View source for Onimusha 3: Demon Siege

{{Short description|2004 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
|image = Onimusha 3 - Demon Siege Coverart.png
|alt = Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
|caption = North American PlayStation 2 box art
|developer = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Capcom]]}}|'''Microsoft Windows'''<br />Sourcenext}}
|publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Capcom]]}}|'''PlayStation 2'''<br />Capcom<br />'''Microsoft Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|[[Japan|JP]]|Sourcenext}}{{vgrelease|[[Europe|EU]]/[[North America|NA]]|[[Ubisoft]]}}{{vgrelease|[[Steam (service)|Steam]]|Capcom}}}}
|director = Minoru Nakai
|producer = [[Keiji Inafune]]
|programmer = Shingo Ohi <br> Yasuhiro Anpo<ref>{{cite video game|title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege|developer=[[Capcom]]|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=February 26, 2004|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Main Programmers:''' Shingo Ohi, Yasuhiro Anpo}}</ref>
|writer = [[Noboru Sugimura]] <br /> [[Shin Yoshida]] <br /> Hiroaki Kanazawa <br /> Minoru Nakai
|composer = [[Masamichi Amano]] <br /> [[Akari Kaida]] <br /> Hideki Okugawa <br /> Kota Suzuki
|series = ''[[Onimusha]]''
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]] <br /> [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|released = '''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|February 26, 2004|NA|April 27, 2004|PAL|July 9, 2004}}'''Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|November 25, 2005<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20051221/onidual.htm|title=カプコン、Pc版「鬼武者 3 Pc」で2画面同時プレイを実現|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229090747/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20051221/onidual.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>|EU|February 24, 2006}}{{vgrelease|NA|March 16, 2006}}{{vgrelease|WW|August 22, 2007 <small>([[Steam (service)|Steam]])</small>}}
|genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[hack and slash]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
}}

'''''Onimusha 3: Demon Siege''''', released in Japan and Europe as {{nihongo|'''''Onimusha 3'''''|鬼武者3|Onimusha Surī}}, is a 2004 [[action-adventure game]] developed and published by [[Capcom]]. It is the third game of the ''[[Onimusha]]'' series and was released for the [[PlayStation 2]] in April 2004, and later ported to [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] in December 2005. The story focuses on the returning hero, swordsman [[Characters of Onimusha#Samanosuke Akechi|Hidemitsu Samanosuke Akechi]], who is in his quest to defeat his nemesis, [[Characters of Onimusha#Nobunaga Oda|Nobunaga Oda]], who wishes to conquer Japan with his army of demons known as Genma. Samanosuke, however, changes places with a French officer from the future named [[Characters of Onimusha#Jacques Blanc|Jacques Blanc]], and both have to adapt to their new worlds to get rid of Genma army and stop Oda Nobunaga's ambitions to conquer the world.

The game retains elements from previous games in the franchise including the use of multiple special weapons in order to fight enemies and absorb their energy to enhance the weaponry. This time the player primarily controls both Samanosuke and Jacques in separate scenarios. The two are able to exchange items in order to solve puzzles. In order to appeal to the Western market, the team set this game in Paris and chose French actor [[Jean Reno]] to portray Jacques.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/re5-producer-outlines-the-10-capcom-mandments/1100-6204911/|title=RE5 producer outlines the 10 Capcom-mandments|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan|date=February 19, 2009|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=July 17, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210002922/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/re5-producer-outlines-the-10-capcom-mandments/1100-6204911/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Onimusha 3'' has been generally well received by video game publications. Most of the writers' praise focused on the improved controls and the use of a 3D engine that allowed better combat and visuals. Critics also highly praised the CGI intro cutscene, which had martial arts legend [[Donnie Yen]] directing the fight sequences. One of the main criticisms was the game's short length. The game also generated good sales, with over 1.5 million copies sold as of May 2008, although according to Capcom it did not sell as much as they had hoped for.

==Gameplay==
{{see also|Onimusha#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the Onimusha series}}
''Onimusha 3'' is played in a real-time environment instead of pre-rendered backgrounds, although the camera is still controlled by the computer. Gameplay alternates between Samanosuke fighting in modern-day Paris and Jacques fighting in feudal Japan. Samanosuke fights using close range weapons, while Jacques uses an energy whip, which can also be used at certain points to swing across gaps. While Samanosuke cannot swing like Jacques he is able to use a bow in order to perform long-range attacks. Both characters also have defensive skills known as Issen that allows them to instantly kill an enemy by attacking just before the enemy makes contact with its attack.<ref name="gamespyguide">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/onimusha-3-demon-siege/guide/page_2.html|title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege Walkthrough & Strategy Guide|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=August 30, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054809/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/onimusha-3-demon-siege/guide/page_2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Samanosuke and Jacques can gain elemental weapons, changing their fighting style and allowing access to magical attacks. Defeating enemies reaps souls, which when absorbed can restore health and magic, be used as currency for purchasing ammunition and health items, and allow Samanosuke or Jacques to enter a more powerful Onimusha state for a short time.<ref name="gamespyguide"/> If the player collects certain items during the game and completes it, Samanosuke will be able to use his weapons from the first game in the next playthrough. Armors with different properties can be obtained in the game but they require some items in order to work.

During certain portions of the story, players also get to control Michelle, who relies on firearms. Another minigame gives the players control over the lance fighter Heihachiro. Unlike Samanosuke and Jacques, Heihachiro and Michelle do not possess upgradeable weapons and cannot enter the Oni mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/onimusha-3-demon-siege/guide/page_14.html|title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege Walkthrough & Strategy Guide|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=August 30, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060347/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/onimusha-3-demon-siege/guide/page_14.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

New to this game is a focus on time travel when solving puzzles. For example, if Samanosuke comes across a door in the present that has become too withered to open, Jacques will need to open the door in the past so that it will stay open for Samanosuke to progress. Things Samanosuke does in the present will not affect things in the past,<ref>{{cite web |title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/536090/ |year=2004 |access-date=January 26, 2011 |publisher=[[IGN]] |archive-date=January 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128155842/http://guides.ign.com/guides/536090/ |url-status=live}}</ref> but Ako is able to transfer some items between both timelines.

==Plot==
Having returned from mastering his newfound abilities as an Onimusha, Samanosuke Akechi returns to battle the [[demon|Genma]] army in Japan 1582 as he fights his way to [[Honnō-ji|Honnō-ji Temple]] to finally put an end to Nobunaga Oda. Although Nobunaga was defeated by Jubei Yagyu years earlier, due to the fact that Jubei did not possess an Oni Gauntlet to seal Nobunaga away, this allowed the Genma to revive him. Though Samanosuke defeats Nobunaga's ward [[Characters of Onimusha#Mori Ranmaru|Mori Ranmaru]], he is defeated by Nobunaga. Before the Genma Lord can kill him, he ends up being pulled through a portal that opened below him. Samanosuke awakens in [[Paris]] in the year 2004 where he aids a man named Jacques Blanc in fighting the Genma army that has begun its invasion near the [[Arc de Triomphe]]. The time portal reappears and teleports Jacques to feudal Japan.

Samanosuke then meets Michelle, Jacques' girlfriend, near the Arc and makes his way towards the roof. Across his fights, Samanosuke briefly meets an old enemy: The Genma scientist Guildenstern. Guildenstern recovered a device from Oni ruins that, through experimentation, generated a "time warp" that brought him and a number of Genma soldiers into the future. By establishing a base in [[Mont-Saint-Michel]], he has built a new time warp generator to bring a large Genma army through time and conquer the future.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege|quote='''Samanosuke:''' Time warp? What are you talking about? So this is all your doing!? / '''Guildenstern:''' Impudent worm, as usual. / '''Samanosuke:''' What is this place? / '''Guildenstern:''' Here? This is Paris, the capital of France. But it's the future, 500 years later than the Sengoku world that you were in. / '''Samanosuke:''' What? / '''Guildenstern:''' Under Lord Nobunaga's orders, the Genma started a new operation in this land.|publisher=Capcom|developer=Capcom|year=2004}}</ref>

Jacques arrives in 16th century Japan, 10 days before the siege on Honnō-ji Temple and encounters a different Samanosuke. He is also met by an Oni spirit that grants him a gauntlet with Oni powers and entrusts him with a spirit named Ako in order to assist him in his quest. Samanosuke and Jacques must stop the Genma invasion in both the present and the past in order to return to their own time periods and undo the damage to the timeline. In 2004 Paris, future Samanosuke teams up with Michelle and Jacques' son Henri to save the city from destruction, while in feudal Japan, Jacques and the past's Samanosuke struggle to fight Nobunaga's forces. Across his journey, Jacques and the past's Samanosuke meet Tadakatsu Heihachirō Honda who is linked with the Oda clan. Heihachirō decides to join Samanosuke and Jacques' cause. The future Samanosuke also encounters the time displaced Ranmaru who has been infused with Genma blood and is progressively transforming into a Genma warrior.

Following several battles, future Samanosuke manages to defeat the Genma forces in 2004 by defeating Guildenstern and Genma Ranmaru. Meanwhile, in feudal Japan, Heihachirō is killed by the past's Ranmaru and Jacques avenges him when reaching Honnō-ji Temple. Jacques defeats Nobunaga and returns to his time, where Genma Ranmaru kills Henri. Jacques, after killing Ranmaru a second time, holds Henri's body and his Oni gauntlet transforms into an energy that enters Henri and revives him from death.

Back in feudal Japan, Nobunaga recovers and kills the past Samanosuke, but future Samanosuke returns to his time and absorbs his alternate self to assume his Onimusha form. Following a battle in the Genma Netherworld, Samanosuke defeats Nobunaga's Genma form before sealing the warlord's soul in the Oni Gauntlet. Samanosuke then starts a journey with Ako to seal his Gauntlet to ensure Nobunaga can never return.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege|quote=The story of the long battle between Akechi Samanosuke and Oda Nobunaga has come to an end. However, a new journey has already begun... Until the Oni Gauntlet in which Nobunaga is trapped is sealed away, their journey will continue.|publisher=Capcom|year=2004|developer=Capcom}}</ref> In an alternate (and canon) ending, Ako takes on a human form to accompany Samanosuke.

In the final scene, it is revealed that Nobunaga's death enables his former vassal Tokichiro to begin his own conquest of Japan as [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]] with the Genma now supporting him, leading to the events of ''[[Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams]]''.

==Development==
''Onimusha 3: Demon Siege'' was announced in May 2003 as the last game within the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/04/keiji-inafune-talks-onimusha-4|title=Keiji Inafune Talks Onimusha 4|publisher=IGN|access-date=August 28, 2013|date=May 4, 2005|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160350/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/04/keiji-inafune-talks-onimusha-4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="gamershellannounce">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamershell.com/news_7325.html|title=Onimusha 3 announced|publisher=Gamers Hell|access-date=August 28, 2013|date=May 14, 2003|archive-date=November 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106093057/http://www.gamershell.com/news_7325.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Onimusha'' series was originally conceived as a trilogy with ''Onimusha 3'' meant to close the storyline.<ref name="1upinter"/> The team behind ''Onimusha 3'' had previously developed the first game, ''[[Onimusha: Warlords]]''. The two share in common the focus in action as ''[[Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny]]'' was made by another team that implemented a bigger focus in adventure.<ref name="eurogamerinter"/>

As ''Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny'' did not sell well in the Western market, [[Capcom]] decided to make the next sequel with the idea of appealing Western gamers.<ref name=":0" /> Capcom employee [[Ben Judd]] was skeptical whether this approach would work.<ref name=":0" /> As a result, they decided to set in Paris in order to generate a big contrast with ancient Japan. New York was also suggested by members from the staff, but they found that city was used in many games. The city was also decided because ''Onimusha 2'' had the worst sales in Europe making them focus on where they "lost the war".<ref name="1upinter">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/cutting-edge-keiji-inafune|title=ON THE CUTTING EDGE|publisher=1UP.com|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105211711/http://www.1up.com/features/cutting-edge-keiji-inafune|archive-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Capcom anticipated this game to sell 700,000 copies worldwide by the end of the fiscal year after its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/capcom-posts-a-profit-6083646|title=Capcom posts a profit|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=August 29, 2013|date=November 14, 2003|author=Niizumi, Hirohiko}}</ref> With the use of the modern French setting, the story involved time travel which worried producer [[Keiji Inafune]] as it could negatively affect the game if it was not well executed, but Infafune was pleased with the final product.<ref name="CVGinter" /> The game's concept was "what would a Samurai do in the modern world, and what would a modern cop do in the ancient world".<ref name="CVGinterdawn">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/118164/onimusha-dawn-of-dreams-exclusive-interview/|title=Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams - Exclusive Interview|publisher=Computer And Video Games|author=Boyd, Graeme|date=May 6, 2005|access-date=September 3, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105223632/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/118164/onimusha-dawn-of-dreams-exclusive-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In order to fit the game's setting, the staff chose the French actor [[Jean Reno]] as a model for the new character of Jacques. Additionally, in order to make sure the game was realistic, Reno worked with the Capcom staff to make Jacques' motion capture and French voice acting. Inafune compared Reno's role with [[Takeshi Kaneshiro]]'s work in the first ''Onimusha'' game as both actors are famous. By adding Reno, the team managed to appeal to both Eastern and Western gamers.<ref name="1upinter" /> Kaneshiro also returned to voice and motion capture Samanosuke.<ref name="gamershellannounce" /> Director [[Takashi Yamazaki]] and CG movie action director [[Donnie Yen]] were invited to help in the making of the game's movie scenes which "helped immensely" thanks to their experience. Over a hundred staff members worked together in the game's opening scene which took two years to complete.<ref name="CVGinter">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/105859/exclusive-interview-oi-mush-capcoms-inafune-speaks/|title=Exclusive Interview: Oi 'Mush! - Capcom's Inafune speaks|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames|date=June 10, 2004|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105223116/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/105859/exclusive-interview-oi-mush-capcoms-inafune-speaks/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As the first two ''Onimusha'' games were designed with the [[PlayStation (console)|original PlayStation]] in mind, they were given 2D backgrounds. In contrast, ''Onimusha 3'' started development after the [[PlayStation 2]] was released, and the team managed to develop 3D backgrounds thanks to a new engine.<ref name="eurogamerinter"/> Although the team faced the challenge of making the 3D backgrounds as interesting as the prerendered backgrounds, working some of the time on the PlayStation 2 gave the team confidence in designing the game.<ref name="1upinter"/> The Japanese version of the game was made less challenging than the American and European versions based on the wide audience Capcom was appealing to in Japan.<ref name="eurogamerinter">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_keijiinafune_july04|title=Mr. Onimusha speaks|publisher=Eurogamer|author=Reed, Kristan|access-date=August 28, 2013|date=July 9, 2004|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105214354/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_keijiinafune_july04|url-status=live}}</ref>

For the Japanese launch of ''Onimusha 3'', peripheral manufacturer Hori released a special ''Onimusha''-themed [[memory card]] and the "Soul Controller", a 38-inch-long [[DualShock]] controller shaped like a [[tachi]] sword.<ref>{{cite web | author=Dunham, Jeremy | date=January 7, 2004 | title=Hori Announces Onimusha Contest | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/07/onimusha-3-soul-controller-and-memory-card | publisher=[[IGN]] | access-date=September 1, 2013 | archive-date=February 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160355/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/07/onimusha-3-soul-controller-and-memory-card | url-status=live}}</ref> Swinging the device around causes the [[player character]] within the game to do the same.<ref>{{cite web | author=Hitmitsu, Supai | date=February 5, 2004 | title=Hori Announces Onimusha Contest | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/05/hori-announces-onimusha-contest | publisher=[[IGN]] | access-date=September 1, 2013 | archive-date=February 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160347/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/02/05/hori-announces-onimusha-contest | url-status=live}}</ref> ''Onimusha 3'' was collected alongside its two predecessors and a strategy guide in Japan as part of a box set released by Capcom on December 22, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/onimusha-resident-evil-box-sets-for-japan-6111763|title=Onimusha, Resident Evil box sets for Japan|publisher=GameSpot|author=Kohler, Chris|access-date=August 28, 2013|date=October 28, 2004|archive-date=May 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529123834/http://www.gamespot.com/news/onimusha-resident-evil-box-sets-for-japan-6111763|url-status=live}}</ref>

Sourcenext ported ''Onimusha 3'' to [[Personal computer|PC]] for a Japanese release on December 8, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sourcenext.com/products/capcom/oni3.html|title=ソースネクスト・ドットコム／製品情報／鬼武者III|website=www.sourcenext.com|access-date=February 23, 2014|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513111007/http://www.sourcenext.com/products/capcom/oni3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The PC version was subsequently published by [[Ubisoft]] for distribution on European retailers on February 24<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubi.com/ES/Games/Info.aspx?pId=4278|title=Ubisoft - Welcome to the official Ubisoft website|access-date=February 23, 2014|archive-date=April 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421123946/http://ubi.com/ES/Games/Info.aspx?pId=4278|url-status=live}}</ref> and North American retailers on March 16, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/shippin-out-3-13-3-17-outfit-parallel-lines-mgs3-subsistence-6145904|title=Shippin' Out 3/13-3/17: Outfit, Parallel Lines, MGS3: Subsistence|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|work=[[GameSpot]]|author=Thorsen, Tor|access-date=September 5, 2013|date=March 14, 2006|archive-date=September 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904171359/http://www.gamespot.com/news/shippin-out-3-13-3-17-outfit-parallel-lines-mgs3-subsistence-6145904|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also published by Capcom on [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]'s [[Steam (service)|Steam]] software on August 22, 2007.<ref>{{cite web | author=Valve staff | date=August 22, 2007 | title=Now on Steam: Capcom's Onimusha 3: Demon Siege | url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/1169/ | publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] | access-date=September 5, 2013 | archive-date=November 5, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105215426/http://store.steampowered.com/news/1169/ | url-status=live}}</ref> The game was also released with its two predecessors into the ''Onimusha Essentials'' compilation for North America in 2008.<ref>{{cite web | author=Bailey, Kat | date=August 12, 2008 | title=Capcom Reveals Onimusha Essentials Collection | url=http://www.1up.com/news/capcom-reveals-onimusha-essentials-collection | publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] | work=[[1UP.com]] | access-date=September 1, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105212802/http://www.1up.com/news/capcom-reveals-onimusha-essentials-collection | archive-date=November 5, 2013 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Pachislot==
A [[Slot machines#Japan|pachislot]] machine based on ''Onimusha 3'' was distributed to parlors in Japan in January 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/onimusha-3-takes-a-pachislot-gamble-6116512|title=Onimusha 3 takes a pachislot gamble|access-date=August 29, 2013|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Niizumi, Hirohiko|date=January 18, 2005|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606045251/http://www.gamespot.com/news/onimusha-3-takes-a-pachislot-gamble-6116512|url-status=live}}</ref> This machine was adapted into a [[PlayStation 2]] video game titled ''Jissen Pachi-Slot Hisshouhou! Onimusha 3'', released on July 14 the same year, published by [[Sega]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jissen Pachislo Hisshouhou! Onimusha 3 |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/jissen-pachislo-hisshouhou-onimusha-3/ |access-date=January 26, 2011 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603030731/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/jissen-pachislo-hisshouhou-onimusha-3/ |archive-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = PS2: 86%<ref name="gamerankings">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/589770-onimusha-3-demon-siege/index.html |title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege for PlayStation 2 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011247/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/589770-onimusha-3-demon-siege/index.html |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />PC: 64%<ref name="gamerankingspc">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/931495-onimusha-3-demon-siege/index.html |title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege for PC |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209013150/https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/931495-onimusha-3-demon-siege/index.html |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| MC = PS2: 85/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/onimusha-3-demon-siege/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege for PlayStation 2 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-date=September 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924152440/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/onimusha-3-demon-siege |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PC: 69/100<ref name="metacriticpc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/onimusha-3-demon-siege/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=March 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330095322/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/onimusha-3-demon-siege |url-status=live}}</ref>
| CVG = PC: 6.6/10<ref name="CVGreview">{{cite web | date=March 1, 2006 | title=Onimusha 3 | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/137655/reviews/onimusha-3-review/ | access-date=August 29, 2013 | publisher=[[Computer And Video Games]] | archive-date=November 5, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105224542/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/137655/reviews/onimusha-3-review/ | url-status=live}}</ref>
| EuroG = PS2: 8/10<ref name="Eurogamer">{{cite web | author=Reed, Kristan | date=May 6, 2004 | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_onimusha3_ps2 | title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege Review | publisher=[[Eurogamer]] | access-date=August 28, 2013 | archive-date=November 5, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105213608/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ir_onimusha3_ps2 | url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = PS2: 8.3/10<ref name="gamespotReview1">{{cite web|last= Kasavin|first= Greg|date= April 26, 2004|title= Onimusha 3: Demon Siege|url= http://www.gamespot.com/onimusha-3-demon-siege/reviews/onimusha-3-demon-siege-review-6094607/|access-date= August 28, 2013|publisher= [[GameSpot]]|archive-date= November 14, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121114133733/http://www.gamespot.com/onimusha-3-demon-siege/reviews/onimusha-3-demon-siege-review-6094607/|url-status= live}}</ref><br />PC: 7.4/10<ref name="gamespotReviewpc">{{cite web|last= Kasavin|first= Greg|date= April 7, 2006|title= Onimusha 3: Demon Siege|url= http://www.gamespot.com/onimusha-3-demon-siege/reviews/onimusha-3-demon-siege-review-6147303/|access-date= August 29, 2013|publisher= [[GameSpot]]|archive-date= January 16, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130116174943/http://www.gamespot.com/onimusha-3-demon-siege/reviews/onimusha-3-demon-siege-review-6147303/|url-status= live}}</ref>
| IGN = PS2: 9.0/10<ref name="IGNreview">{{cite web|last= Dunham|first= Jeremy|date= April 23, 2004|title= Onimusha 3: Demon Siege review|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/23/onimusha-3-demon-siege|access-date= August 28, 2013|publisher= [[IGN]]|archive-date= April 29, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130429052929/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/23/onimusha-3-demon-siege|url-status= live}}</ref>
| PALGN = PS2: 8/10<ref name="PALGNreview">{{cite web|last=Jastrab|first=Jeremy|date=March 1, 2006|title=Onimusha 3: Demon Siege Review|url=http://palgn.com.au/playstation-2/3960/onimusha-3-demon-siege-review/|access-date=August 28, 2013|website=PALGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105212555/http://palgn.com.au/playstation-2/3960/onimusha-3-demon-siege-review/|archive-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

''Onimusha 3: Demon Siege'' debuted at number one on the Japanese sales charts according to ''[[Famitsu]]''. The game managed to sell 431,000 units in its first week.<ref>{{cite web | author=Jenkins, David | date=March 5, 2004 | title=Latest Japanese Sales Charts - Week Ending February 28 | url=http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3513 | work=Gamasutra.com | access-date=August 19, 2009 | archive-date=December 21, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233642/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3513 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The game went on to sell 569,275 units in Japan by the end of the year, making it the eleventh best-selling game in the region for 2004.<ref>{{cite web | title=GEIMIN.NET／2004年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP500 | url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2004_ne_fa/index.php | work=Geimin.net | language=ja | access-date=August 19, 2009 | archive-date=December 27, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227141227/http://geimin.net/da/db/2004_ne_fa/index.php | url-status=live}}</ref> Sales info from [[NPD Group]] and Chart Track show that ''Onimusha 3: Demon Siege'' was the 10th best-selling game in both the United States and the United Kingdom during the week of its release.<ref>{{cite web | author=Jenkins, David | date=March 19, 2004 | title=Latest Japanese Sales Charts - Week Ending March 14 | url=http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3573 | work=Gamasutra.com | access-date=August 19, 2009 | archive-date=December 21, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221221204/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3573 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Jenkins, David | date=June 24, 2004 | title=Latest US Console Sales Charts – May | url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/latest-us-console-sales-charts-may | work=Gamasutra.com | access-date=August 19, 2009 | archive-date=March 14, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314123809/http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3935 | url-status=live}}</ref> The sales in North America regions were found "somewhat disappointing" with [[Capcom]]'s [[Jun Takeuchi]] finding the staff's work was not enough to appeal to Western gamers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/capcom-announces-sales-up-by-27-percent|title=Capcom Announces Sales Up By 27 Percent|publisher=Gamasutra|access-date=August 29, 2013|date=November 19, 2004|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220927/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=4587|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/turning-games-un-japanese/|title=Turning Games Un-Japanese|publisher=Edge|access-date=August 29, 2013|date=February 19, 2009|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105211141/http://www.edge-online.com/features/turning-games-un-japanese/|url-status=live}}</ref> Capcom VP of Strategic Planning and Business Development Christian Svensson referred to ''Onimusha 3'' and ''[[Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams]]'' as less successful games than the first two ''[[Onimusha]]'' titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/18/onimusha-dino-crisis-franchises-not-dead|title=Onimusha, Dino Crisis Franchises Not Dead|author=Reily, Jim|publisher=IGN|date=October 18, 2010|access-date=August 29, 2013|archive-date=July 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716111934/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/18/onimusha-dino-crisis-franchises-not-dead|url-status=live}}</ref> As of May 2008, ''Onimusha 3'' sold 1.5 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/23/capcom-releases-lifetime-sales-numbers|title=Capcom Releases Lifetime Sales Numbers|publisher=IGN|date=May 23, 2008|access-date=August 29, 2013|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730130026/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/23/capcom-releases-lifetime-sales-numbers|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game achieved highly positive critical reception with both [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]] rating it 85 out of 100.<ref name="gamerankings"/><ref name="metacritic"/> Critics commonly focused on the improved controls that allow players to use the joystick's left analogue in order to move rather than the D-pad improving the flow of the combat.<ref name="gamespotReview1"/><ref name="IGNreview"/> Another common praise is the use of the 3D engine which gives the players a better view of the game's areas.<ref name="Eurogamer"/><ref name="PALGNreview"/> On the other hand, ''[[Eurogamer]]'' criticized the lack of innovation to the franchise and the quality from the voice acting which resulted in inconsistency with Jacques' character.<ref name="Eurogamer"/> Jeremy Dunhan from ''[[IGN]]'' praised the story and the game's lasting appeal provided by its additional content.<ref name="IGNreview"/> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s [[Greg Kasavin]] shared a similar view based on its "strong" but criticized some subplots such as Jacques' relationship with his family or Ako's role as one of the plot's biggest flaws.<ref name="gamespotReview1"/> Although ''Eurogamer'' noted that there are times the camera does not show an enemy, the lock on function can remedy it by attacking enemies offscreen.<ref name="Eurogamer"/> The graphics also were well received by writers although Kasavin expected a bigger interaction with the areas.<ref name="gamespotReview1"/> Dunhan found the game's audio appealing thanks its English cast but missed the original Japanese audio.<ref name="IGNreview"/>

The [[Personal computer|PC]] port of the game received lower scores than the original PS2 game.<ref name="gamerankingspc"/><ref name="metacriticpc"/> Although Kasavin found the port to retain all the elements from the PS2 game, he still noted that it "looks and feels like an older [[PlayStation 2]] game quickly ported to the PC".<ref name="gamespotReviewpc"/> The ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' staff acknowledged multiple issues such as low framerate and a lack of sound effects which resulted in the game being called a "halfarsed PC conversion".<ref name="CVGreview"/>

===Legacy===
In the making of ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' game designer [[Shinji Mikami]] was inspired by ''Demon Siege''. Mikami felt the game could have been better with a different camera angle from behind the player character, inspiring the over-the-shoulder camera of ''Resident Evil 4''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/67755/shinji-mikami-on-shadows-damned |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314155922/http://www.shacknews.com/article/67755/shinji-mikami-on-shadows-damned |title=Shinji Mikami on Shadows of the Damned and inspiring a new generation of competition |author=De Matos, Xav |date=March 9, 2011 |work=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=[[GameFly|GameFly, Inc]] |archive-date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=March 13, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to Capcom's [[Yoshinori Ono (game producer)|Yoshinori Ono]], the 3D engine "pushed the PS2 hardware to its limits" resulting in Capcom's desire to retain the same quality for their following game, ''[[Shadow of Rome]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/31/shadow-of-rome-the-interview|title=Shadow of Rome: The Interview|publisher=IGN|author=Lewis, Ed|access-date=August 28, 2013|date=January 31, 2005|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221160341/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/31/shadow-of-rome-the-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kenji Inafune]] commented that some gamers did not like the game because they did not think it was a proper samurai game. As a result, the next game, ''Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams'', would be set in ancient Japan.<ref name="CVGinterdawn"/>

''[[GamesRadar]]'' listed Jean Reno's work as one of the eight celebrity roles impossible to take seriously based on the actor's fame and previous works.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/celebrity-roles-are-impossible-take-seriously/|title=8 celebrity roles that are impossible to take seriously|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Sullivan, Lucas|access-date=August 28, 2013|date=April 26, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107053813/http://www.gamesradar.com/celebrity-roles-are-impossible-take-seriously/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, ''GameSpot'' picked it as a finalist in the "Best Use of a Celebrity" award in its lists of 2004's best games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2f_33.html|title=Best of 2004|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=August 29, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621184956/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day2f_33.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The magazine ''[[PSM3]]'' made a feature titled "Onimusha 3: Why it was the pinnacle of PS2 action" where they praised the game for its depth in combat mechanics and how well it has aged despite retaining fixed cameras and a linear level progression.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/315079/features/onimusha-3-why-it-was-the-pinnacle-of-ps2-action/|title=Onimusha 3: Why it was the pinnacle of PS2 action|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames|work=PSM3|date=August 14, 2011|access-date=August 29, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105224406/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/315079/features/onimusha-3-why-it-was-the-pinnacle-of-ps2-action/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'' also picked ''Onimusha 3'' as "Game of the Month" in April 2004 as well as one of the best looking PlayStation 2 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/01/game-of-the-month-april-2004-3|title=Game of the Month: April 2004|publisher=IGN|author=Dunhan, Jeremy|access-date=August 29, 2013|date=April 30, 2004|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101061353/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/01/game-of-the-month-april-2004-3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/07/the-top-10-best-looking-ps2-games-of-all-time?page=2|title=The Top 10 Best Looking PS2 Games of All Time|publisher=IGN|author=Dunhan, Jeremy|access-date=August 29, 2013|date=May 7, 2010|archive-date=July 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706213927/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/07/the-top-10-best-looking-ps2-games-of-all-time?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[Japan Game Awards]] from 2003 and 2004, ''Onimusha 3'' received the "Award for Excellence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2004/english/ceremony/03.html|title=GAME AWARDS 2003-2004 Awarded Games|publisher=Japan Game Awards|access-date=August 31, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105211303/http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2004/english/ceremony/03.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/onimusha-3-demon-siege}}

{{Onimusha series}}

[[Category:2004 video games]]
[[Category:3D beat 'em ups]]
[[Category:Capcom beat 'em ups]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Hack and slash games]]
[[Category:Onimusha]]
[[Category:Pachislot video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video games about samurai]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Keiji Inafune]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Akari Kaida]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2004]]
[[Category:Video games set in feudal Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Paris]]
[[Category:Windows games]]