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Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s Stamina Bar Is a Misstep the Series Didn’t Need

Adding a stamina bar to Onimusha: Way of the Sword risks stripping Musashi of his fast identity.

A warrior battles a mythical creature in a dark, atmospheric setting, surrounded by debris and a glowing orb in the background.
A warrior battles a mythical creature in a dark, atmospheric setting, surrounded by debris and a glowing orb in the background.
alexa author
By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

  • Primary Subject: Onimusha: Way of the Sword
  • Key Update: Early gameplay footage of Onimusha: Way of the Sword revealed that combat is governed by a stamina meter, forcing players to manage the meter mid-fight while battling Genma demons.
  • Status: Confirmed / Opinion
  • Last Verified: August 10, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Onimusha: Way of the Sword introduces a stamina bar mechanic that requires players to manage pacing and meter recovery during fights with Miyamoto Musashi.

Capcom's Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a game I’m looking forward to, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit concerned about one gameplay mechanic in particular.

Miyamoto Musashi is synonymous with unmatched sword mastery, rapid adaptation, and overall being a master duelist. So why is he being limited by a stamina bar in Way of the Sword?

It's the worst decision they could have made and a major design flaw, if you ask me.

Adding a Stamina Bar to Onimusha: Way of the Sword Is Just Wrong

Miyamoto Musashi is meant to be a hyper-agile, fast-paced warrior. So when I learned that I’ll need to pause mid-combo or back off from Genma demons to let a green stamina bar refill strips that way.

A warrior battles a monstrous creature in a dark, atmospheric setting, with dramatic lighting highlighting the action.
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Credit: CAPCOM Co., Ltd

It makes it seem like Musashi is a newbie sword wielder, not a legend like he actually is. Having to step back before acting out a lethal offense to wait for a stamina bar to recharge feels completely antithetical to the character's legacy.

Classic Onimusha was so great because of its unadulterated tension. Fights with demons felt thrilling as you waited for the exact microsecond of its swing, and hit back with a frame-perfect Issen counter.

READ MORE: Onimusha: Way of the Sword Preview: Hands-On Impressions

Including stamina management in the game forces players to stop focusing on enemy attack animation cues and start staring at their own meters. People will no longer appreciate the martial arts and swordplay, and that’s a trade-off an Onimusha title shouldn't be making.

A scene depicting a character facing a large, monstrous creature with a fiery, textured body in a dark, forested environment. The character is equipped with a sword and preparing to engage in battle.
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Credit: CAPCOM Co., Ltd

I get they’re probably trying to be more Soulslike. But that’s the thing- not every game needs to be Soulslike. There are dozens of dark fantasy games with stamina meters. Copying the stamina bar trend robs Way of the Sword of its own unique flair. I want Onimusha to celebrate its identity of lightning-fast blade combat, not force itself into the Soulslike box.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword comes out on September 4. I hope they prove me wrong and that the stamina bars don’t feel limiting, but I’m not optimistic.

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