Capcom Team Shares Their Favorite Ally Moments in Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny

Man, it’s been, what, over 20 years? Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny — yeah, that game we all kind of forgot about until now — is making a comeback. The game originally dropped in 2002 as a sequel to Onimusha: Warlords. And now, we’re supposed to dive back into this wild Sengoku-era ride, totally reimagined. Our new hero? Jubei Yagyu, some samurai dude out for revenge. Classic.

Fast forward a decade after the whole Onimusha: Warlords saga, and surprise, surprise — Nobunaga Oda, that demonic figurehead, is back to being a pain for everyone. This guy wants Japan. Crazy idea, right? Anyway, Jubei rocks up to his village and, guess what? The place is in ruins. Now he’s off to sort out Nobunaga. And along the way, he bumps into four possible sidekicks. You can toss gifts their way to boost your bond, get them to fight with you, and even mix up how the story ends.

Gifts are strewn all over, hidden in random places, up for grabs in stores, or just popped in your lap by other allies. But here’s the kicker: pick the right gift for the right buddy, or else… well, nothing dramatic, but it’s kind of awkward. Nail it, and you might even get to play as these pals for a bit. We chatted with some of Capcom’s folks to see their fave gift reactions. Keep an eye peeled for these gems as you play.

Take Ekei Ankokuji. He’s a Buddhist priest but, plot twist, loves money, booze, and living large. You’d think, maybe not the artistic type. Yet, hand him a huqin or folding fan, and he’ll bust a move, grinning from ear to ear. Go figure.

Then there’s Magoichi Saiga, lead of the Kishu Saiga Gun Team. Big brain, fearless, and hooked on books. A single book? Doesn’t quite cut it. He wants the whole collection. Maybe hang tight until you have the full set to impress him.

Kotaro Fuma, oh boy, he’s the youngest — a ninja from the Hojo clan. Give him something like a Tengu mask, thinking he’ll dig it, but nope. “That’s for old folks,” he says. Cue Jubei, sheepishly taking it back.

And, let’s not forget, Oyu, with her mysterious Western armor. Fights by Jubei’s side but remains a riddle. Gift her something like The Art of War and she gets all suspicious. Eh, can’t win them all.

There’s a quirky trick though, give gifts in just the right order, and you’ll get a laugh. Producer Kosuke Tanaka loves it when you give raw fish and wasabi to Magoichi. Something about it just clicks hilariously.

Oh, if you try giving anything related to hair to Ekei, it’s a riot. He’s touchy about that topic. Director Motohide Eshiro finds it pricelessly awkward.

So, loads of items, zany reactions, and surprises to uncover in the revamped Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. Get messy with those gifts and discover your path. The game’s out and about for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, waiting for you to reclaim some destiny. Good luck with that.