Onimusha 3: Demons Siege

[venom743]

Ive been playing this quite a bit and im just about to finish it. This game is IMO the best in the series. The combat's a lot deeper which is why you have a training mode which enables you to practice things like the numerous counter attacks(issen), 10-hit slashes etc. For those who are early into the game, stick with it. Its a great game and gets a lot better with progress. The bosses get a LOT better!

[vich]

has anyone tried it with the Katana controller. I have the Katana and memory card but not the game > .>
waiting for US one as plot would be unknown. Then again they might do an Onimusha 2 (dubbed.. ..)

thnx~


.bikutaa

[TheOnimusha]

arrows and so on, whilst pressing in the R3 stick transforms yourself into a powered up version of your charecter which is now thankfully controllable rather than Oni 2 whereby as soon as you got the 5th orb you would transform automatically.

btw this control over your powered up character was already in the Xbox version of Onimusha 1 (i.e. Genma Onimusha - which was aimed at hardcore gamers)

The feedback I have had from elsewhere is that the western releases will be slightly different than the Japanese release. There will be a higher difficulty level and talk of more enemies, so the vets don't find it too easy

Someone also mentioned the choreography in the opening CG. Apparently they used Donnie Yen (top martial arts choreographer)

[Che Musashi]

I got this game and beat it. What a cool demon slaying game Capcom has made? But I have me one question how do I change Samsanoke and Jacku's costumes to their alternate ones?

[Chadruharazzeb]

When's the mofo'ing US verions out?

[Ghogom]

Great game! Great Capcom. I finished it last monday and, *surprise*, the final save was about: 9h 55min!!!! Incredible lasting for action game like that.
Graphic is incredible, great and strong characters, Michelle too, superlative soundtrack, very very intersting story and fantastic gameplay! All Capcom's games shall to be like this.
And now, prepare for Onimusha 4...!

the FMV after the staff roll show a new evil character who takes the place of Nobunaga...

Spoiler-tagged the spoiler - PeteJ

[dreamylittledream]

When's the mofo'ing US verions out?

Ign & DVDBO have it for the 28th April

Videogames.co have it for May 5th...

So a month or so to wait

[dreamylittledream]

Well my US copy turned up yesterday so I've just spent the last few hours getting aquainted.

I have to say I'm impressed...the opening CGI is jaw dropping and the plot kicks in right from the opening.

Having throughly enjoyed the previous two games, I have to say the new analogue control is a delight...giving the game a certain nod towards DMC, although with the new freedom it would have veen nice to have a jump comand. Still thats not was Omnimusha is all about.

The voice acting seems okay so far...although sadly no japanese vocal...jean reno does initially speak in French however.

Still I'm impressed so far

(I've not yet played Ninja gaiden in reference to earlier comments in the thread so I can't compare...lack of chipped X Box)

[Chadruharazzeb]

Excellent.

Should be ordering my copy this week.

[Chadruharazzeb]

Why dub the Japanese actors but not the French?? Do Capcom find their native language offensive?

I wish they'd listen to people when they say they'd like a choice whether to have dubs or subs. I can't imagine why they don't and it annoys me.

Looks pretty nice though, I can't get the moves working properly on stick so I've reverted to good ol' Onimusha D-Pad controls. Now I can kick the bastards against the wall and stab them while they're down!

[dreamylittledream]

It gets worse tho'...Reno only voices his character in french....about 30 mins into the game he changes to a cheezy American accent - could they only afford half an hour of real french actor dialogue I wonder.

Still Onimusha has always had the entertaining capcom over acting - would be a shame to see it abscent.

Still really enjoying this - about a third of the way through now - nothing too challenging so far, but plenty of simple fun.

I have been having no problem with the analogue controls at all...infact the very thought of having to use the RE turn on a sixpence style makes me shudder with fear.

Gotta love Reno's red extendable sword too!

[marcus]

That is a great weapon. The only issue I have with the analogue control system is that I find it quite difficult to pull of certain moves, like the kick for example, as the system doesnt appear to be as accurate as the D pad in this respect. I still use it though, and its a preferable system.

[dreamylittledream]

Well I clocked this the other night (hence the games presence now in the sales folder) so I thought I'd post my final comments...

Overall the game is a simple evolution rather then any great revolutions for the Onimusha format. The change to analogue to control was needed, although as had been pointed out isn't perfect. It adds much needed fluidity to the combat, although occasionally it still feels clumsy and I found the critical hit counter attack moves very erratic.

The plot is ultimatly a bit thin - largely a retreading of previous ground - and the sub characters Ako, Henri and Michelle add little and irritate hugely in places. The script is dire and whilst the voice acting improves as the game continues it would have been much improved if kept in the original languages with subtitles (Reno's own vocal is sooooo much more convincing then his cheezy American dub).

Gameplay wise the tweaks keep things smooth and enjoyable but the game is very lacking in challenge - I had few problems and the vast number of health powerups Ako finds you means even the bosses hold little challenge. It took me about 12 hours or so... The weapon design at first seems neat (Enja Reno's red sword is excellent as is Samoneske's light twin sword) but just like the earlier games the subsequent weapons add little then a vareity of magic to deal death to the bosses.

Graphically the game is impressive rather then stunning - Nobunaga's demon form is very impressive at the end but you don't really get the feeling the game is pushing the PS2 too hard. The realtime 3d backgrounds don't really change the feel of the game at all and there are a couple of long sequences in very dull areas that seem a little drawn out.

The lack of any even slightly complicated puzzles disappoints too. The character switch dynamic is nicely handled at first - but never really developed. And I wish Capcom had disposed of those damned slide puzzle boxes - they were simplistic and stupid in the first game - now they are just plain dated.

I sound a little negative now so I will stress I got 10 very enjoyable hours out of the game - however Onimusha 3 has few surprises or twists to the sound gameplay established in the first two games. Its recommended to any one who liked the earlier games - just don't go expecting miracles - its well executed, immaculatly presented, but nevertheless a little shallow and hollow at the centre.

A solid but slightly uninspired 7 from me then...

(The Shadow of Rome trailor also on the disc looks stunning however)

[marcus]

Im past the zoo area and on my way to the mountain. I still think the best parts of the Onimusha series are the Dark Realm areas, they are quite addictive and perhaps the only challenging part of the game thus far in. The critical slash move is, as said above, rather erratic but nice when it is pulled off. Have you been able to chain them as yet? I agree also on the charecters and script, the fairy and kid are really pointless and annoying. For me the series is looking tired now, I dont know if a 4th is in store or not but to be honest I think it should be put to bed now as creative ideas appear to of been exhausted.

[PeteJ]

Yes indeed, the game needs an update the size of Biohazard 4 if there is to be a sequel. I thought Oni3 was really well made and very enjoyable, but very ordinary and tired.

There is a great moment towards the end though, where you'll get a succession of 5+ critical slash chains.