66
MONSTER
This enhanced HD version of Onimusha: Warlords now supports 16:9 wide screen resolution as well as the old 4:3 ratio. Improved controls now allow players to move and fight with analog-stick precision. The Japanese voices have been re-recorded for this remaster, and the brand new soundtrack promises to be even more spectacular than the original.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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66
"Onimusha: Warlords" blends historical Japanese lore with horror-action flair, praised for its atmospheric setting and samurai mythos but criticized for a shallow, clichéd story, bland characters, and rushed pacing, leaving it as a competent but unmemorable action title.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
66
Positive Reviews (80-100)
8%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
76%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
16%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
"Onimusha: Warlords" blends historical Japanese lore with horror-action flair, praised for its atmospheric setting and samurai mythos but criticized for a shallow, clichéd story, bland characters, and rushed pacing, leaving it as a competent but unmemorable action title.
Gameplay Mechanics
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74
Praised for its hybrid combat blending souls-like depth with Capcom flair, Onimusha: Warlords shines with weapon variety, polished animations, and remastered controls, but its outdated mechanics, clunky puzzles, and dated difficulty curves clash with modern expectations, leaving a polarizing mix of nostalgic charm and frustrating flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
32%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
62%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Praised for its hybrid combat blending souls-like depth with Capcom flair, Onimusha: Warlords shines with weapon variety, polished animations, and remastered controls, but its outdated mechanics, clunky puzzles, and dated difficulty curves clash with modern expectations, leaving a polarizing mix of nostalgic charm and frustrating flaws.
Graphics and Visual Design
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67
Onimusha: Warlords’ remaster offers nostalgic charm and functional upgrades but struggles with dated visuals, clashing modernization efforts, and unpolished flaws that anchor it firmly in 2001.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
67
Positive Reviews (80-100)
9%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
83%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
9%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Onimusha: Warlords’ remaster offers nostalgic charm and functional upgrades but struggles with dated visuals, clashing modernization efforts, and unpolished flaws that anchor it firmly in 2001.
Music and Sound Design
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73
Praise for remastered soundtrack’s atmospheric depth and Japanese authenticity, but critics note its modernized tone lacks originality and nostalgic flair, with mixed reactions on its impact.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
22%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
78%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Praise for remastered soundtrack’s atmospheric depth and Japanese authenticity, but critics note its modernized tone lacks originality and nostalgic flair, with mixed reactions on its impact.
Voice Acting
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57
Japanese voice acting in Onimusha: Warlords shines with authenticity, emotional depth, and seamless animation syncing, earning praise for its cultural resonance and standout performances like Takeshi Kaneshiro’s. English dubbing, however, is universally panned as stiff, poorly lip-synced, and cheesy, undermining immersion and modernization efforts—leaving players to strongly favor the Japanese track for a cohesive experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
57
Positive Reviews (80-100)
9%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
59%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
32%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Japanese voice acting in Onimusha: Warlords shines with authenticity, emotional depth, and seamless animation syncing, earning praise for its cultural resonance and standout performances like Takeshi Kaneshiro’s. English dubbing, however, is universally panned as stiff, poorly lip-synced, and cheesy, undermining immersion and modernization efforts—leaving players to strongly favor the Japanese track for a cohesive experience.
Technical Performance
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67
Onimusha: Warlords gets a solid remaster but struggles with outdated mechanics, clunky controls, and dated design that clash with modern expectations despite stable performance across platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
67
Positive Reviews (80-100)
11%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
81%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Onimusha: Warlords gets a solid remaster but struggles with outdated mechanics, clunky controls, and dated design that clash with modern expectations despite stable performance across platforms.
Replay Value
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56
Despite minor replay incentives like achievements and difficulty levels, Onimusha: Warlords’ short length and outdated mechanics severely limit its appeal, with critics calling it a fleeting nostalgia trip rather than a lasting experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
56
Positive Reviews (80-100)
3%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
58%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
39%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Despite minor replay incentives like achievements and difficulty levels, Onimusha: Warlords’ short length and outdated mechanics severely limit its appeal, with critics calling it a fleeting nostalgia trip rather than a lasting experience.
Overall Verdict
66
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
66
Positive Reviews (80-100)
30%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
69%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Nostalgia-driven remaster with dated mechanics, praised for hybrid action-horror flair and historical impact but criticized for lack of modernization, minimal HD upgrades, and shallow content—worth revisiting for Capcom fans, but flawed by its own legacy.
66
MONSTER
Reviews
84 reviews found100
XBLA Fans
Jan 18, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review is overwhelmingly positive, calling the game 'outstanding' and a 'must buy.' It praises the remaster's presentation, gameplay, and story, recommending it to both newcomers and fans. The reviewer expresses hope for future remasters of the series.
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90
Digitally Downloaded
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A great game that showcases Capcom's craftsmanship, blending historical elements with dark fantasy. While it has retro flaws, it remains a standout title deserving of new attention.
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85
SomosXbox
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A nostalgic yet solid remaster of a classic action game with engaging combat and lore, though its brevity and lack of new content may disappoint some fans. It successfully updates the original for modern platforms.
85
Xbox Tavern
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A classic that holds up well after 20 years, praised for its blend of historical and fantastical elements, engaging gameplay, and strong pacing. Despite being short, it is recommended as a must-have for fans of the genre.
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80
GameSpew
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite its dated aspects, Onimusha: Warlords remains a fun and atmospheric experience with strong gameplay mechanics, balancing exploration, combat, and puzzles effectively. It is recommended for fans of the genre and nostalgia seekers.
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80
SpazioGames
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises the game’s lasting appeal and remaster improvements but criticizes the lack of substantial new features, giving it an 8.0 score.
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80
Twinfinite
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes that the remaster is a fun, nostalgic experience despite its age and minor flaws. It recommends the game for both new players and fans looking for an affordable, unabridged classic.
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80
TheXboxHub
Jan 25, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A nostalgic, enjoyable experience with strong combat, exploration, and atmospheric design, but hindered by its short length and dated visuals. Praises the game's mechanics and homage to Capcom's classics despite its flaws.
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80
LevelUp
Jan 15, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes that while Onimusha: Warlords has nostalgic value and is a decent remaster, its outdated mechanics and control schemes may challenge new players. It’s seen as a successful return to the past but with limitations.
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78
Generación Xbox
Jan 21, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A solid but modest port of a classic, praised for preserving its core quality and charm while acknowledging its technical limitations. It’s recommended for fans but could have been better optimized like other Capcom remasters.
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