What the Genma Are Doing This Time Around in Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Following a remarkably long two-decade hiatus, Capcom’s legendary samurai franchise is finally staging a comeback. With Onimusha: Way of the Sword arriving next month, I recently journeyed to Capcom’s headquarters in Osaka, Japan. There, I went hands-on with unreleased segments of the game and interviewed the developers behind the project for Game Informer’s latest cover story. You can dive into the comprehensive feature article and explore all ongoing coverage over at the Onimusha: Way of the Sword hub.

Even after spending roughly three hours conquering the demo inside Capcom’s development studios, I found myself wondering about the overarching agenda of the Genma—the grotesque demonic forces terrorizing early Edo-period Kyoto. To get answers, I sat down with lead writer Hiroshi Yamashita.

“To paint the picture, we obviously feature the Genma within our version of Japan, alongside a netherworld of Hell ruled by the Oni clan,” Yamashita explains. “The Genma originated in that underworld realm, where the Oni managed to keep them contained. However, human bloodshed and societal crimes in the mortal plane generate a toxic, negative energy—a palpable malice—that acts as a beacon, drawing the Genma into our world.”

While the Oni are tasked with keeping the demonic horde at bay, a surge in worldly malevolence—coupled with specific narrative catalysts Yamashita kept under wraps to avoid spoilers—has torn mysterious spatial rifts across Kyoto, paving the way for a full-scale invasion.

“At their core, the standard Genma are driven by primal instincts: slaughter and consumption,” Yamashita continues. “They serve as relentless, mindless invaders fueled purely by bloodlust. That said, certain higher-ranking members within their hierarchy possess distinct intellect, harboring calculated agendas and personal ambitions far beyond simple chaos.”

As for what the Genma stand to gain from widespread destruction, Yamashita notes that acts of violence amplify the ambient malice. As this dark energy accumulates, it empowers these mastermind figures to execute a grander scheme. Disrupting this sinister objective forms the emotional and physical backbone of Musashi’s journey.

While Yamashita remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of that ultimate goal, my time visiting the studio confirmed that the recurring franchise antagonist Nobunaga will not be making an appearance. Rest assured, the demonic forces aren’t plotting another resurrection attempt for him.

Elite adversaries operating above foot-soldier status include formidable threats like Dokyo and Rasho-Gan. Dokyo, in particular, commands a terrifying screen presence, amplified by stellar voice work and a deeply integrated role in the overarching narrative of Way of the Sword. According to Yamashita, players will have to experience the full release next month to uncover her true significance.

My exploration of Capcom’s triumphant revival will continue all month long as part of Game Informer’s dedicated coverage hub. Expect exclusive gameplay showcases, developer deep dives, and Rapid-Fire interviews dropping regularly on the Game Informer YouTube channel. Bookmark the Onimusha: Way of the Sword coverage hub to stay completely up to date.

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• How Capcom Decided On Miyamoto Musashi For Its Onimusha: Way Of The Sword Protagonist
• Why Kyoto Was The Perfect Setting For Onimusha: Way Of The Sword
• Why 2026 Was The Year To Bring Onimusha Back After A 20-Year Gap

What are your theories on what the Genma are planning in Onimusha: Way of the Sword? Share your thoughts in the comments below!