With franchise revival Onimusha: Means of the Sword in lively improvement, there’s been a resurgence of curiosity within the PlayStation 2 Onimusha sequence. Whereas a remaster of the unique Onimusha: Warlords has been out there for fairly a while, it was solely not too long ago that Capcom introduced that Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny would even be getting a remaster, due out on Might 23.
Followers of the sequence rejoiced on the information, and for good purpose. Onimusha 2 is a fan favourite, with a novel model and gameplay parts that make it a real standout among the many sequence.
We had the chance to interview Motohide Eshiro, the unique recreation director and longtime Capcom veteran, about what gamers previous and new can anticipate from Onimusha 2’s remaster.
Making buddies and influencing folks
What did the group study from the unique Onimusha remaster?
We realized that we might make the controls extra snug. Onimusha 2 initially solely had ‘tank controls.’ We carried over the revised controls from the earlier remaster to Onimusha 2 easily.
Would these modernized controls have an effect on the issue?
No, it’s extra about minimizing frustration. Basic followers can select tank controls if they like, however trendy gamers can extra simply get into the sport this manner. So far as fight goes, we faithfully carried over the Issen crucial system from the unique recreation. It received’t be any simpler to carry out crucial assaults, since we expect the crucial system was actually finely balanced within the authentic recreation.
Are you able to elaborate on one of many recreation’s defining options: the ally system?
It’s one of many defining parts of Onimusha 2. You may give presents to different characters and type relationships with them. In return, they’ll assist out Jubei in battles. Typically, you may management these characters, as properly.
Was something altered for this technique within the remaster?
Like Issen, I believe the ally system was well-balanced, so I didn’t should make any tweaks or drastic adjustments. We thought of including a gauge over the characters’ heads to point your relationship standing, however that wouldn’t categorical the depth of the characters. So that you must decide, by way of their response, the facial expressions, the feedback they provide you, how they really feel in regards to the present.
Heaven or Hell?
What are your ideas on the brand new non-compulsory Hell problem the place any hit means instantaneous loss of life?
It’s positively not for all gamers. That is one thing like a problem from the builders, particularly for these gamers who brag about their expertise. We actually need gamers to expertise epic sword battles stuffed with stress.
I haven’t been capable of full this mode but, however we figured that if even one particular person on the planet can full this recreation, that will probably be OK. One other group member has been capable of full this new hell mode, so we all know it’s not unattainable. So I hope that gamers, particularly those that have faith of their expertise, will play it. Even when you don’t, you may progress a bit of at a time by incessantly saving. After all, when you full it, that’ll be superb!
Are you able to inform us in regards to the additions of mini-games like The Man in Black, Workforce Oni, and Puzzle Phantom Realm?
Workforce Oni is a recreation the place you undergo levels, not simply with Jubei however with your allies, and you may change between them. It’s essential to change in allies and use gadgets strategically. Puzzle Phantom Realm is a sequence of puzzles to unravel. You’ll encounter puzzle sections within the regular recreation, however that is simply back-to-back puzzles, testing your fixing expertise. Lastly, there’s ‘The Man in Black.’ Jubei has a particular outfit the place he’s wearing black, head to toe. As a substitute of battling enemies, the purpose is to gather movies at numerous places. These all have a special vibe from the principle recreation, and are enjoyable in distinct methods.
Enduring Legacies
Onimusha 2 concerned many massive names in Japanese leisure in its creation: longtime TV and recreation scriptwriter Noboru Sugimura, famed artist and particular results director Keita Amemiya, and the likeness of legendary actor Yusaku Matsuda. How did this ensemble come collectively?
We wished the world to be a mix of Japanese and Western style. Sugimura actually had a deep information and respect for the period of Japanese historical past this recreation takes place. He got here up with so many nice concepts for the ally characters. When Sugimura and I had been discussing what sort of character design we wished, he got here up with the concept of getting Keita Amemiya as the principle artist of the sport. He made actually distinctive and compelling character designs, shaping the visuals of Onimusha 2. You’ll be capable to see plenty of his work within the new Gallery mode.
After we had been finalizing the bottom mannequin for Jubei, Miyuki Matsuda, the widow of Yusaku Matsuda, got here to the Capcom workplace to information the group. She was hands-on in guiding us on tips on how to tweak the face mannequin, so it might look similar to Matsuda. I felt all the eagerness and love Miyuki nonetheless had towards Yusaku. That was actually one thing memorable.
Any last ideas in regards to the recreation?
Onimusha 2 was the primary title I directed, and I’m glad I might return to the remaster as a director once more. We hope new gamers will take pleasure in all of the quality-of-life options, which make it simpler to get into this recreation. I hope you take pleasure in it, even when you haven’t performed an Onimusha recreation earlier than.
Onimusha 2 Samurai’s Future launches on PlayStation Might 23.