Onimusha 3 swings for the fences with Jean Reno in modern Paris and Samanosuke jumping into feudal Japan. Huge set pieces, gleeful swordplay and unforgettable cutscenes. Pure pulp magic.
Your verdict
Category
Action Adventure1 player16+
Description
A Japanese/European Capcom edition released in 2004 (Australia, Japan, Europe), the third main entry in Onimusha. Samanosuke and French police officer Jacques Blanc (played by Jean Reno) travel through time between Sengoku and modern Paris. Released in North America as "Demon Siege" .
Onimusha 3 review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Mixing medieval Japan and modern Paris, the game unfurls settings of new breadth and spectacular cutscenes. The richness of the environments and the snappy staging elevate the struggle against the demons. This visual generosity, dark and polished, marks the peak of the series.
Broad and martial, the orchestral score blends dramatic strings and Japanese percussion to accompany the sword fights in a demon-haunted Japan. Each clash rises like an epic fresco of cinematic intensity. This sonic grandeur, polished and immersive, elevates the fury of the duels.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Slicing through hordes of demons with the blade, parrying to the millimetre and triggering devastating counters: katana action reaches an exhilarating fluidity here. The snappy pace, the spectacular bosses and the epic staging carry every battle. Gorgeous, intense and masterfully crafted, a peak of Japanese action-adventure that weds flair and instant thrill.
The Western release of Onimusha 3, the series' high point, which throws its samurai into modern-day Paris opposite a character played by actor Jean Reno. Still common in Europe and the United States, its interest lies in this spectacular ambition and its status as the trilogy's peak rather than scarcity. A prime piece for fans of feudal action and Franco-Japanese crossovers.
Is Onimusha 3 still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2004 on PS2, Capcom's project widens the series' ambition by crossing the fate of the samurai Samanosuke with that of a French soldier played by Jean Reno, between present day Paris and feudal Japan. The combat drops the fixed camera for more dynamic three dimensional environments, clearly smoothing the action. The spectacular staging and the duality of the two heroes feed an ample narrative. Some time hopping back and forth weighs the pace down. A peak of the saga, recommended for fans of Japanese action and of demonic swordplay with cinematic flair.
