Onimusha Blade Warriors

"Who knew Samanosuke could wield Excalibur?"

Onimusha Blade Warriors review

After hearing about Onimusha 3 and about how good it was I decided to experience the adventure that is Onimusha. So I decided find the nearest game which turned out to be Onimusha: Warlords at my nearest videostore. After beating the game twice in the space of two days I found myself wanting more Onimusha. Upon hearing that Onimusha 3 and a game called Onimusha blade warriors came out I instantly bought Onimusha blade warriors after seeing numerous trailers and reviews. I must say, I'm not disappointed with my purchase, it's an excellent game. The game centers around the majority of the characters from the first two games duking it out in another chapter of the Oni-Genma war as Nobunaga has risen again. So it's time for Samanosuke and co. to take down Nobunaga and me to start this review.

Gameplay
The gameplay is still excellent, you see Keiji Inafune (the creator) got an excellent formula which with minor tweaks can make a whole new game. Onimusha Blade warriors is no exception, in this game the tweak on the magnificent gameplay comes in the form of a 2D fighting game with Super Smash Bros. likenesses. However do not be fooled it is NOT a smash bros. clone. It's definitely it's own game because it has Onimusha gameplay (absorbing souls, power struggles etc.) Other tweaks include items which appear on parts of the stage and can aid the player in the battle (and sometimes hurt them) there are so many items in this game such as the time bomb, blue saber, oni club and many more. Weapons in this game are so varied it's crazy from Excalibur to the Bishamon sword from the first game, they're all there.

Sound & Music
The sound in this game is good for most of the game but a lot of the music is the same song with different instruments. Sound effects however are pretty good as they aren't in wrong place such as the grunt of the person who just got hit or the death yell when someone dies. Good stuff.

Replay Value
The multiplayer replay value is ENORMOUS as there are two vs. modes: vs mode which is just battles and Custom vs. which allows you to use your built-up story characters against each other. However the one player replay value in vs. mode is good but the story mode replay value is a short as doing someone's story 10 times to get their weapons can be annoying, but isn't too bad.

Summary
This game is excellent, do not be fooled by people who played it for two days and wrote a review saying it's a Smash Bros. clone.

PROS
Excellent gameplay
Smash Bros. similarities
Awesome vs. modes
CONS
Story mode can be repetitive SOMETIMES.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/19/04