Review
Played on: Xbox One X
Released: 2019
Released: 2019
Originally released: 2001 (PS2)
Introduction
To call Onimusha: Warlords a Resident Evil spin-off is kinda wrong, but it does lend a gameplay structure that's similar to it's survival horror cousin. Indeed, it was originally planned by Capcom to be released on the PS1, but made the move over to PS2 instead. The upgraded hardware would made not only the graphics better than the RE titles on PS1, it also gave PS2 players a chance for a RE structured game series, as the RE franchise had moved over to Gamecube.
The series would spawn many iterations,even spin-offs, but this HD version is the first title in the franchise and the only one I played back in the day. I don't recall it being super memorable, unlike the old Resident Evil titles, but I do remember enjoying playing through it.
Let's go back in and replay it in this new HD release.
Plot and setting
Onimusha lends it's story to Japanese myths and folklore, setting it in the Sengoku period in Japan, where you control a samurai named Samanosuke. This setting is a massive departure from the modern focus in RE titles, making the series set itself clearly apart. Although, what seemingly in the intro is a grounded title, set in this Shogun period, quickly turns into a more mythology experience. Complete with demons and monsters taking over a village.
It's an interesting plot for sure and makes way for some cool and creepy monster designs, that you engage with a Katana sword or your bow. You alternate during the story to play a fast ninja female, called Kaede, a nice alternation of speed and pace to the gameplay.
The pre-rendered backdrops depict an ancient Japanese village with typical buildings of that era. Interiors show traditional buildings from those times, it's an interesting and historic setting for sure.
Gameplay and features
The game controls like a traditional RE title. Yes, I'm talking tank controls. Much debated as a control system, Onimusha's melee based gameplay gets even more cumbersome with tank controls than RE. Luckily, this HD version adds a 3D mode control setup, just like the REmake HD remaster did. Although this control scheme makes the game easier, with less need for parrying versus just turning away from attacks. It's a welcome addition for newcomers unfamiliar with tank controls.
The 3D controls just seem more suiting for sword based gameplay, however, should you want to go traditional, the old tank controls are available on the d-pad.
Otherwise, there's various swords to collect, health and power attack bars to upgrade. As well as items to aid your fights and give permanent upgrades. Each type of sword is suited for certain enemies and pace of battle that suits the player. One sword is slow and powerful, while another is fast but takes less damage for instance. There's also a bow and arrow to use, but I never really bothered much with it as it felt cumbersome.
The game features a soul system, where defeated enemies drop either upgrade XP, health or power attack souls. These can be summoned by the player and collected, then in turn used for upgrades at save points. It's a nice system and keeps the option available to avoid using health items and instead collect health souls from defeated enemies. It gives a little more depth and tactics to the gameplay.
Video
Onimusha follows in REmake HD remaster's vein, as the background pre-rendered images are clearly from a low-resolution source. REmake, at least, had some 3D foliage added to enhance some of it's locations, Onimusha does not. Even though Onimusha has more outdoor environments and could have suited it even more.
It can look grainy on large HD screens. The 3D models look better, with the higher resolution, but lack any good anti aliasing solution. Making them look jaggy around edges, even more so now, as they stick out even further when the backgrounds are stuck at a lower resolution. It's clearly a less prioritised HD remaster than REmake and RE:0.
There are some cool video techniques in the backgrounds that can be admired, in it's 2001 time period, years later. With moving water and machinery instead of completely static backgrounds. But alas, it's cheaply upscaled, so expect nothing graphically impressive.
Just like REmake HD & RE:0, please stay clear of the 16:9 mode. It crops the picture and pans and scans to show everything. Stick with 4:3 format and black side borders, that's just how it was made to look back in the day.
At least it's a sharper and cleaner output than running a PS2 on a HDTV. Although, this is best played on a smaller screen. I can imagine the Switch in handheld mode being an ideal place! I must mention that the game runs in 60fps, which is nice for the responsiveness and there's minimum loading between rooms!
Sound
Sound quality is like it used to be, nothing major and clearly from the PS2 era. Music score has been completely replaced as Capcom's scandal of the "deaf Beethoven" guy, who stole music to put in Capcom titles, was the original fake composer.
However, the replaced soundtrack is familiar style to anybody that enjoys an old Resident Evil score. Giving the player a creepy atmosphere, not only from the visuals, but also in the background music. I quite enjoyed the soundtrack and it's RE vibes.
Summary
I sure would've preferred a higher quality port, with better use of effects and graphics to enhance the backgrounds and simple looking 3D characters. A patch for the Xbox One X, running everything in 4K, would've helped the aliasing issues, at least on the 3D characters models. Then again, I've never expected Onimusha to get a sudden port to current consoles anyhow and I'm happy for them doing so. We can perhaps hope for a port of Onimusha 2 and 3 too, Capcom?!
A budget port job, breaking nothing but adding nothing much either. Overall, a good game stays good, and Onimusha is still fun and features an atmospheric world to sink into. It's be no means a long title, maybe 7-8 hours to completion, but it brings with it a nostalgic old-school Resident Evil feel, blended with the days of Samurais and Shoguns.
A budget port job, breaking nothing but adding nothing much either. Overall, a good game stays good, and Onimusha is still fun and features an atmospheric world to sink into. It's be no means a long title, maybe 7-8 hours to completion, but it brings with it a nostalgic old-school Resident Evil feel, blended with the days of Samurais and Shoguns.
I enjoyed my revisit, many years later from playing the PS2 version, but it's mostly for the old fans, and RE veterans. Not for everyone but those that are into the ancient setting, gameplay type and structure, will find a pleasant nostalgic ride.
