Onimusha: Way of the Sword – Single-Player but Competitive Speedrun Potential

Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Capcom's latest action-adventure title, has revealed surprising playtime numbers. According to an in-depth data analysis from VuaBong, this revival of the legendary franchise features a main campaign of 30–40 hours on Action difficulty – longer than Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata combined. However, what stands out is not just the length, but the content structure that could create an entirely new speedrun meta. With 36 boss encounters within roughly 30 hours of main playtime, the boss density of Onimusha approaches nearly one boss every 50 minutes. This presents a major challenge for speedrunners: they must optimize strategies to overcome a relentless sequence of bosses while leveraging the upgrade system that uses iron and leather materials. These resources are only obtainable through side quests and Ace Archer challenges, forcing runners to decide between skipping optional content to save time or investing in it to gain the necessary strength for tougher bosses. The New Game+ (NG+) system is also a critical factor. Players aiming for the platinum trophy must complete the game at least twice, meaning a full-speedrun for the trophy will double the playtime compared to a standard any% run. This opens up two distinct speedrun categories: 'any%' (just finishing the game once) and '100% completion' (including all optional content and earning the platinum). Interestingly, there is a slight discrepancy in the playtime estimates. While the source states the main story 'could take 30 hours', another figure says '30–40 hours'. This small gap reflects that actual playtime heavily depends on player skill and whether they engage with optional side quests. For speedrunners, the 30-hour figure could be significantly reduced through quick movement techniques, cutscene skips, and potentially glitches. Another noteworthy point is the upgrade system. Materials like iron and leather are not merely cosmetic but 'essential' for upgrading Musashi's sword and clothing. Skipping side content could leave players significantly underpowered for late-game bosses, forcing speedrunners to strategically plan resource collection. The Ace Archer challenges are also key material sources, adding another layer of complexity to route optimization. Additionally, not all 36 bosses are equally difficult. Some bosses are 'arguably tougher', creating potential choke points in speedruns. Runners will need to focus practice on specific boss fights, especially those that can drag out time or cause frequent deaths. The diversity in boss design, while risking repetition, still offers opportunities for creative speedrun tactics. Optional content outside the main story is estimated to add 10–15 hours. The 'Curious Cases' – mythical story quests set in Eastern Kyoto during the Edo period – are described as 'the best story quests' in the game. Speedrunners may skip them for an any% run, but for 100% completion, they must be done. Similarly, treasure hunts, chance encounters, and searching for 'Lion Dogs' are also side activities that contribute to completion trophies. One interesting detail is that 'Lion Dogs' are described as 'the most endearing creatures', suggesting Capcom added lighthearted elements. Rewards include sword skins, titles, and tickets for Ace Archer challenges. This adds incentive for completionists but also tests the patience of speedrunners. From a strategic perspective, speedrunning Onimusha: Way of the Sword will not just be about quick reflexes but also resource management, route selection, and deciding whether to invest time in side content for power gains or skip it for faster times. This is reminiscent of speedruns in games like Dark Souls or Nioh, where multiple paths and build systems exist. However, all current playtime figures are estimates from the analysis and have not been verified by real players. The discrepancy between 30 hours and 30–40 hours indicates limited precision. The speedrun community will need time after launch to identify optimal routes, glitches, and exploit gameplay mechanics. In summary, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is not just a long action game; it is fertile ground for the speedrun community. With 36 bosses, an upgrade system tied to optional content, and a two-playthrough requirement for platinum, the game promises compelling challenges for those who want to conquer it in the shortest possible time. Let's wait for the release day to see how the speedrun community will exploit this Edo-period Eastern world.