Why You Should Play Onimusha: Warlords Again
You Get to Relive a Bygone Era of Capcom Game Design
Capcom in the late ’90s and early 00’s revolutionized the survival horror genre, releasing titles that range from the iconic (Resident Evil) to the cult-classic (Dino Crisis).
And while this golden era wouldn’t last forever, few could deny that Capcom was at the top of their game during those years.
Games of this vintage are distinctive for several design choices, some of which are infamous. Chances are, if you ever played these older Capcom games, you’ve made your peace with tank controls, and nothing we say here will change your opinion.
Whether you love them or loathe them you know what to expect.
Fixed camera angles allowed the developer to add a sense of foreboding to the proceedings. Taking away the players ability to see what might be around the next corner is incredibly effective at building tension, but it does take some getting used to.
Onimusha’s action takes place in cramped hallways, with foes coming at Samonoske from multiple directions, which keeps the pressure on and adrenaline pumping.
Prerendered backgrounds, which might seem dated in today’s era of HD visuals, are another product of a bygone era. They make the player feel like they are exploring a painting.
Onimusha’s backgrounds are a beautiful mixture of’ Sengoku era backdrops and landscapes, and the halls and hidden passages of Inubayama Castle are fully realized, if not as iconic as the Spencer Mansion.
