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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

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.

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

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

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.

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?

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

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.

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!

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Simo

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!

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Originally Posted by Simo

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.

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.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

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

I was speaking idiomatically.

Jeez, EGM seems to be making more and more harsh reviews lately. Like DOA4, they gave it 7.0 6.5 6.5, while everywhere else gave it higher than an 8. Maybe they're just giving the game to the wrong reviewers?

Anywy, what were the good and the bad from EGM?

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Man, even 24 slightly surpasses DoD's score, and like Rei no Otaku mentioned Final Fight scoring higher than DoD too. I have to read that article, I wanna see what was so bad about the game that those two reviewers had to give it a 4.5 and 6.5.

In anycase, hopefully the game will be in stores by today or tomorrow (preferrably today)!

FELIPE NO

Woo hoo got my copy.

Just question, but did they cut out Ayumi Hamasaki's songs from the game? Cause I thought the demo sequence at the start menu was supposed to be Ayumi's "Startin'", but instead we get the game's intro.

Not that I was crazy about her songs for the game, but I'm just a little disappointed that they took out the nifty promo. I mean, even Onimusha 2 kept in Hotei Tomoyasu's "RUSSIAN ROULETTE"(even though the song itself was pretty bad). Makes me wonder what they switched the ending song with now, as Ayumi's "rainy day" was supposed to the games ending theme.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Haha, nevermind about the Ayumi songs, they're still there. You just have to switch to the Japanese dub track and the demo sequence will now be a little DoD MV featuring Ayumi's "Startin'". Naturally, in the NA release the default is english, hence why I saw the game's intro instead.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Rei no Otaku

I could have done without the Ayumi... I think she's awful and I disagree in that song fits the game. Hell, I think Russian Roulette fit better than Startin'

Meh, I kinda prefer "Startin'" over "Russion Roulette," not too fond of Hotei's singing.

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

So if anyone finds out about how to unlock it in the JP version PLEASE let me know. THE USA version uses button codes which can be found on brady games guide and soon on the codes section on Gamefaqs.

Was it button codes? I thought it was through completion of the game. Hey... maybe arena is NA bonus. Since we did have to wait a few more months after the Japanese release. Woo hoo, if true!


Anyway, I'm on stage 8 in the game, and I gotta say I'm loving it! The weapon/armour upgrading system is a lot better now. It takes a lot less souls to upgrade weapons and armour now, which gives players more chance to upgrade the library of weapons. Also, it's pretty cool how some of the weapons are the same ones from previous Onimushas. BTW, what does leveling up exactly do? Does the character just gain skill points out of it?

Oh and there are so many connections/references to the previous games, that us fans of series will definitely get more out of the game then the new comers.

Spoiler:

Minokichi, who's a decent from the descendant the same clan (mino clan) as the old hanging-upside-down-hermit guy from Onimusha 1 and 3. Haha, he even does the "Mmm, Haa!" when transporting you to revisit places. There's lots of referencing to Samanosuke, the oni with the gauntlet. Jubei's grandfather being the same Jubei from Onimusha 2 (rather obvious), who has met Samanosuke. Which is kinda indicating that the events of Blade Warriors, at least some of them, did happen. Then theres the consistent hinting that Tenkai is Samanosuke. There's also revisiting of Mt. Hiei. Even the appearance of Ako, which absolutely surprised me (using the true ending from Onimusha 3)

One thing that's bugging me is how there are some parts where we're givin text to read as opposed to a cut scene (which would have done a better job of telling the story). This is especially true for the text scene after defeating Sakon for the first time, have been better see scene said scene in action. Another thing is how sometimes a stage just ends off after defeating the boss and all of sudden we're in the hudeout again. Just a bad transistion in my opinion. Anyway, they're all just minor nitpicky things.

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Originally Posted by Rei no Otaku

I think it increases HP and Oni magic. I'm not 100% on that, but I believe I saw the bars increase.

Hmm, maybe I dunno. I think you can only increase those bars by either using the jewels or from the bonus stats your weapon/accessory gives.

Oh how about leveling up the armour? The only thing that I notice it doing is just increasing the slots. Does increase defense too? Cause it's hard to tell, our hps (mine and the AI) always seems to get drained quite quickly, especially against the bosses.

Bleh, I need to flip through a strategy guide.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Terminus

When I played the demo, I also had a extremely hard time doing the issen. Can someone tell me how it's done? In Oni 2, it's before it strikes while in the 3rd you have to block and counterattack in a speed of light. How is it here? I mean, I make Soki's sword glow blue (R1?) and hopefully score an issen move.

Can someone enlighten me at the least?

I gotta admit, I had the same troubles too, cause was so used to the system in the previous 3 games. But once you learn some of the tricks you'll find that issens are pretty simple to do this time around.

The easiest issen to perform is the "Breaking Critical." The best method to activate it is to use your level 1 magic and then quickly mash at the square button. Another trick is to deflect an enemy's attack, where you block just before the enemy tries to hit you, if you see the enemy stagger then hit the square buton. One other way is to kick at the enemy when they're blocking, then hit square. Kicking at them while they block will break their guard and make them stagger much like a deflecting issen.

Also, chaining the issens is so much easier in this one, compared to Onimusha 3, as all you have to do is mash the square button after successfully performing one issen attack.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Cut scenes are great, but so few, a lot of it is dialogue. That's probably one of the disappointments for me, the lack of cut scenes. Like some missions start with a narrative and summary of what happend, then you hear some of the characters speak. Those kinds of scenes, should have been made into FMV, as it would have improved the presentation. They've done this way too frequently, really a disappointment, you'd think they'd be able to fit it in too, since the game is two discs. Oh well, the gameplay is hella fun though, with the story giving some great connections to characters/places/events of the past Onimushas. This is truely a game that fans of the previous titles will appreciated more.

Anyway for weapons... Definitely max Lamentation, as you get some pretty great bonuses out of it. Cutting Wind is another good one, as you'll generate wave attacks at max level (one of Soki's faster weapons, with a 6 combo). Infact any character that has a wave attack weapon, I suggest maxing, as they're the best ones IMO. Jubei's was Onimaru, which also gives +100 attack, probably one of the best weapons for her. Though lately, I've found myself using the Dragon Offer quite frequently for Soki and Juzumaru for Jubei, as both give +100% experience. As for Ohatsu, I'm using Guardian which gives some nice stats . Can't really say what for Tenkai or Roberto, as I haven't been given many good chances to use either yet (you'll see what I mean later on).

Don't forget to upgrade the armour too! Level 30 will give you max accessory slots (4 total), subsequent levels will raise the armour's defense points. Love how everything takes a lot less to level now.

Currently I've just finished stage 10 and clocking in at about 22 hours now. Mostly because I've been leveling in the many levels of Dark Realm. Which is hella hard, good thing there's a 2 player mode which gives you the option to go through it with a friend.

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Originally Posted by Tokubetsu

How exactly do i get to the dark realm? or am i still too early for it (starting stage 5)

You won't gain access till about Stage 8, I think. It'll be through Minokichi.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I find it rather interesting that you guys are having item troubles, that's one problem I never seem to have. I gotta agree that the boss fights are hella hard, but I've not once ever run into trouble where I'm only stuck with a couple items.

Have you tried using issen attacks? That's what helped me defeat some of the bosses. Eg. Use level 1 magic then do a critical/issen attack (only works when the weapon's element isn't Ice), I find that this method usually does more damage than a level 2 or 3 magic skill. Or the deflect/break issen.

Also, try doing Combine with your partners when you're at the hideout. Grass + Grass = 1 Medicine, etc. You can also make some rare weapons.

I just finished stage 12, so feel free to give me shout for help as well.

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Originally Posted by Terminus

This is horseshit. I mean, Luis Frois anyway.

Spoiler:

How the hell can you beat him with that time bomb on your body? What I did was use a co-op attack every now and then to eliminate the timer, sometimes use a special attack before the timer explodes so that I would be invulnerable. What if, by circumstance, you don't have any magic or you've exhausted your supply of MP meds, you're bound to die every time he casts that piece of shit? Also, I found out that he's terribly annoying as hell. Never knowing where those scalpels may fire so you can deflect them as well as the time bomb. What in the world? I beat him once but if the opportunity rises again and I don't have any MP invincibility moves like the co-op attack or the MP attack, how in the living world would I survive? Any easier methods?

I usually just hacked away at him, when that happend. As for when he disappears, I just used the sword of purification (R2) at the scalpels that were in armed/locked-on mode, that'll reveal his location. Not much else I can suggest for that fight....

On a side note........

Just finished the game! Woo hoo! Clocked in to be about 42 hours, didn't go all the way to level 100 on Dark Realm though, stopped at 50 for all 5 characters. Just got too stressful after level 50.

Anyway, man, quite a few surprises at the end! Clicky for impressions, which contain HUGE SPOILERS, on the game's conclusion.

Spoiler:

Gotta say that the whole concept of everyone was being possessed/controlled I kinda suspected. Haha, I actually predicted that such a thing had happend, simply because we weren't allowed to kill Hideyoshi (altering history deal thing), though I was surprised that he ended up dying anyway.

Minokichi's death was sad, but kinda expected as he hinted at it when you talked to him prior to stage 16.

Then Stage 17, probably one of the best stages, I loved how everyone faced their nemesis on their own, that was fun. And man Munenori is evil, that guy just doesn't die. Oh and Fortinbras' (final boss) return, that completely surprised me. As well as the man in white being Fortinbras, I actually thought he was going to reveal himself as Soki's father or something. Tenkai's (aka Samanosuke) gauntlet being removable kinda threw me off too, didn't know you could slide it on and off, though it does explain why we didn't see him wear it earlier in the game. Then there's Soki's death which was kinda expected, as Arin kinda hinted at it, but the way he died was not how I expected (I thought he was going to turn evil and be consumed by the dark oni power as Arin warned about).

The end gave pretty good closure, Ohatsu moving on, then Roberto going back to Spain (no reason to stay, now that Ohatsu is married). Ah, and Tenkai (aka Samanosuke) finally going/continuing his journey to seal the gauntlet. Haha, at that point they made it painfully obvious that it was Samanosuke (even revealing that Arin was Ako, and saying the first two syllables of Samanosuke's anme), just incase people still couldn't catch on (probably also to give assurance to fans). Ahh, and the end, hinting towards a possible sequel starring Akane (who dawns an eye patch now) with the new minokichi.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Terminus

You stopped at 50? Awesome.

Because right now, all of them (except for Soki) are at level 60. Soki's approaching about.. 69?

Just to avoid confusion, I'm talking about Dark Realm level and not character level. Character level, I finished much higher (I think 90+ for all). But if there isn't confusion, then DAMN, you made it to level 69 with Soki? After 30 the mobs were just getting horrendus, that I just wanted to get out as soon as I got their 2nd best weapons at level 50. Haha, even B4-Hunter knows how going beyond 50 is frustrating.

Originally Posted by Terminus

If you ask me, Ophelia was more challenging than Luis Frois though.

Hmm, actually I found Mitsunari to be more challenging.

Originally Posted by Terminus

So now I'm at the Toyokuni Research Facility (the second facility) and I can't really get a grip on the story so far on my location. Could anyone just summarize it up? I get confused with all these events and whatnots. Thanks.

I think at this point, you've found out who the real villains are behind the Genma Trees and Omen Star, etc. You're at the second facility to destroy the second Black Stone to cut off Hideyoshi's energy source. I'll try to give a better summary after I've loaded up my game.

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After going through the game's credits again I found out that the music composer is Hideyuki Furasawa. Who happens to be the composer for Chaos Legion (loved the soundtrack for that game)! No wonder the music for DoD rocks!

Double Post:
Also, ordered 5 of those Onimusha Arms Collection from Play-Asia. They're pretty sweet! They're also much larger than I expected too. Got me Samanosuke's Onimusha sword from Oni 3 (which also came with his gauntlet and a sheath for the blade), Tenso, Chigo, Ekei's Spear, Magoichi's Unikuzushi (I think that's what it was called, its the one he used to finish off the 3rd Ginghamphatts fight) and Kotaro's Roga Kunai (Magoichi and Kotaro's weapons came together). Also each one comes with a sort of trading card. Might order some more from Play-Asia, unless I can find somewhere else selling a full set first, as I'd love to get my hands on the Bishamon O, Enryu and Raizan. Also, I heard the secret one in supposed to be Soki's Lamentation from DoD.

Some images:








There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Tokubetsu

Anyone know any place else to get this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Shin-Onimusha-4-...ayphotohosting

I REALLY REALLY want it but i dont have 53.99 at the moment. I already checked Play-Asia.

You didn't look hard enough, cause I just made an order for one (along with 11 more of those Onimusha Arms Collections) from Play-Asia just yesterday. At a much reasonable price too US$ 27.90 (~33.01 CAD).

Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dreams Official Complete Works


How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Tokubetsu

Thanks Hantei! I didnt look under Music lol, I was searching under games.

NP, it does come with a OST, hence why they listed it under music (even though technically it's a book).

Oh and incase anyone somehow missed it, Godai and #gamemp3s released game's OST recently (the same one that can be found in the Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dreams Official Complete Works).

Originally Posted by Godai

New Release @ 2006/04/03 (235.67 MB)

Rockman EXE5DS&6 Complete Music Encyclopedia
Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dreams Original Soundtrack

I decided it should be Capcom week, as we have a string of new Capcom releases lined up for the week…starting with tonight's release! These were both released as books with CDs in them, something Suleputer seems to be doing alot recently. “Shin Onimusha” is damn awesome, the music is by Hideyuki Fukasawa of “Chaos Legion” fame! I love that soundtrack! There is also really good cinematic music composed by an American composer, check out the release for more info.

Thanks to Rockman for “Rockman EXE5DS&6″ which features music from said games, as a bonus Rockman has provided us with the card file for the special promotional Modification Card (137-C010, Cyber Beast Falzer) for Card e+ Reader for Rockman EXE 6 Cyber Beast Greiga & Cyber Beast Falzer which was included with the book. You can get the link off our site.

Jamie Christopherson's , the game's cut scene composer, compositions are really impressive. And of course Hideyuki Fukasawa's work is outstanding as usual.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

No prob.

Also, it looks like they're going to release a 3 disc OST for game that comes with a video UMD. If this one is the complete OST set, then I think I might just order it.

Shin Onimusha Special Pack Original Soundtrack + UMD - VIDEO - Shin Onimusha The Story [3CD+UMD]

Quote:

Set of music from the latest release in the "Onimusha" series, "Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dram" and bonus UMD with beautiful visuals from the game. Includes three CDs filled with dramatic numbers UMD with 120 minutes of video made via the same method that produced the graphics in the game (subject to change).

I was speaking idiomatically.

Haha, yea, I'm just gonna order both (the artbook and 3 disc ost are just so hard to resist). I love the series enough to spend money on the sweet merchandise.

Originally Posted by Yuri Enrico

Spoiler:

One thing i dont' really get, did Soki went into the Star to become the God of Darkness, or was it something else?

I wasn't too sure about that too.

Spoiler:

I think he went up towards the Omen Star to seal it and purify the lands (part of his power I guess, hence the sacrifice).

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Woo hoo, my Official Complete Works book, along with 11 more of those onimusha arms collection, came in the mail today!

Pretty sweet, bah, but the top left corner in the back got damaged, dammit. As for the Onimusha arms collection 6 of the 11 ended up being repeats, ahh that sucked.

Anyway, in the book there's a character connection chart, character/boss illustrations and CG art, bonus costume designs, monster illustrations, concept designs for characters (looked like they were going to give Tenkai a beard and much more older looking face), illustrations of some of the game's locations, the whole scroll art thing from the game (from the cut scene at the end of stage 1), storyboards and script for all the game's cut scenes, section with interviews with the VA's (at least what looks to be) and staff, some illustrated artwork, and closes off with some of the merchandise released like the drama CDs, trading figures (looks like there's TBA, wouldn't mind getting a Tenkai), and manga ("Twilight of Desire" looks like it features Tenkai and Arin's backstory). Oh and the OST is in a cardboard page at the back.



As for the Onimusha Arms collection, the 5 different ones I managed to get were Oyu's Gladius and silver shield, Jacques' Enja (it's actually articulated!) and gauntlet, Marcellus' sword and shield from Onimusha 3, Genma Samonji (Onimusha 3, gained from when you absord Nobunaga's sword) that comes with a Magical Jewel, and Samanosuke's katana and Kaede's sacred dagger from Onimusha Warlords.



FELIPE NO

Oh I second that. But if I remembered correctly, I think Udon or Tokyopop announced that they will be translating and Shin Onimusha manga (it was announced in Diamonds Comics previews, forgot which issue). I know "Night of Genesis" has been confirmed, pretty sure "Twilight of Desire" will follow it.

How ya doing, buddy?

I think I might wait till I can find somewhere selling a full set before I order again. I pretty much got all Onimusha 3 weapons, just missing some from Onimusha 1 and 2 (only missing 5, 6 if you include the secret one). So I'm more likely to get another repeat, if I do order again. Though, I'm really dying to get a Raizan, Enryuu, and Bishamon-O...

Jam it back in, in the dark.