Onimusha 3: Demon Siege

"If we have to say goodbye to Onimusha then this is a great way to see it go"

Introduction: After an amazing preview on Onimusha 2 and what seemed to be an eternity of a wait (at least for me) Onimusha 3 demon siege finally arrives and boy was it worth waiting for. Onimusha 3 brings back all the hardcore action and in depth story that you loved from the others and also a brand new character but Of course Onimusha 3 also brings with it something terrible and that is the end of the series.

Graphics: The graphics in Onimusha 3 are breath taking. The rich colours and in depth detail put into the environment and the characters models with blow you away. It gets the job done and does a fantastic job at it.

Graphics: 10/10

Gameplay: The Gameplay in Onimusha 3 is a lot similar to the previous installments but with minor improvement. You control two characters in the game, the returning Samanosuke Akechi from the first game and introducing Jacques Blanc. During the game you switch between each character at the appropriate times, each character as there own unique weapons a controls such as Samanosuke can use a bow whereas Jacques weapons entangle enemies and throw them as well as throw things at enemies in the area (i.e. boulders). The controls have improved also because it allows you to use the control stick to move in the direction you are moving the stick in rather then the old school Capcom way of spinning in one spot and then pressing up to move which in my opinion isn't as good as control sticks control. The town/buying stuff from the second Onimusha has been removed and I think that was a good move. In Onimusha 2 it only took away from the game I it wasn't done to well to enjoy what it was suppose to be. Battling demons can be tons of fun and quite challenging at times and with the weapon and armor being able to level up (as in previous installments to the series) it adds greater purpose and value to fighting the enemies rather then just running away. Who would have that the Onimusha gameplay could be improved upon but it looks like Capcom as one up them selves again.

Game Play: 9/10

Story: This is where the story for the series really takes off. In the previous games the storyline as always been good to a point but I never felt like it was all there. Onimusha 1 was a bit too short and Onimusha 2 was all over the place with the different characters and the town/shopping and didn't really flow as well as it could have. Onimusha 3's story is what I would call perfect for the series. If we have to say goodbye to Onimusha then this is a great way to see it go, with a fantastic story to end the tale.

Story: 10/10

Sound: The sound is wonderfully presented and this time you can listen in Dolby digital. The sound effects are amazingly done from the swing of a sword to the death cry of a just vanquished demon it's all flawlessly well done. The music is well done for aspect of the game. If you're in a boss fight or at a tear jerking cut scene the music is appriate for each situation. The voice over was excellent expect for Jean Reno's Character Jacques Blanc for which they didn't use Jean Reno to do the English voice which was a little annoying. Besides that it was good

Sound: 8/10

Replay Value: I like to consider this game to have a lot of replay value that is if you don't unlock everything your first time through but that's next to impossible if not impossible. There are mini games, alternate endings, extra difficulties, new costumes and weapons to unlock and they each have a tough little task for you to do to order to attain them.

8/10

Conclusion: If you're a hardcore Onimusha fan then you probably already have this game and if you don't what are you waiting for? BUY IT!! As for thoughs of you who are new to the series and are intrigued purely by hype I recommend playing the others first and if not that rent Onimusha 3 first and if you like it then play the other you will enjoy them to. This is one game you will have fun with for a while.

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/12/04