I recently dusted off my PS2 to revisit Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, and holy demon-slaying katana! This 2001 gem still holds up spectacularly in 2025, mainly thanks to Capcom's genius move of giving us FIVE playable characters instead of the original duo. Jubei Yagyu might be the poster boy, but the real magic happens when you dive into Team Oni mode with Magoichi, Oyu, Kotaro, and Ekei. Let's dissect this motley crew of demon hunters and see who makes my controller vibrate with joy!
🔫 Magoichi Saiga: The Stoic Sniper
That stone-faced marksman with unlimited rifle ammo sounds OP on paper, right? Well, hold your demon horses! Sure, he never runs out of bullets (unlike Jubei's pea-shooter), but Capcom balanced him by making his dagger mandatory in most combos. Watching him stir drama with Ekei is comedy gold though! His flash bombs and heated bullets are neat tricks, but honestly? Playing him feels like ordering a five-course meal and getting served appetizers. Tasty, but not quite fulfilling.
🛡️ Oyu: The Reliable (But Predictable) Heroine
Bless her heart – she's the only guaranteed companion in every playthrough. Sword-and-board warrior? Classic! Her light-infused blade does decent damage, and thrown knives add spice. But let's be real: her range feels like swatting demons with a toothpick compared to others. That shield? Purely cosmetic since everyone can block. She's the dependable Toyota Camry of the group – gets you from point A to B without thrills.
🥷 Kotaro Fuma: The Mischievous Phantom
This lil' ninja rascal stole my heart! His dagger hits like wet noodles initially, but BOY does he compensate with speed! His invisibility-decoy combo is pure gaming cocaine – watching demons slap his clone while I backstab them never gets old. Plus, his constant pranks and gift-begging antics make cutscenes hilarious. Pro tip: Pair him with Jubei for maximum chaotic energy!
⚡ Ekei Ankokuji: The Thunder Thicc Monk
Don't let his love for booze and "cheap women" fool you – this mountain of a man MOVES! His spear attacks blend Jubei's elegance with Thor's wrath. That talisman throw? Chef's kiss! But his pièce de résistance is the group paralysis special – nothing beats freezing a demon mob mid-charge and going full lawnmower on them. Plus, his emotional depth sneaks up on you like a backstab from Kotaro.
⚔️ Jubei Yagyu: The Swiss Army Samurai
Our main man lives up to the hype! Four elemental weapons (plus a secret fifth!), upgradable armor, and that glorious Onimusha transformation? Sheesh! Lightning katanas? Check. Screen-clearing earth hammers? Double check. He's basically Capcom's love letter to power fantasy. Balanced? Absolutely. Boring? NEVER. Still, after 24 years, I wonder...
🤔 People Also Ask
- "Can you beat Onimusha 2 with only side characters?"
Absolutely! Team Oni mode exists precisely for this glorious chaos.
- "Why no New Game+?"
Capcom's cruel joke – but the character variety compensates!
- "Who has best crowd control?"
Ekei's paralysis special wins, though Jubei's earth hammer comes close.
- "Most replay value in 2025?"
Kotaro's stealth tricks create endless improvisation opportunities.
So here's my burning question for fellow gamers: In an era of hyper-realistic graphics, does this PS2 classic's character diversity teach modern devs something about replayability? Does raw innovation trump graphical polish? Grab your controller and decide – I'll be over here transforming into a demon for the 1000th time. 😈
