Onimusha: Way of the Sword Will Let Players Fine Tune Difficulty

Capcom is adding detailed difficulty controls to Onimusha: Way of the Sword after some players found its recent demo too easy.

The upcoming action game is bringing the Onimusha series back after a break of about 20 years. Its playable demo launched last month on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, giving players an early look at its combat system.

Although the demo received attention for its sword fighting and presentation, some players felt that enemies offered too little resistance. Producer Akihito Kadowaki previously said the final version would be more demanding, but Capcom had not explained how it planned to adjust the challenge.

The studio has now confirmed that players will be able to change difficulty through several settings rather than choosing only one fixed mode.

Difficulty settings will cover story and action

Onimusha: Way of the Sword will include separate options for story and action difficulty. Players will also be able to adjust smaller elements within those categories.

Capcom has not revealed every available setting, but the system is designed to support different experience levels. Newcomers will be able to reduce the challenge and focus on exploration and the story, while experienced action players should have more control over how demanding combat becomes.

Kadowaki said the team wants to create a strong sword fighting experience without limiting the audience to people who already play difficult action games. The goal is to make the game approachable while preserving enough depth for players who want a harder challenge.

The more detailed system could also help Capcom avoid one common problem with fixed difficulty modes. A single Easy, Normal, or Hard setting may change several parts of the game at once, even when a player only wants to adjust one area.

Granular settings may allow players to keep demanding combat while reducing other sources of frustration. They could also make the game more accessible without removing its central mechanics.

Combat is built around precise swordplay

Capcom describes Onimusha: Way of the Sword as an attempt to create a new form of sword based action. The combat system centres on Musashi and appears to place considerable importance on timing, blocking, and the Issen mechanic.

Issen attacks have traditionally rewarded players for striking at a precise moment. A more aggressive enemy setting could make this system more important by giving players additional opportunities to react, counter, and take risks.

Capcom has not confirmed whether enemy aggression will have its own slider, so that possibility remains uncertain. However, the announced modular system suggests that the final game will offer more flexibility than the demo.

The developer will need to balance these options carefully. Increasing enemy health alone can make fights longer without making them more interesting. Changes to attack frequency, damage, timing windows, resources, and defensive behaviour could have a greater effect on how combat feels.

Capcom wants more players to finish the game

The difficulty system is also intended to help more people complete the story. Kadowaki noted that some players buy action games but stop before reaching the ending because the challenge becomes too demanding.

That concern is especially important for a franchise returning after two decades. Onimusha has an established audience, but Capcom also needs to introduce the series to players who may never have played the earlier games.

Giving players more control could help the game reach both groups. Long time fans can increase the challenge, while newcomers can learn the systems at a more comfortable pace.

Capcom has successfully expanded several of its major franchises in recent years, including Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, and Street Fighter. Onimusha: Way of the Sword now has the task of proving that its own series can return as a regular part of the company’s release schedule.

The demo’s lower difficulty does not necessarily represent the final game. Capcom says the full release will be harder, and its adjustable settings should allow each player to decide how much pressure they want from its combat.