability to freeze enemies make it an essential tool, especially for spacing and control.
Even better, the game lets you take control of allies in specific segments, and each one plays uniquely. Magoichi, with his ranged gunplay, is a standout—switching up the tempo of battle as you pick enemies off from afar. Kotaro, with his ninja agility, offers a fast-paced, stealthier approach.
Combat may not look flashy by today’s standards, but it’s all about how it feels. The tight controls, strategic depth, and variety keep it engaging from start to finish. Whether you’re unleashing a critical combo or freezing a demon mid-attack, Onimusha 2 delivers combat that’s satisfying, rewarding, and far more timeless than you'd expect from a PS2-era game.
Gift System Affects Story and Combat
One of the most underrated mechanics in Onimusha 2 is the gift system—mainly because the game never really explains how it works or why it matters. But trust me, it’s a gem of a feature that adds a surprising amount of depth to both gameplay and storytelling. At its core, the system revolves around building relationships with your allies through gifts. Depending on what you give and to whom, your bonds will strengthen, unlocking new story paths, exclusive cutscenes, and even branching gameplay segments.
This affinity system subtly influences which characters you’ll control at certain points in the game, and can lead to over 100 unique character-driven events. My personal favorite storyline was with Oyu—not only because she holds one of the orbs vital to the plot, but also because of her meaningful connection to Jubei, with hints of romance woven into their journey.
That said, the rest of the cast is just as memorable: Ekei, a boisterous monk who dreams of becoming a feudal lord (even if it means siding with Nobunaga), and Magoichi, a sharpshooting mercenary with a cool head and great backstory.
What makes this system shine is how your relationships impact combat too. Strengthening your bonds allows you to fight alongside your allies in certain segments. Each character plays differently—Kotaro’s speed and stealth give him a ninja-like flair, while Magoichi brings ranged firepower to the table. There’s something genuinely thrilling about seeing your allies show up in boss fights if you’ve built strong enough relationships.
For example, gifting Magoichi the history book early on earns his support in a key battle, alongside Ekei. It’s the kind of clever, character-driven mechanic that fans of Persona or Fire Emblem would absolutely love.
Just a heads-up—because the game doesn't explain this system well, I highly recommend using a guide to learn what items each character prefers and where to find them. It’s well worth the effort and adds a rewarding layer of personalization to your journey.
Voice-Acting Brings Dishonor to the Story
This must be what it felt like for a disgraced samurai teetering on the edge of seppuku. Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic—but the voice acting in Onimusha 2 is genuinely rough. It’s a disservice to the story and characters, and while I’m sure the actors had talent, the direction they were given was baffling. Every line delivery feels awkward and stilted, stripping the cast of any standout moments or emotional weight.
Yes, I get that this was from an era when voice acting wasn’t a top priority in games—but even by those standards, this hasn’t aged well. From the opening scene where Jubei finds his village in ruins and hears that weirdly flat “Jubei...” callout, it’s clear things are off. And don’t get me started on the lip flaps—they’re completely out of sync, making every cutscene feel unintentionally goofy.
It’s frustrating, especially considering how well the visuals and soundtrack were remastered. The voiceovers, on the other hand, sound muffled and low-quality, as if they were pulled straight from the early 2000s without a second pass. What stings even more? The Japanese voice track is miles better—but we don’t get the option to switch. "I really wish they had gone the extra mile and fully re-recorded the voiceovers with better direction.
Nauseating Camera Angles Especially in Combat
One thing I’m genuinely glad modern gaming left behind is fixed camera angles. Sure, they have a certain nostalgic charm—but even as a kid, I never enjoyed them. They feel outdated now, and while you can adapt, they almost always get in the way, whether subtly or significantly. The biggest issue? Movement controls shift depending on the camera’s angle, so suddenly what was ‘down’ becomes ‘up,’ and it’s easy to get disoriented.
You’ll often walk into a new area, only for the perspective to change, and before you know it, you’ve accidentally walked right back out. It's even worse during combat. Some of the fights are in cramped areas with multiple awkward camera cuts, making it hard to track enemies or even see what’s going on. I can’t count how many times I took damage because the camera flipped and left me blind—not because I made a mistake, but because the game did.
It gets especially frustrating in boss battles. You’d think a single arena wouldn’t need multiple camera switches, but nope—there they are. And when bosses hit hard, a single missed dodge or awkward angle can cost you the entire fight. This was painfully clear from the very first boss battle in the mining area against Gingafatsu. He’s massive and takes up most of the screen, and the camera just doesn’t know how to keep up.
Yes, you’ll eventually get used to it—but even by the end, I never felt fully comfortable. The fixed angles never stopped being a distraction, and at times found myself standing still just to avoid triggering a perspective switch in combat. It’s one of those relics from the past that really should have been left there.
Could have Used More Quality of Life Improvements
I’m genuinely impressed by how well this game has aged—especially when it comes to its combat, which still feels sharp and engaging. That said, a few thoughtful quality-of-life improvements could’ve elevated the experience even further. A more intuitive user interface, or the inclusion of customizable shortcuts for items like healing herbs, would’ve gone a long way in streamlining gameplay. Constantly pausing the action to dig through menus breaks the flow, particularly in high-stress moments.
Similarly, moving the enhancement system out of save points and into the main menu would’ve added a layer of convenience modern players expect. These are ultimately minor gripes, though. The game definitely shows its age in spots, but these small oversights don’t take away from the overall fun.
Is Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Worth It?
Shows its Age, But Overall Timeless
Despite its flaws, Onimusha 2 is still a blast, with combat that holds up surprisingly well even decades later. Once you settle into its rhythm, the game’s dated edges fade into the background, revealing a title full of charm, stylish action, and bloody samurai fun—all at a reasonable $30 price tag. For newcomers, it’s a retro thrill ride; for longtime fans, a nostalgic return that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Plus, with its clever gift system encouraging multiple playthroughs and a handful of entertaining post-game extras—including the delightfully bizarre 'Man in Black' mini-game—there’s plenty of reason to come back for more.
| Steam |
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| PlayStation |
Xbox |
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| Price | $29.99 | |||||||
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny FAQ
What are the Five Oni Orbs in Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny?
⚫︎ Charity
⚫︎ Faith
⚫︎ Honesty
⚫︎ Respect
⚫︎ Strength
Who are the Main Cast in Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny?
⚫︎ Jubei Yagyu
⚫︎ Oyu
⚫︎ Kotaro Fuma
⚫︎ Magoichi Saiga
⚫︎ Ekei Ankokuji
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Product Information
| [:img:3399016:{alt:Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Cover, size:440x230, mode:original}] | |
| Title | Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny |
|---|---|
| Release Date | date here |
| Developer | dev here |
| Publisher | Publisher here |
| Supported Platforms | Platforms here |
| Genre | genres here |
| Number of Players | player number here |
| ESRB Rating | rating here |
| Official Website | Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Website |
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