Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Onimusha 3: Demon Siege delivers a dynamic blend of fast-paced melee combat and strategic resource management that keeps players engaged from start to finish. As Samanosuke and Jacques, you’ll execute fluid combos using Oni-infused weapons—three swords for Samanosuke and three whips plus a handgun for Jacques—each offering a distinct playstyle. The satisfaction of chaining light and heavy attacks, then finishing off tougher foes with a well-timed demon soul strike, is a core pleasure of the experience.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Character progression hinges on absorbing souls from defeated Genma enemies. These souls function as a currency to upgrade weapons and armor at mystical shrines, encouraging exploration to gather materials. While Samanosuke and Jacques share similar upgrade trees, their distinct arsenals create divergent combat rhythms: Samanosuke’s swords emphasize close-quarters brutality, whereas Jacques’ whips and gun combo favors mid-range engagements and crowd control.

Puzzle-solving and item-fetching tasks add variety to the melee-heavy action. At times you’ll redirect power glyphs, navigate pressure-plate corridors, or retrieve ancient artifacts to unlock new areas. The Tengu guide Ako facilitates time-travel mechanics, requiring you to shuttle key items between 16th-century Japan and modern-day Paris. These interwoven puzzles provide welcome pacing breaks and deepen the narrative’s temporal intrigue.

Michelle’s sections shift the focus to ranged combat with guns and grenades, offering a breather from close-quarters skirmishes. Though she cannot upgrade her necklace-based power directly, she can harvest souls that transfer to Samanosuke or Jacques, bridging her gameplay back into the core progression loop. The balance of melee, ranged, and puzzle sequences ensures that each chapter feels fresh and purposeful.

Graphics

Breaking from its predecessors’ pre-rendered backgrounds, Demon Siege employs a fully 3D engine that brings both feudal Japan and modern Paris to life. Vibrant cherry blossoms flutter around Honnō-ji Temple, while moonlit rooftops glint in the city of light. Dynamic lighting effects accentuate the supernatural aura of Genma-infested locales, casting eerie shadows that heighten tension.

Character models receive meticulous attention, especially in cutscenes where Samanosuke’s stoic armor and Jacques’ trench coat capture the distinct sensibilities of each hero’s era. Facial animations convey determination and fear during pivotal moments, reinforcing emotional beats without relying on lengthy exposition. The Genma designs blend insectoid grotesquerie with demonic flourishes, making each boss encounter a visual spectacle.

Environmental details shine in both time periods: cobblestone streets crack under flaming Genma attacks in Paris, while ancient shrines creak with age as moss curls around weathered stone. Seamless camera work transitions from sweeping vistas to tight combat angles, ensuring you never lose sight of the action. Occasional frame-rate dips occur in the most chaotic battles, but they seldom disrupt the flow of combat.

Story

The narrative thrust of Demon Siege hinges on an ambitious time-travel premise that flips between 16th-century Japan and present-day Paris. After Samanosuke’s defeat by Nobunaga at Honnō-ji Temple, he is mysteriously whisked to modern France, only to find the Genma have invaded the City of Light. This bold setting swap revitalizes the franchise’s feudal roots with a contemporary thriller vibe.

French detective Jacques Blanc, modeled after and voiced by Jean Reno, collaborates with the displaced samurai in a fish-out-of-water partnership that fuels much of the game’s charm. Their clash-and-merge of cultures provides lighthearted banter without undercutting the overarching stakes: stopping Nobunaga and the Genma before both timelines collapse. Supporting characters like the Tengu Ako add mystical guidance, while Michelle’s role deepens personal stakes through her connections to Jacques.

Plot pacing cleverly alternates between cinematic cutscenes and in-engine storytelling. Epic confrontations with Genma warlords bookend quieter moments spent unraveling shrine mysteries and forging new alliances. Though certain plot twists can feel telegraphed, the emotional climaxes—particularly the brothers-in-arms rapport that develops between Samanosuke and Jacques—land with genuine weight.

Overall Experience

Onimusha 3: Demon Siege strikes an engaging balance of action, puzzle-solving, and narrative spectacle. Its ambitious dual-era design breathes fresh life into the franchise, making each locale feel distinct and purposeful. Combat remains addictively responsive, while the upgrade system rewards diligent exploration and experimentation with weapon skills.

Audio design amplifies the immersion: a sweeping orchestral score mingles European chorales with traditional Japanese flutes, underlining the game’s cross-cultural odyssey. Voice performances, particularly by Jean Reno as Jacques, lend authenticity to key characters, though some supporting dialogue can dip into melodrama. Overall, the mix of languages and accents enriches the world-building.

Lengthy boss battles and backtracking segments constitute the game’s primary challenges. Occasional backtracking through already-cleared zones can dull momentum, but the introduction of new enemy types and weapon abilities keeps repeat visits engaging. Achievements like uncovering hidden demon souls or mastering advanced combos deliver satisfying endgame goals for completionists.

For those seeking a robust action title with a memorable time-travel twist, Onimusha 3: Demon Siege remains a standout. Its marriage of historical drama and modern-day spectacle, paired with refined 3D combat, offers an experience that both longtime fans and newcomers can appreciate.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10