Preface

These notes are primarily adapted from Yorisiro's page However, this is sorted out in a way that many would be more comfortable to read and suit to my own share of study as well. I have done marathon submission of this game in the past but, it's easier to put them everything together here instead.

Movement

In Onimusha 3, you can combine the D-pad and the left stick for movement. The D-pad has the tank control while the left stick lets you move your character anywhere. This leads to 3 types of movement:

• Skating
• Step Running
• Hover Running

Skating

While moving with the left stick, press the R1 button and repeat release. Allows for fast and smooth movement in places where no enemies are nearby. Good usage of that is during the spiral staircase inside the Arc de Triomphe.

Step Running

Hold down the R1 button and push the left stick down in the desired direction, repeating the process of returning. Allows quick movement to areas where enemies are present.

Hover Running

In stance, hold the left stick in the desired direction, and then repeatedly press the D-pad appropriate for the character's orientation. This is the most common movement which is the main techniques for this game on mastering it.

It's super important to note about the Hover Running method is that if you press the D-pad too quickly, the character will actually slow down. Rather than repeating the press, try to keep the rhythm of "push and release." Although Jacques and Michelle backward hover is fine with mashing.

Video demostration of Hover Running

Critical

Also known as Issen. This is a core mechanic that exists throughout the Onimusha series. It is the ability to perform counterattack in response to an incoming attack. Critical are known to instantly kill enemies as the number of red souls appearing doubles in both numbers and sizes. This also guarantee health souls. In Onimusha 3 there are 4 types:

• Deflect Critical
• True Critical
• Chain Critical
• Charge Critical

Deflect Critical

Just before the attack hits, a ring of light spreads (Deflect) while the ring of light is active triggers a Critical. This is the safest method because you won't take damage. Although, some attacks cannot be deflected and most boss attacks cannot be deflected.

True Critical

Generally I call this Raw Issen. The timing is similar when you attempt to deflect block but instead of blocking you attack. Therefore, you will have to work around the frame that is possible to land a critical hit. You'll naturally take damage if you fail but, there are some scenarios that you can just avoid with enemies whiffing. Regarding the distance and range, about 120 degrees from the front of the enemy, "Issen" should enter even at a position where the enemy's attack does not hit the character.

Chain Critical

If you press the attack button again within a certain time after any type of Critical hits, you can unleash consecutive Strikes. The chain timing varies per weapon and is interpreted as just before the character's movement stops.

Charge Critical

Holding R1 or Square can charge character's weapon. If you perform a single flash while charging up to level 3, it will automatically trigger up to 6 chains. However, it's useless since it requires Oni Gauntlet upgrade. However, If you enter Onimusha mode though, the character will automatically trigger double chain.

Critical Damage (Normal)

Damage to Regular Enemies:

• Most Regular enemies: One Shot
• Nuraubis: Damage equal to one-third of max health + 10 damage

Nuraubist is a giant plant that usually guards an access to vital. The way the damage is weird is applied, but basically, you can defeat it in three hits during Chain Critical.

Damage to Bosses (Chain Critical):

• First hit: Damage equal to 1/7 of max health
• From the second hit onward: Damage equal to 1/12 of max health
• Heihachiro Honda: Damage equal to 1/7 of max health
• Gertrude: Damage equal to 1/7 of maximum health

Bosses deal different damage between the first and second hits and beyond, but you can think of it as 1/10 of maximum health.

General Optimization

Health

Both player and enemy are dead when their health drops below zero. In other words, even if you hit the boss with 7 critical, the health is exactly 0, so you need one more hit. Strangely enough, Heihachi can be defeated in just seven hits in one flash.

Ako's Vests

Currently, Red Vest is the only reliable one due to the currency routing. This vest makes the number of red souls increased by 1.5 times both large and small. The down side is that it shuts down blue and yellow Soul apperance. If you defeat an enemy in Critical then, the amount of red soul that appears is tripled.

Currency Route

You need to upgrade your weapons to open the sealed door. The only weapons that need enhancement are 'Tenso' and 'Kuga' from Samanouske. Jacques's weapon does not require enhancement. 5,000 is required for enhancing 'Tenso' while 'Kuga' needs 6,000. In total: you need 11,000 Red Souls.

Mandatory Fights

If you wipe out all enemies in event fights or boss battles, make sure to absorb souls. This because you can't progress unless all the souls disappear.