72
MONSTER
Onimusha 2 is the second installment in the Onimusha series of video games released in May of 2002. The game retains the action elements from its predecessor such as the use of multiple special weapons that can be upgraded by defeating enemies. Apart from the main character, the game features four playable sub-characters, each of whom shares a part in the story. The player's actions determine which characters will decide to help Jubei in his quest. These characters were added by the Capcom staff to give a bigger depth to the game and expand the game's feeling of adventure.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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74
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster impresses with its captivating feudal Japan narrative and engaging character journeys, drawing praise for its blend of history and supernatural elements. Critics laud the branching story and rich interactions, but some highlight flaws in depth and originality, calling parts cliché and character development lacking. While the nostalgic charm and enhancements shine, the game struggles with predictable tropes, making it enjoyable yet potentially unfulfilling for those seeking deeper storytelling.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
35%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
65%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster impresses with its captivating feudal Japan narrative and engaging character journeys, drawing praise for its blend of history and supernatural elements. Critics laud the branching story and rich interactions, but some highlight flaws in depth and originality, calling parts cliché and character development lacking. While the nostalgic charm and enhancements shine, the game struggles with predictable tropes, making it enjoyable yet potentially unfulfilling for those seeking deeper storytelling.
Gameplay Mechanics
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77
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster impresses with its engaging combat mechanics and modern improvements like auto-save and weapon switching, earning praise for its depth and replay value. Critics highlight the enjoyable sword-fighting and RPG elements, enhancing player interaction with NPCs. However, the game is marred by stiff gameplay and frustrating fixed camera angles, which can hinder control and disorient players. While it successfully revives classic elements for a new audience, lingering outdated mechanics indicate there's still room for improvement. Overall, it balances nostalgia with modernity, appealing to both veterans and newcomers, but not without its flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
52%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
45%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster impresses with its engaging combat mechanics and modern improvements like auto-save and weapon switching, earning praise for its depth and replay value. Critics highlight the enjoyable sword-fighting and RPG elements, enhancing player interaction with NPCs. However, the game is marred by stiff gameplay and frustrating fixed camera angles, which can hinder control and disorient players. While it successfully revives classic elements for a new audience, lingering outdated mechanics indicate there's still room for improvement. Overall, it balances nostalgia with modernity, appealing to both veterans and newcomers, but not without its flaws.
Graphics and Visual Design
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73
The remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny impresses with enhanced graphics and a new 16:9 aspect ratio, earning praise for its visual upgrades. However, critics note it still feels dated due to fixed camera angles and outdated gameplay mechanics, leading to mixed reviews. While nostalgic fans may appreciate the improvements, many feel it lacks a full reimagining, with some labeling it a cash grab rather than a true overhaul.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
39%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
58%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
The remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny impresses with enhanced graphics and a new 16:9 aspect ratio, earning praise for its visual upgrades. However, critics note it still feels dated due to fixed camera angles and outdated gameplay mechanics, leading to mixed reviews. While nostalgic fans may appreciate the improvements, many feel it lacks a full reimagining, with some labeling it a cash grab rather than a true overhaul.
Music and Sound Design
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73
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster shines with a nostalgic 43-track soundtrack blending modern orchestration and traditional Japanese sounds, enhancing the overall experience. Critics celebrate its rich sound design, but voice acting is criticized as poor and outdated, which may hinder immersion for some players. Despite mixed opinions on its voice work, the remaster is regarded as a worthy update that captures the original's essence while offering modern enhancements.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
45%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
45%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster shines with a nostalgic 43-track soundtrack blending modern orchestration and traditional Japanese sounds, enhancing the overall experience. Critics celebrate its rich sound design, but voice acting is criticized as poor and outdated, which may hinder immersion for some players. Despite mixed opinions on its voice work, the remaster is regarded as a worthy update that captures the original's essence while offering modern enhancements.
Voice Acting
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58
Voice acting in Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is a mixed bag: some find it charmingly nostalgic, while others call it poor and stilted. Critics praise the Japanese voiceovers for authenticity but criticize the English dub for being "unintentionally hilarious" and detracting from the narrative. The performances evoke both kitschy appeal and significant flaws, leaving players divided on whether the charm outweighs the drawbacks. Ultimately, it’s a double-edged sword that shapes the game’s overall experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
58
Positive Reviews (80-100)
6%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
69%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
25%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Voice acting in Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is a mixed bag: some find it charmingly nostalgic, while others call it poor and stilted. Critics praise the Japanese voiceovers for authenticity but criticize the English dub for being "unintentionally hilarious" and detracting from the narrative. The performances evoke both kitschy appeal and significant flaws, leaving players divided on whether the charm outweighs the drawbacks. Ultimately, it’s a double-edged sword that shapes the game’s overall experience.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
72
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is generally well-received across platforms, praised for quality-of-life upgrades like auto-save and smooth performance. However, persistent fixed camera angles frustrate players, complicating combat and movement. While the remaster successfully updates the classic for new and returning fans, the camera issues highlight areas needing refinement in future versions.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
30%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
70%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is generally well-received across platforms, praised for quality-of-life upgrades like auto-save and smooth performance. However, persistent fixed camera angles frustrate players, complicating combat and movement. While the remaster successfully updates the classic for new and returning fans, the camera issues highlight areas needing refinement in future versions.
Replay Value
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73
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster gets a thumbs-up for replay value thanks to branching storylines and new game modes that engage both veterans and newcomers. However, critics warn that its appeal may be limited for casual players, with some citing repetitive combat and dated design as potential turn-offs. Ultimately, nostalgia drives the experience, making it a hit for fans but possibly a miss for those unfamiliar with the series.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
43%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
54%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster gets a thumbs-up for replay value thanks to branching storylines and new game modes that engage both veterans and newcomers. However, critics warn that its appeal may be limited for casual players, with some citing repetitive combat and dated design as potential turn-offs. Ultimately, nostalgia drives the experience, making it a hit for fans but possibly a miss for those unfamiliar with the series.
Overall Verdict
72
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
48%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
51%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster delights nostalgia-driven fans with visual upgrades and improved gameplay, but struggles with dated design elements, fixed camera angles, and limited appeal for newcomers. While critics appreciate its enhancements, many feel it falls short on innovation, making it primarily a tribute to the original rather than a must-play for all gamers.
72
MONSTER
Reviews
84 reviews found90
Inverse
May 20, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The remaster of Onimusha 2 is celebrated as a masterpiece that showcases Capcom's innovative spirit, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
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85
GameBlast
May 21, 2025
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is a successful adaptation that enhances the original while retaining its classic appeal, making it the definitive version for both new and returning players.
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85
COGconnected
May 20, 2025
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Despite some flaws like the rushed second half and fixed camera issues, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is highly enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing, making it a favorite for the reviewer.
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85
But Why Tho?
May 20, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
While it doesn't dramatically modernize the original, the remaster offers stylish action and nostalgic charm, making it a worthwhile experience.
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83
MeuPlayStation
May 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a well-executed remaster that improves upon the original with quality of life enhancements, appealing visuals, and engaging gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience for both veterans and newcomers.
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80
Nintendo Life
May 20, 2025
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a strong remaster that improves upon its predecessor, offering quality-of-life updates and engaging gameplay, despite some dated elements.
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80
GamingTrend
May 20, 2025
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is a fun and visually appealing update that retains classic gameplay while introducing quality of life improvements, making it a worthwhile experience for fans.
80
Voxel
May 29, 2025
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Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is a respectful and competent remaster that enhances the original while retaining its charm, despite some camera and affinity system issues.
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80
Loot Level Chill
May 20, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a superb game that, despite its age, offers plenty of reasons to revisit or try it now.
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80
Retcon
May 20, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Remaster is a well-crafted remaster that appeals to both new players and fans of the series, despite some outdated elements.
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