Onimusha Way of the Sword throws a lot of (satisfying and powerful) combat mechanics at you that go a long way in giving you the feeling of being a master swordsman at work as you carve up trash mobs and take on intimidating bosses in gruelling encounters. In the middle of a fight, with the enemy executing its own moveset, often, the key to victory is as much selecting the right counter as it is about timing it right.
With the option to block, deflect, parry, dodge, or Issen – what is the best time to execute each of these? Basis my time with the game and it’s many enemies, here is my answer to the question.
Understanding Each Move & What It Does
| Type | Button Mapping | What It Does |
| Block | L1 | Reduces incoming damage, takes up a lot of stamina |
| Parry | L1 just when the enemy attack lands | Nullifies incoming damage, consumes enemy stamina gauge, fills up Blaze Gauge |
| Deflect | While holding L1, press X when the enemy attack lands | Nullifies incoming damage, wipes off a chunk of enemy stamina gauge |
| Dodge | Circle when the enemy attack lands | Reduces incoming damage |
| Reflex Dodge | Circle when the enemy attack lands | Nullifies incoming damage, fills up Reflex Gauge, allows you to land a light attack immediately |
| Issen | Square or Triangle when the enemy attack lands | Nullifies incoming damage, massive health and stamina damage to enemy. |
| Blade Barrage | Alternate light and heavy attacks | Staggers enemy, stamina and health damage. |
Best Counters To Enemy Moves & When To Pull These Off
When the enemy has a multi-move combo – Use Deflect. Example – The flurry of Blood slashes from Dohatsu-ten; the boss that you encounter in The Roots of all Evil main quest, is the perfect case to use a deflect and throw those slashes back at the boss, staggering it for a short while as you get your attacks in.
When the enemy has a single, slightly telegraphed move – Use Issen. The overhead sword attack of Ganryu is a good place to execute an Issen early on when you are learning the ropes.
When the enemy uses a grab attack / no sword attack – The Byakue fight during ‘The Curse of Kiyomizu-zaka Slope’, and the several other times that you encounter this boss, is a good place to practice your Dodge and Reflex Dodge moves – especially when the boss lands those quick swipes.
It is also a good strategy to first build up the Blaze Gauge by Parrying, and then focus on Issen – that way, your normal sword attacks in between the enemy moves will also deal a good amount of damage.
When facing mobs, Chain Issen comes into play as well, though it is difficult to master initially. One thing that I would recommend when taking on mobs is to clear out the pesky archers and the weak ones among the lot, else they will keep interrupting your attacks and responses to the more difficult ones.
