After 20 long years, Onimusha game fans finally have something to celebrate. Capcom announced Onimusha: Way of the Sword at Gamescom, marking the first mainline entry since 2006’s Dawn of Dreams. But why now? Producer Akihito Kadowaki recently shed light on the timing behind this highly anticipated revival.
The Perfect Storm: Why Now Was Finally the Right Time
Kadowaki explained that creating a new Onimusha game wasn’t just about fan demand – though that certainly existed. The real challenge was aligning multiple moving pieces within Capcom’s busy development schedule.
“The last installment that we had was 20 years ago, and we’ve obviously wanted, internally, many of the Capcom teams wanted to have a new Onimusha created,” Kadowaki told press at Gamescom. “But there were many titles that we had to work on, there were things that we had to do, and creating one game title takes about roughly 3 to 5 years to make, so it wasn’t easy to have all the teams come together, and the timing just didn’t really align.”
Two Key Factors Made Onimusha: Way of the Sword Possible
According to Kadowaki, two critical elements finally came together to make the new Onimusha game a reality:
Team Availability
After years of juggling multiple high-profile projects, Capcom’s core development teams finally had a window where key members could collaborate on a new Onimusha project. This alignment was crucial, given the series’ complex development requirements.
RE Engine Technology
The second piece of the puzzle was Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine reaching maturity. “We had the new RE Engine, our internal engine, that was a very good timing for, that became available, and we decided that it was a great time to have the new Onimusha installment,” Kadowaki explained.
The RE Engine has powered recent Capcom successes including Resident Evil 7, Village, and the acclaimed RE2 and RE3 remakes. Its capabilities seem perfectly suited to bring Onimusha’s dark fantasy world to modern consoles.
What Makes This Onimusha Game Different
With 20 years between releases, Kadowaki acknowledged that many potential players have never experienced an Onimusha game. Way of the Sword aims to honor series traditions while introducing fresh elements:
| Classic Elements | New Features |
|---|---|
| Dark fantasy setting | Soul absorption mechanics |
| Exhilarating sword action | Updated combat system |
| Issen (one-strike) technique | Enhanced character interactions |
| Unique character roster | Modern visual presentation |
The Challenge of Reviving a Dormant Franchise
Kadowaki was honest about the franchise’s current standing: “It isn’t unreasonable to say that Onimusha isn’t as popular as it once was. That’s not a slight on the game series at all, it’s simply an effect that occurs when fans have to wait 20 years for a new chapter in the series.”
This recognition shapes their approach to Way of the Sword. The game needs to satisfy longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers who may have never heard of the series.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Release Target
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is targeting a 2026 release across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. While that might seem far off, Kadowaki’s comments about 3-5 year development cycles put this timeline in perspective.
The extended development period also suggests Capcom is taking this revival seriously, investing proper time and resources rather than rushing to capitalize on nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did it take 20 years to make a new Onimusha game?
Capcom needed the right combination of available development teams and suitable technology. The company was busy with other major projects, and each game takes 3-5 years to develop. Only recently did team availability align with the maturity of their RE Engine.
What platforms will Onimusha: Way of the Sword be available on?
The game is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a 2026 release target.
Will the new Onimusha game be suitable for newcomers?
Yes, Capcom designed Way of the Sword to welcome both longtime fans and players who have never experienced an Onimusha game before.
What engine is powering the new Onimusha game?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword uses Capcom’s RE Engine, the same technology behind recent Resident Evil games and other successful Capcom titles.
Will classic Onimusha elements return in the new game?
Yes, the game will feature the series’ signature dark fantasy setting, sword-based combat, the Issen technique, and unique characters, while adding new mechanics like soul absorption.
Is this a reboot or a continuation of the Onimusha series?
While Capcom hasn’t specified the exact narrative connection, Way of the Sword appears to be a fresh entry that honors series traditions while introducing new elements for modern audiences.
Conclusion
The revival of the Onimusha franchise represents more than just nostalgia – it’s the result of careful planning and technological advancement. Kadowaki’s explanation reveals how game development timing works at major studios, where multiple factors must align before ambitious projects can move forward.
For fans who’ve waited two decades, 2026 can’t come soon enough. But if Capcom’s recent track record with franchise revivals is any indication, the wait should be worth it. The combination of experienced teams, proven technology, and genuine passion for the property suggests Onimusha: Way of the Sword could successfully bridge the gap between classic and contemporary gaming.