Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams [PS2]

The first Onimusha game was a risk for Capcom, but one that paid off in a big way. Steeped in Japanese history, no one knew if the series would appeal to American gamers, but the strong visual style and solid gameplay resulted in a trilogy that's loved the world over. Set 15 years after the last game, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams not only opens a new chapter in the saga, it also expands on the already solid gameplay giving PlayStation 2 owners yet another reason to fire up their aging systems.

If you happen to be new to the series, don't fret. Though Dawn of Dreams makes many references to the prior titles, none of it is necessary. The game is something of a fresh start for the series. As the story goes, Nobunaga's lieutenant managed to unite Japan in peace and harmony after his superior's defeat. It was not to last, however, as one night a mysterious planet appeared in the sky and turned the peace-loving Hideyoshi Toyotomi into a power-hungry warlord. Determined to master the power of the Genma, he unleashes the cursed warriors on an unsuspecting nation and only the Dark Oni, Soki, can stand in his way.

Your standard "action hero with two swords and a pair of horns," Soki is something of a caricature, but one that works well within the confines of the game. Initially his powers are limited, though you will quickly unlock more impressive abilities. Joining you on the quest are four different heroes, each of which possess unique abilities. You can swap control between the two active heroes at almost any time, which is helpful in battle as well as when you are trying to solve a difficult puzzle.

Also along for the ride is Minokichi, the monkey who lives in a pot. Yes, it's a bit absurd, but hey, every action hero needs the comedic sidekick, right? You'll use Minokichi to replay earlier levels, something that is more enjoyable than it sounds, thanks to the multi-layered level design. Nearly every area contains sections that can only be accessed by certain heroes. As a result, if you want to see everything, expect to do a bit of backtracking. Those that do, however, will be well rewarded.

All in all, Dawn of Dreams is a well-rounded game, but if there is one aspect that stands out, it's the action. This is where the title really delivers. From the very first level, when you're battling it out among the rooftops with a boss that stands four stories tall, to the very end of the game, Dawn of Dreams never lets up. The varied fighting styles, possible attacks combinations, and open environments easily make this the best Onimusha game to date. There are some issues with the AI being a bit brain dead at times, but given the high level of polish on the rest of the game this is easy to overlook.