Soki' Jubei' Tenkai' Ohatsu' and Roberto set out on a mission to destroy the cherry trees and save medieval Japan!
The storyline starts out with Soki the oni of the ash who wishes to destroy the cherry trees which create genma' an evil type of insect that control people. Hideyoshi wishes to control Japan by using the genma. So in order to save Japan Soki must stop Hideyoshi. (You will learn more about the storyline as you play through the game.)
The gameplay is hacking and slashing. Throughout the game you will gain new allies. You start with Soki the oni of the ash who uses his giant sword . Later on you can play as Jubei of the Yagyu clan who uses katana's ' Tenkai the monk who uses a staff ' Ohatsu the gunner who of course who uses a gun ' and Roberto the westerner who uses just his gloves for punching . Every character can aquire more than just their starting weapons.
Oni magic is a powerful type of move in this game. You can use oni magic to take out strong or multiple enemies. You can charge it up more than just once. The more you charge it the more powerful it is. You can branch onto oni magic attacks by pushing the square button afterwards. Depending on which weapons you use' the oni magic will vary. (Some weapons set enemies on fire' some freeze them' and so on.)
You will usually have 2 characters with you at a time. Soki and whoever else you choose. You can switch between these 2 at anytime. You can replace your allies with another at a save point.
As you battle the genma your characters will eventually level up. Leveling up allows you to increase your abilities when at a save point. Characters have different abilities then others. You can absorb souls as well after you kill enemies. Some souls replenish' HP' MP' OP' and can be used to increase weapons and armor.
Increasing weapons and armor will give you more powerful oni magic and allow you to wear more items.
Their are unlockables in this game such as difficulties' onimusha arena' and co-op mode.
Later in the game you will get an ability for every character called the Oni Awakening. Every character has their own oni awakening. While in this mode your character is invincible and their abilities are more powerful.
Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is good for those looking for a good hack and slash game that is much different from other hack and slash games. Also if you like games with good storylines' this one will definitely satisfy you.