Onimusha 3: Demon Siege is a third-person action video game that takes place in Japan during the 16th century and France in the present day. Following his confrontation with Nobunaga in the Honn-ji Temple, Samanosuke engages the leader of the Genma in combat, although he is ultimately victorious over his opponent. In order to prevent Nobunaga from killing him, he is spirited away to modern-day Paris, where he quickly learns that the Genma have taken over the city. Here he saves the life of a Frenchman named Jacques Blanc, who was modeled after the actor Jean Reno, who was being pursued by a bunch of Genma. Soon after their encounter, Jacques finds himself transported to Japan in the 16th century. Now it is up to the two of them to figure out how to travel back in time to stop Genma and Nobunaga from taking over the world.
The player takes control of Samanoske and Jacques throughout the game, and later on in select locations, they also take control of Michelle, who is Jacques’ girlfriend. The majority of the gameplay focuses on vanquishing a big number of standard adversaries in addition to bosses. Both Samanoske and Jacques have the ability to enhance their weapons and armor by absorbing the souls of creatures that they have vanquished. Although Michelle cannot be leveled up, she has the ability to draw souls into a neckless that can then be given to Samanoske or Jacques. These souls can then be used by those two. Michelle is able to use pistols and grenades, Samanoske can use three oni swords, Jacques has three oni whips and a hand gun to finish off foes, and Samanoske can use three oni whips. In order for the player to proceed, they may be required to acquire certain things or to complete certain riddles at various points throughout the game. The Oni has charged the Tengu Ako with the responsibility of assisting Jacques and Samanoske, and she is able to travel both herself and goods from one time period to another. There are times when Samanoske needs certain items, and Jacques needs to find them and take them to Ako in order for Samanoske to use them.
The first two games in the series used pre-rendered 2D visuals, but this third installment has an entirely new control method and graphic engine that is entirely 3D. The symphonic writing is done in the European way, while the Japanese instruments are used to create the sound.
