So often we are bombarded by new and fresh titles in the gaming industry. So much that we forget some of the games that made playing video games so great. This column will be for the discussion of bringing old, favorite, and poorly made games that would make awesome franchises on these next gen systems.
We all think of a game or franchise that sits in the back of our minds. Wishing that they can make it now. What happened to this game? Why haven’t they done another of that game? Here I’ll go through one game at a time, and discuss what I think the next iteration of that title should be. I love Japanese culture. So I’m going to start with one of my favorites.

Onimusha: The game that had people saying Resident Evil with a samurai. Onimusha Warlord the first of this  series had it’s protagonist modeled after the actor Takashi Kenishiro. Set in feudal Japan during the rise of Oda Nobunaga. Samanosuke Akechi is sent to find a kidnapped princess, only to fall into a war between the Oni and Genma. Given the Oni gauntlet he sets out to to save Japan and the princess from the Genma demons.

Onimusha 2: Samurai Destiny: The second game in the series brought a new hero to the fore front, Jubei Yagyu.The Yagyu character had been modeled after the late actor Yuasku Matsuda.  Jubei was given a brand on his hand that worked similar to Samanosukes gauntlet. With a more rock and roll feel to the game and four other characters to interact and team up with, gave Samurais Destiny it’s own space and blended it right in with the original. Jubei had a reoccurring rival in the Genma Gogandantess who acted quite chivalrous. An earth war hammer was added to his arsenal. And you could transform into the Oni powered up form. A nice addition to the franchise.

Onimusha 3: Demon Siege: The third installment, and the return of Samanosuke also add another new ally to the mix. Jean Reno (The Professional). it would seem odd to mix the past and future together in a series that is based on feudal Japan. Between the time jumping and switching between the two characters, Demon Siege proved to be very entertaining. Nobunaga was defeated and his soul sealed within Samanosukes gauntlet. Unbeknown to our hero, the power of the Genma had been passed to a new host.  Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams: Being the last game of the series on the PS2, Dawn of Dreams was a work of art. The new new protagonist was a far cry from either Samanosuke or Jubei. Soki The Blue Demon had been like no samurai before him. This game featured four characters that you played along side with( I.A. co-op). You could perform devastating team combos. And you had a ridiculous amount of weapons to choose from. The ability to up grade weapons as well as armor was a treat. We were  given a wide variety of accessories that did anything from increasing power to Oni power boosts. The only action game that was ever two dvds. An amazing story with a nice little twist involving one of your companions. One hundred levels of the Dark Realm. And an ending that had you in anticipation of another game. Dawn of Dreams is the best of the series.

The PlayStation 3 and X Box 360 has been out for some years. I was looking for Capcom to unveil Another devil May Cry or a Next gen Onimusha. Since they didn’t I’m going to give my wish list of what I’d like to see in the next Onimusha.

The last game Dawn of Dreams ended with Jubei and Minokichi starting a new quest. Jubei Yagyu proved to be a formidable character. With her quick draw ability and amazing agility she would be a nice addition to the leading heroes of the series. And also Jubei would be the first that was a supporting character that really deserved their own game. Having a female lead may expand the scope of the story. Jubei is young. And it would stand to say that she can carry the series. Bring Samanosuke back. Have him teach her more about the Oni. Let her grow up some. Add a bit of platforming into the game. Show off her superior agility. You don’t want that?! Have Samanosuke be the star again. Follow his exploits that lead him to become the monk Tenki. Or a tale of him sealing the gauntlet back to the realm of the Oni. Also make the game co-op, similar to .Resident Evil 5. More weapons and armor. And give the characters a clothes change, when their armor changes. Apply level up grades to the Oni abilities. More interactive back grounds. And I can’t forget. The legendary blacksmith. Muramasa. Add a side quest for special components that you can give to Muramasa to forge the ultimate weapon. The Dark Realm should also reap a very nice reward. A power up or skill. With all this and graphics that are up to Resident Evil 5 or better. People would love it. Well that’s if Capcom even wants to bring this series back. Only time can tell.

Lastly it is my dream is to see a film of Onimusha. A big budget production. With Japanese actors and japanese language. Staring Takeshi Kaneshiro as Samanosuke Akechi.

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