• Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Mar 13, 2001
Metascore
86 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 100
    Steeped in style, sleight in substance, and superior in overall satisfaction.
  2. 100
    The extensive character techniques and engrossing story line will keep gamers glued to their controllers for hours.
  3. In my opinion this game ranks along side of "Metal Gear Solid" and "Deus Ex." This is a must buy for the avid gamer and even if you don’t care for adventure games it should be rented just to see how well the PS2 can pipe out graphics.
  4. It appears a new king has been crowned with the best graphical representation on the PS2 to date! The atmosphere is intense and gripping, keeping you thoroughly engrossed and on the edge of your seat.
  5. The biggest letdown of this game is just how short it is, though to open up everything does take a couple of runs through and you will want to play it again after that for sheer fun value alone! A truly gorgeous game, Onimusha Warlords is a must-buy for fans of the genre.
  6. Onimusha is one of the first ‘must have’ games for the PS2, if you enjoy the survival horror genre then this is a must have. But this is also a top title for action freaks alike.
  7. 89
    I especially liked the upgrade-able weapons systems, and the way in which different swords worked on varying monsters with stronger or weaker degrees. These things you figure out as you play along, but every time you fight a new monster, the thrill of hacking it to mincemeat is every bit real.
  8. Almost every ingredient, from the engrossing storyline, to the solid graphic engine and wondrous sound options brings this game to the forefront of the action genre.
  9. 88
    Fans of the "Resident Evil" series will love Onimusha, as the player has long overcome the small "nit-picky" problems inherent in the genre.
  10. It may not be a lengthy adventure, but it sure is an intense and gratifying one.
  11. Whether you’re old-school or newbie-fresh, there’s no getting away from the perennial curse of survival horror games: Cheesy Voice Acting.
  12. While die-hard Resident Evil fans will be turned off by the game's length, others will find it to be the survival-horror game for people who don't like survival-horror games.
  13. It may not be totally original-the blueprint for this game seems to have been lifted directly out of the "Resident Evil" file-but intuitive controls, outstanding graphics and a wonderfully unsettling soundtrack help this title rise to the top of the PS2 heap.
  14. Its amazing graphics and fun gameplay make this one of those games that you need to experience. Just watch out for those damn zombies.
  15. One amazing game. If you love hack and slash action or resident evil type games, you should definitely get this masterpiece, especially with the replay value.
  16. The fact that you get sent back to the original load screen every time our friend Samanoske meets his untimely death is unforgivable, but it's not something that should keep you away from an otherwise first-class game.
  17. Short and easy, but also polished and action-packed violent fun for the adult PS2 owners who haven't yet played "Code Veronica."
  18. If you can overlook minor perspective problems, Onimusha’s intense combat, stunning graphics, and involving story make this a masterpiece hotter than a mouthful of wasabi.
  19. Truly a gem of a game...The only problem I have with Onimusha is that it's a little too short. You can complete the adventure with a game time of five to six hours.
  20. Fits like a familiar old glove (or gauntlet), but smoother, better-fitting and lined in fine, Japanese, brocaded silk.
  21. Okay, so the (control) system allows for dramatic angles of spookiness and so forth but it all but kills a game. The fighting system is very poor too, as the computer does it all for you, all you have to do is keep hitting on the X button. Tripe!
  22. Even after a few years, Onimusha: Warlords is a decent game with some truly impressive qualities. Sadly, it’s also impressive how short this game manages to be.
  23. May disappoint some die-hard fans of survival horror because of its relatively short length and the way it occasionally trades action for atmosphere.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. take resident evil set it in ancient japan with demons instead of zombies and switch the guns with swords and you get this game. the games story is fairly decent the charicters are just ok i guess and the voice acting is bairly passable . the game is alot of fun though . the sword play and boss fights are great . there are some good puzzles to the game . i really liked the water puzzle . the graphics where great in there day . the real downer of this game is just how short it is . its easily beatin in just 3-4 hours which is just way to short . i do feel abit screwed just abit payin $50 for a game that can be beatin that fast. still its a fun game and the start of a solid new series. Full Review »
  2. 10
    Even with all the hype this game delivers, great graphics and extremely engaging story makes this game a must have for any PS2 owner. Just come with no expectations and let the game be what it is. Full Review »
  3. VarunB.
    9
    More than a good game, it's great...gamers will be amazed by the graphics and cinematics, while being engrossed in the story. The level up feature is pretty cool as well. The fighting system is easy to learn, and requires great timing to master. The game is quite short, but has some replay value...a good buy for the PS2. Full Review »