Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is back as an official remaster and there have been multiple improvements across every facet of the game from combat, movement, controls, and even a new difficulty known as Hell Mode. Fortunately for those who did not play the original Onimusha, the story of Onimusha 2 can stand independently with a new protagonist Junbei, without knowledge of the previous game. Aside from the massive graphics overhaul that captures the HD aesthetic well, there are several changes to gameplay such as auto-save, and weapon changes mid-battle, and the biggest change is analog stick support. Previously you would be stuck using your controller's D-pad to control the direction of your character which made everything feel 1 dimensional and like you were playing at an arcade. Do not worry if you enjoy the nostalgic feel of using the D-pad because there are Tank Controls where you can instead use your D-pad to move but I found this was far more difficult. Another underrated feature update is the ability to skip cutscenes which is more of a quality-of-life update but it is still nice to not have a cut scene ruin the rhythm you have established during combat. You will still need to master timing when it comes to parries, and depending on what type of weapon you prefer to use it will have different attack patterns and their elemental attacks.

Best Controller & Game Settings for Onimusha 2

A remaster that is as old as Onimusha 2 Samurai’s Destiny (2002 release) you will find that most of the controls are basic and easy to learn but there are few ways to further optimize your settings and controller for success. There are 2 main button layouts to choose from, Control Type A & B, and each of these only changes 2 elements of your controller which are your quick turn ability and map feature. For those who are used to a more FPS-style game, I would recommend using Control Type B which allows your right thumbstick to control Quick Turn similar to most FPS games where aiming is controlled with your right thumbstick. Quick turn allows you to instantly turn in the opposite direction and with enemies coming from every direction it can be a crucial move to land a last-minute parry. When used with the Bow and Arrow this also doubles as the fire mechanic which is a major time saver when facing multiple enemies in battle. The remaining settings are personal preferences like controller vibration which may be useful compared to FPS titles where your accuracy could be affected. Lastly, the best feature that was not originally included is the ability to swap weapons instantly, by holding your left trigger and using the D-pad you will be able to cycle through your weapons. This is a major advantage in battle where you may need to swap from long range to close range.

The KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips Advantage is a perfect match for Onimusha 2

In a hack-and-slash game like Onimusha 2 movement is a crucial part of combat and gameplay as you need to be in the right position with the right timing to flawlessly take down a rush of enemies. One pain point I have found with your standard Playstation or Xbox controller is how small the default analog stick is and the unfortunate slippage that can happen at the worst time. KontrolFreek’s No-Slip Thumb Grips are the perfect solution for anyone who is looking for that extra grip that seems to lack where it is most needed. Made of soft, ultra-grippy material these Thumb Grips fit snugly around any traditional PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch Pro controllers and provide immediate grip and comfort. The extra durability allows for limited wear and tear when applying or taking off your thumbsticks and they come in multiple colors so you can mix and match based on your preference.

Another great benefit of using KontolFreek’s Thumb grips is they can instantly rejuvenate any worn-out thumbstick and add much-needed grip for any retired or older controllers. As someone who has purchased several controllers due to basic wear and tear over the years while gaming it is the best product to place on old thumbsticks. They are also the perfect travel companion if you are constantly on the go or just headed over to a friend's house.

The Best Weapons to Use in Onimusha 2 for Jubei

The weapon selection in Oniumusha 2 creates a fun and exciting element to a traditional hack and slash with Bows, Axes, Swords, and even Spears. The new weapon swap feature makes combat even more fluid so knowing which weapon to use will ensure your victory. Although our main protagonist Jubei meets allies who can also join the fight with their unique weapons below are the best weapons to use based on your playstyle:

• Senpumaru: The fastest attack speed of all the weapons this is the best for any blitz attack where your speed will overwhelm any foe and can interrupt attacks that may deal lethal damage. If you like high mobility and choose speed over power this is a weapon that will allow you to be as aggressive as you want. This weapon also features a wind element that makes it great for crowd control when facing multiple enemies.

• Rekka-Ken: A lethal fire-based broadsword that is one of the late-game weapons you can use and it is by far the strongest. The flame explosion attack is great for AOE (area of effect) when surrounded by enemies on all sides and combined with powerful swings you can clear a group of foes instantly. Since it is a late-game weapon you will not be able to rely on this weapon early on but I would recommend this if you are playing on Hell Mode.

• Hyoujin-Yari: My favorite early game weapon, this spear is great because of its reach and its freezing effect can help you clear the mines and other tight areas. Being able to quickly dispatch enemies from a distance will allow you to set the tone for each battle and the freezing effect can help you slow enemies and prevent yourself from being surrounded. The attack speed is slower than most weapons but the reach you gain is a major benefit in early game, where you find yourself in close confined combat.

The majority of weapons can also be upgraded by spending souls at altars that are scattered throughout the levels so make sure to explore areas to find each one. As each weapon levels up their attack and abilities improve so there may be weapons that begin weaker but ultimately become the strongest once fully upgraded. Also as a helpful tip do not forget to absorb the souls of fallen foes, different colored souls have different benefits so make sure to capture them before they expire.