Capcom’s acclaimed franchise is finally making its triumphant return to the action genre next month following a lengthy two-decade hiatus. While the upcoming title preserves core series staples—such as intense sword combat, demonic hordes, legendary samurai lore, and the iconic Oni Gauntlet—it introduces exciting innovations. Set during the early Edo period, the game features an expansive “open-town” district in historic Kyoto. Stepping into the lead role is the legendary historical swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, whose character model is modeled after the legendary late actor Toshirō Mifune. Perhaps most intriguingly, an enigmatic woman named Shizuka resides directly within Musashi’s cursed gauntlet.
Despite her ethereal and phantom-like presence, Shizuka maintains an active dialogue with Musashi throughout the journey. As detailed in our recent Game Informer cover feature, I traveled to Capcom’s headquarters in Osaka to spend hours hands-on with Onimusha: Way of the Sword and interview the development team. Naturally, uncovering Shizuka’s true purpose within the narrative was a top priority.
Unlike previous protagonists such as Samanosuke Akechi and Jūbei Yagyu—who readily embraced Oni abilities—Musashi is a purist who wishes to achieve mastery through raw skill alone. He deeply resents the supernatural power forced upon him by the gauntlet. Director Satoru Nihei explains, “Musashi aims to conquer the path of the sword through his own strength. Pairing him with an unwanted power creates a compelling dynamic and a stark contrast to our past protagonists.”
While the exact catalyst for Musashi acquiring the gauntlet remains under wraps, his immediate impulse is to rip it off. He believes that relentlessly hunting Genma and harvesting their souls will grant him release. “However, as the narrative unfolds and he matures, his perspective on the gauntlet gradually evolves,” Nihei notes.
Shizuka undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in this psychological shift. Though the early hours offer only subtle hints regarding her motivations, an unmistakable chemistry develops between the two. Whether it blossoms into camaraderie, romance, or something deeper, this solitary swordsman will inevitably grow to value her companionship. Despite requiring Musashi to eventually secure her freedom, she carries a quiet remorse for dragging him into this supernatural conflict.
Discussing Shizuka’s genesis, lead writer Hiroshi Yamashita explains that she was initially conceived to bridge the gap for a global audience. “Designing an open-district Kyoto meant many players might not grasp the historical and cultural context,” Yamashita states. “Having Musashi wander the streets muttering to himself would feel entirely unnatural. Introducing a support companion like Shizuka provided a seamless narrative vehicle to explain the lore, introduce the Genma, and guide the player.”
Rather than serving a purely mechanical function, the writing team deeply wove her into the fabric of the main plot. Yamashita elaborates, “There is a definitive backstory. Following a tragic incident, she found refuge within the gauntlet. Bound without a physical form and unable to fight, she must entrust her ultimate mission to Musashi.”
Although Musashi and Shizuka frequently clash early on, their turbulent rapport transforms as the plot thickens, positioning her as a cornerstone of the overarching narrative.
To avoid the trope of the grating, intrusive video game companion, Yamashita confirmed that the team studied historical examples of both successful and failed sidekicks. Based on my three-hour hands-on session at Capcom HQ, those efforts paid off—Shizuka’s presence feels organic and unobtrusive.
Players won’t have to wait long to experience her story firsthand, as Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches on September 4.
Stay tuned as we continue our month-long deep dive into Capcom’s revival. We will be dropping exclusive gameplay showcases, developer interviews, and behind-the-scenes features over on the Game Informer YouTube channel. Bookmark the Onimusha: Way of the Sword hub to catch every update!
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