Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dreams (aka Onimusha 4)
 

Game is coming out in a few weeks (March 14th)! Can't wait! You can check out the demo for it, in the current issue of OPM (March, Issue 102).

It's a pretty good demo, you get to play through the first two chapters in story mode, and 3 stages in Test of Valor where you can solo (Soki) or partner with either Jubei or Tenkai. The Test of Valor is loads of fun, and made purchasing the magazine just for the demo all worth it (can easily kill a few hours playing it). Story mode you start from scratch with few moves and limited number of chain crits (can only do 2, max is 5 I think), in test of valor you've got maxed stats/skills/combos.

The dub a little lousey (specifically Ohatsu and Jubei's VA), unforunately we don't get the option to switch between JPNS and English VA, and subtitles can't be switched off.

Though, I think the biggest thing that's bugging me in DoD is the new camera system. The new camera, at times, kinda made it more difficult to see the enemies on screen. And it also made it difficult, for me at least, to perform the dodge issen attacks (though the absence of the old "tank" controls was the bigger factor).

Also, the music is pretty good. Techno style with some orchestrated goods, it really adds more beat to the more action oriented gameplay. Oh and I love how Samanosuke's theme in Onimusha 3 (probably the only good theme from that game's OST) was revived/remixed for this game as Tenkai's theme.

Anyway, fun fun fun, the demo kills the time while I wait for the game's release in March.

From what I expect, the game's coming out really good. I also approve of the cinematics while others complain that "it may not be ROBOT's rendition but still good nonetheless".

The demo had me hacking away while getting used to the controls. It seems that I have to adjust to the new control scheme while getting treated to lush visualizations. With the new control scheme, I have one gripe: The one-hit kill counterattack (or heavy damage) in this new game. It seems that I have to wait for a certain timing to land a blow OR I have to press R1 for the main character's sword to glow then wait for an opening. The team attacks are also good as some of the characters' AI do a pretty good job of covering their own asses. Other than that, the action's pretty good and the visuals are definitely promising.

Since it will be out in around three weeks, the demo will keep a lot of fans waiting with excitement.

I have this preordered, can't wait. I'm a big fan of the series, especially the second one. I have to say DoD looks to surpass it. I don't really care for the design of the main character, but that's a minor gripe. I really like how there's multiple characters to play as again. I really liked that about the second game. A nice sized cast to interact with.

I actually don't want to play the demo, since demos tend to make me want the game that much worse...

I have the game imported, and personally I think this is the most polished Onimusha game yet. Total of 5 unique characters to control, each with at least 30 weapons to collect and their own Oni Transformation! Also each character has their own unique set of moves that you can exceute with specific button commands, kinda like fighting games.

The game is longer than any other Onimusha game, and the story is good as well, filled with twists and hasn't got any paradox-like BS like Oni 3 did.

Probably the best of the deal is TWO PLAYER CO OP.

The mere two player co op will probably make alot of you guys happy. I can't wait to move so me and my boyfriend can play co op together.

Also for those griping about how the main character has blonde hair, theres an actual reason behind it for the story's sake, but it contains spoilers.

I'm glad someone noticed Samanoske's theme was used as Tenkai's theme, cause there's a reason for it. Can't tell you what though. :p

Very true. I as well imported this and I really enjoy it.

For the moves, does the set change with each new weapon you get? Or are they pretty much the same for each?

Sweet! So the rumours about the co-op mode were true! How is the screen for it? I've read that it's one full screen focused on one character, is it similar to DMC3 and does it get irritating?

Haha, now if say it like that, it'll gives me ideas. Ahhh, I can't wait! Two more weeks, and I can finally soak it in!

About how long is it supposed to be?

Also, about the two player mode, is it like two player in campaign or is it a different setup from regular gameplay?

My friend is going to be pre-ordering it, so I'll have to borrow it from him when he's done.

this badness series,1,2 & 3 better than DoD,camera is very bad and is not useful at all.

During normal gameplay, you will constantly be joined by a 2nd character who is AI controlled and aids you along with the main story (except for certain boss fights). The 2 player mode simply switches AI to a 2nd controller.

There is no seperate campaign, in fact, the only extras in this game is costumes and joke weapons. No mini games this time. There are sidequests in the game though, like tests of Valor which gives you a time limit to complete a battle objective, either defeat all enemies or do enough Issen etc. You gain prizes for doing those.

Two player mode is fun but the major problem is that neither player can control the camera anymore. Its quite a pain when you battle a boss and he foes off screen and you can't turn to lock on. Another problem is both characters need to stick together in battle, cause they can go off screen. If you press L2 the camera will focus on that player, but this can cause a tug of war over the camera if both players spam L2. So its nesscary to stick together unless its a puzzle, and there a lot of them that requires both characters cooperating.

Other than the camera issue, this game is MADE for co op in a sense. If you're challenging Dark Realm (each character has to go through 100 levels), having a player 2 means you can take someone with you, and since Dark Realm can be tough to the point that the game is cheap, having a friend to help you out makes things so much easier.

Also move sets tend to stay the same with most weapons, however Soki's(main character) swords have bit more variety, some are heavy attack ones meaning he can't do combos, the ligthers ones can do combos but have less power. I suck at those moves so I dont use them often, but players use to DMC stuff will get them.

Its probably the best, in story and gameplay, I love it.

NOTE that to get 2 player mode, you MUST use the code on the screen that says " PRESS START BUTTON". Both players hold down R1 and L2, have player 2 press start, and then press start AGAIN to enter the game, load a save or start new game and the ally will be player 2.

IGN just putted up its review of Onimusha Dawn of Dreams
http://ps2.ign.com/articles/693/693332p1.html

I am just glad that they are keeping it like the Japanese release with the option to choose either Japanese or English voices. I can't wait to pick it up along with the pre-order bonus art cell of Soki.

Hmmmmm this one has been off my radar since the original announcement. I mean I love the Onimusha series but Onimusha 3 kind of wrapped things up for me especially with the conclusion of Samanosuke's story and the Nobunaga saga.

The fact the game is less than 2 weeks away though....I'll definitely have to check DoD. :)

The Japanese import had English and Japanese language options as well, so they just simply ported the Japanese game and tweaked some things.

Thus Onimusha 4 is the greatest import I have ever gotten.

I can barely understand what you posted, but the camera is not crap in one player mode, and you can Lock on the Enemies and the camera will steer to them (if the backgrounds is not prerendered since this game has a mix of controllable and non controllable environments) and lock on if you press R1.

Two player mode is another story, see my previous post.

I got this game, but for some reason i wasnt impressed by the mere fact that the battle system is somewhat hard and kinda annoying, I dont know i didnt felt great when i first played it unlike Onimusha 3 especially with Samanosuke and Jacque or something like that but i'll try to finish this game since there are some parts that has good storyline

Have this one preordered. Looking forward to its release. Haven't looked at that much stuff (videos, screens etc etc), dont want to spoil anything.

Whoa I didn't know the release got bumped FORWARD to March 7th?! That's just in 2 days!!

WHAT!?! Where did they say that? When did this happen!? Damn, I'm gonna phone EB in the morning and find out for myself!

Err... its already out in Australia... -___-"
But unfortunatly the last copy was sold to a customer about 1 hr before... *sigh*

Prolly pop back tomorrow and check it out again~~ *can't wait*

An EB employee over at GAF mentioned that the release date had changed in the computer and moved up from the 15th to the 7th. EBgames.com does actually list it as being released on March 7th too. :)

I'm actually kind of wishing it hadn't moved up. I have so many games to finish, and now I'll be getting this and Shadow Hearts 3 on the same day. Yikes.

Huh, you're right.

However, I just phoned them up and the guy said it's the 15th.... Hmm, I better phone again later on in the week. Maybe their computers will be updated by then.

According to our EB here, Shin Onimusha comes out at the 15th while Shadow Hearts 3 comes out at 7th (good present!).

But yeah, 2 weeks away? Why not?

Sweet, I checked out a few more sites and looks like you're right about the March 7 release, Simo. Both FutureShop and Best Buy has it listed for that date as well. Thanks for giving us the heads up Simo, now I only have to wait a few more days!

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...69&catid=11138
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...69&catid=21476

crap that is tomorrow! MAN I want to play it so bad...blah I dont have any money T-T

Excellent. :)
I'll have to check around here then but given I'm dropping my cash on MGS3 Subsistence and the FFXII OST I'll probably have to rent which means waiting until Friday anyways but at least I won't be waiting until the 17th.

Im so glad the game is coming with JP voice tracks along with English, now i def. need to find the 40 bucks to buy it lol.