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Superb Action Title Improved for Xbox

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 23
Date: February 05, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Onimusha was and is a great game for the PS2. However, the staggering amount of improvements to this Xbox version--Genma Onimusha--now makes the original game nearly unplayable.

There is a new group of levels; some new (and very protective) armor that can be obtained by going through a very challenging Xbox-only area; rearranged secrets and objectives; 30 "bonus" Flourites to find versus only 20 in the original; and mildly improved graphics. The graphics upgrade is akin to Resident Evil 2 on DC vs. PS1--that is, primarily just sharper, anti-aliased character models and better lighting.

Now the really important changes! The new game has a new Green Soul component, which completely alters gameplay. Green Souls are actually fought over in tugs of war with enemies. If you win and collect 5 you can boost into temporary invincibility and recover some health. If any given enemy wins, they transform into a bloody red powerhouse.

Also, the magic power-up and sword systems are all improved upon and enhanced. Now, both sword and magic systems can be powered up to 3 more times to unleash increasingly impressive attacks. A level 3 lightning sword burst looks awesomely painful. Much strategy is involved too, as powering up requires dropping guard and holding the attack button down.

All these new elements really add up to a much more challenging, more strategic, and more exciting Onimusha. Don't let the PS2 and Resident Evil design origins fool you, this game is Xbox-worthy and also manages to make the Resident Evil design work in a high action title (something which many are dubious about until they play the game, myself once included).

This overlooked Beauty is a Great Value at a used price!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: July 10, 2002
Author: Amazon User

As fall 2002 nears, the Xbox is going to see an onslaught of incredible games. This holiday season is going to make non-xbox owners very envious. But before all of that occurs...
Take the time to look into Genma Onimusha. I have put about ten hours into this game and I am absolutely loving it. There is a touch of resident evil here with gorgeous backgrounds and superb character design, but the action is much faster paced and more satisfying.
The production values are extremely high with the music being some of the best video game music ever. The graphics and overall package really sweep you up into the samurai experience.
I've read that the Xbox version is harder and more complex than the PS2 version, but as I've never played it, this one seems great to me. The difficulty level is perfect with a few levels needing to be replayed but you always eventually get through.
The level ups are a lot of fun as you build up stones for a gauntlet on your arm that allows for magic attacks through your sword. Some heinously difficult level bosses can be smacked down with some upper level magic/sword attacks.
Add to this some very clever and original puzzle door locks and secret passageways and you have an awesome action game with plenty of fantastic art design and a thorougly in-depth experience.
Capcom needs to make a lot more of games like this!
If you can find Genma Onimusha at a used price I recommend you jump all over it.

THIS IS THE REVIEW TO READ!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 9
Date: February 23, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Yes, the controls are awful for the first 30 minutes! After you have adjusted to that you will be playing one of the best xbox games ever! I warn you the controls will seem terrible at first, but after a while you will have enormous fun with this game! My favorite games for the x-box are "Buffy the vampire slayer", "Genma Onimusha" and Halo. My favorite PC games are Deus EX, System Shock, and Half-life. If you just use a little patience with this game you will have a lot of fun.

p.s. the doll will give you nightmares!!
YOU WILL HATE THE CONTROLS AT FIRST!! THIS IS COMING FROM A DEDICATED FPS FAN!! GET OVER IT AND KEEP PLAYING, THIS GAME ROCKS!!

WHOA! THIS GAME IS AWESOME! - NON STOP ACTION THRILLER!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: February 01, 2002
Author: Amazon User

ok this is what this game is all about.
first off it's a resident evil/dino crisis type game with pre-rendered backgrounds (which is very cool).
it also has lots of fantasticly brilliant lighting effects that bedazzle the eyes when you use your swords magical abilities and also when you "catch souls" in your arm gauntlet.
genma onimusha is a survival horror game with a japanese twist to it, you basically go around and slash monsters to death, catch their souls (to level up your swords, become invunerable, boost your magic meter for the sword, and regain health and TRY TO STAY ALIVE!) there are many different weapons in this game including several swords (that grow in length size and power depending on its level) a bow and arrow and a early old time flintlock pistol (very cool). there are many puzzles that you have to solve to progress further into deeper levels of the game, or stay alive. the levels in this game somtimes can be very creepy! and cool creepy fog in the lower levels too. the combat gets VERY INTENSE, in that you have to catch the monsters slain souls before the other living monsters you're battling take them from you, some times you even have to tap the a button rapidly to "out pull" the soul from the monster fighting you for it, (when fighting several at a time at that!) if you're not crafty and quick in capturing the green souls the MONSTERS will take them from you and turn RED and get FURIOUS then ATTACK with outright VENGANCE (an excellent feature of this game).
this game is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! DON'T LET PEOPLE TELL YOU DIFFERENT!
it also has HUGE BOSSES that require special tactics to kill and rewards for killing them after you do so.
to sum up GENMA ONIMUSHA, ill say this IT IS THE BEST GAME OUT RIGHT NOW PERIOD! IT TAKES THE #1/AAA GAME FOR XBOX CROWN AS OF RIGHT NOW!
THIS IS A MUST BUY GAME, NOT A RENTAL. A PERMANENT EDITION TO YOUR XBOX LIBRARY.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!

Resident Evil in Sengoku era Japan-what could be better?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: May 12, 2002
Author: Amazon User

The general consensus of Genma Onimusha is that it is too difficult. Well, it is-at least at first, particularly if you've played the PS2 version. You won't be able to hack n' slash your way through this one. Once you learn how to use the block button and the game's new special features (like charging up your weapons and using the invincibilty provided by green souls) it becomes far easier. You are forced to fight in a more defensive, well thought out manner , using your magic and items judiciously rather than blindly lashing out at everything. This takes patience so if you're easily frustrated Genma isn't for you. Still, despite being an average gamer at best, I was able to defeat the game on difficult mode along with all of the side quests without too many problems so with a little work everyone should be able to master the game.The new features really add to the game. If you are a PS2 version vet, ignore them at your own risk. The green souls can make you invincible and add to your health but will be sucked up by your enemies, turning them into furious berzerk red killing machines, if you don't get them first. There is another difficluty level to be unlocked, the aforementioned charging of weapons and magic attacks, and new enemies. One of these is the possessed adorable doll from hell, Ayame (same name as my fiance, which just makes it better for me!). Everyone seems to hate the near-indestructible Ayame, but with magic attacks, blocking, and charged weapons (or even better, the Bishamon Sword) you can kill her every time. And the payoff for sending her along is enormous! Still, keep your ears open for the tinkling of bells, girlish giggling, a glimpse of a little head, or the sudden appearance of pots in a hall where they weren't before. Ayame also likes to hide inside chests and make you think she's somewhere when she isn't. I like the unpredictability this brings to the game, and of course, since this game is so much like RE Ayame is serving the same function as Nemesis. That'll teach you to remove the Saito family crest from her lap!The game has 4 minigames/side quests as well. The Oni Spirits minigame unlocks after beating the game. Now, talk about hard...use a bullet when you shouldn't, hesitate a second, or kill a creature a second late...and you lose! The game has 12 levels of pot busting action, limited time, and enemies that can make you lose in a matter of seconds. It's beatable but extremely frustrating as you can't save at any point. Win it and get access to Ultimate Mode, enabling you to blow through the regular game and mercilessly obliterate everything in your path.There are two different Dark Realm side quests (one 10 level Realm with a secret key, and a 20 level one with the Bishamon Ocarina needed to unlock the all mighty Bishamon Sword). Best of all is the Ogre Tower that is unlocked with the secret key. 5 floors of 6 levels each, this contains the most powerful and numerous enemies in the game. When playing through it in difficult mode it is ridiculously challenging-the final level features parades of Moles, Dark Spider Ninjas, 4 (!) huge red Ogre bosses (2 at a time, no less), Soul Armors, everyone's favorite doll Ayame, and the lightning fast and deadly suit of haunted armor, the Tower Warrior. After this floor the final two bosses in the game, Marcellus and Fortinbras, seem like a Sunday School picnic.Best of all, the game is based on actual Japanese history (and allowing the characters to speak in subtitled Japanese makes this even cooler). Samanosuke's family name is Akechi, and it was an Akechi (Mitsuhide, I think) that assasinated Oda Nobunaga in the 1570's (this would work great as a sequel, but Onimusha 2 looks like it's using legendary warrior Fuma Kotaro as the hero instead). Okehazama (where Oda is shown as being killed in the game opening movie) was a pivotal battle in Japanese history. The Saito family castle in Inabayama (where most of the game takes place) was attacked by Oda at the time the game takes place and was conquered a couple of years later (and renamed Gifu by Oda). Putting the game in a historical framework makes it work a lot better. For those who care, Toei Movieland Amusement Park in Kyoto, Japan has a haunted house filled with demons and victims that looks like it was pulled straight from this game.All in all, this game has a lot to offer for those who are willing to work with it. Great graphics, sounds (give a listen to the soundtrack CD sometime-a full orchestra and great all on its own), extras, and secrets. Challenging but not impossible. Decent replay value, and Samanosuke's extra Panda costume with frolicking little pal (who actually has a function-he points out hidden items) has to be seen to be believed. The way-too-large-even-for-adults Xbox controller makes life a little tougher here. Great gaming with the best opening movie and "attract mode" you're likely to see!

Onimusha= Champion- CHAMPION OF ALL XBOX GAMES

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 24, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is by far the best Xbox game that I own. I have played the PS2 version at a friend's, but Genma Onimusha is a little different. The green souls are an added on feature which makes you invincible for a few seconds (great for beating bosses) and three element orbs, which you can enhance and attach to your sword to use magic attacks. There are new enemies in different places and tweaking of items in different locations and an additional sidequest towards the end of the game. If you have an Xbox and looking for a great Action/Adventure game, pick up Genma Onimusha.

PS- The controls are difficult at first but you will get used to them! I've played Genma Onimusha so much, that it feels strange to play a game with the joystick!

Excellent graphics!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is by far the best video game I have ever played. Took me a while to beat and I am still working on getting the S rank. If anyone is looking for an action game that has blood and gore, this is it.

Like Resident Evil for XBOX, but BETTER

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: November 11, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game has been said to be just a port or copy of the PS2 game Onimusha. This isnt a port. This is Genma Onimusha.
Having played and beaten the PS2 Onimusha on hard level. I must say that this Genma Onimusha for XBOX can be crazy hard! The easy level on Genma Onimusha is a tad bit tougher than the normal level on PS2!! And it only get tougher.
There is a new tug of war system now for the green souls. Instead of just taking them in to enhance your swords, the monsters now want the green souls and will try very hard to suck them in. This adds alot to gameplay. 1st, while your trying to suck up the green soul against a monster trying to do the same, you are VERY vunerable to attacks from other monsters. So most of the time you have to let the green soul go just to defend yourself.
2nd, if the monsters get the green soul they will become what Resident Evil players call "crimson heads" Look out!
And if a Boss gets a green soul.... oh boy.. your gone!!
There are monsters here that were not even in the PS2 version!
But even with the toughness of the bosses and even with the numbers of monsters you'll encounter, this game is fun! The graphics are very nice and the soundtrack is perfect. For the few pennys you'll pay for this game you just have to have this game. If you pay a hundred dollars or one dollar for any game you have, this game must be played by survival horror fans.
Plus.......the trick box puzzles are fun too!
Hope this helps and i hope you play it.

good

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 10
Date: February 22, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I like this game. it is good. uhhhhh ok let's go.

Really cool but hard.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 27, 2002
Author: Amazon User

saving princesses killing demons and sucking souls all you need in a game. I've played the ps2 version but this is much better. The new areas. The new deathblow moves oh yeah one thing I hate,... Chuckies Japanese ancestor, wasn't in the ps2 version you'll be running screaming ahhh evil doll. It is like a whole new game. I'm probly going to buy it for xbox even though I have it on ps2.

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