Genma Onimusha

Weird name... pretty good game.

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You don’t just play a single character in Genma Onimusha, you control two. For the majority of the game you control Samanosuke, the samurai warrior, who has an impressive array of sword techniques his disposal. Not to mention the fact that he has special powers, bestowed upon him by some mystical ogres. Samanosuke can hack and slash enemies with his sword, but his real power lies in his new mystical abilities. After collecting red, green and yellow souls from dead enemies, Samanosuke can unleash a variety of magical attacks. Very impressive to watch, although I would of liked to have seen a few more possible moves for him. It can all seem a little too samey at times, not that you’ll really notice . You can also control Kaede, Samanosuke’s assistant. She is a female ninja, with no magic powers but lightning reflexes, and a natty move where she flips over the enemy and cuts their throat. When controlling her the game feels very different, with you shredding enemies with more aggression than with Samanosuke, it makes a welcome change.

The only other problem is a minor one. The game is a little short. Now, it isn’t too short to ruin your enjoyment, but it feels like you should be able to play for another few hours. It may be down to the fact that you get into the flow of the game so much, that you don’t want it to end at all. But all good things must come to an end, mustn’t they?

So then. It’s obvious that Genma Onimusha is a very good game, with a few flaws. Basically it’s what Onimusha Warlords should have been on the PS2. In comparison to the PS2 title, not a lot has changed to justify calling it a worthy purchase for existing owners, it’s merely a port over. On it’s own though, as a title in it’s own right, it’s excellent. The action is thick and fast and if you give it time you’ll love it. Even if it is over too quickly! It looks like Onimusha will be with us for some time.

An Honourable,

85%

By Ben Jackson