Onimusha: Warlords

Onimusha: Warlords
Dark Realm FAQ/Walkthrough

By Brian Mills “DarkBlade22”
version 2.0 (1-24-2005)
e-mail [email protected]

Version History
---------------

version 2.0 (1-24-05) - added a section on weapons

version 1.0 (9-19-04) - completed walkthrough, and ready for submission

version 0.4 (9-18-04) - started walkthrough, and added everything up to the
monster list

Contents
--------
1. Introduction
2. Controls
3. Things To Know
4. Knowing Your Weapons
5. Monsters
6. Items
7. Walkthrough
8. Superior Ranking - The Effect of the Dark Realm
9. Thanks
10. Copyright

1. Introduction
---------------
Hello, and welcome to the Onimusha: Warlords Dark Realm FAQ/walkthrough. My
name is DarkBlade22. This is the second of the FAQs that I am writing for the
Dark Realms in the Onimusha games. Hopefully someone will be able to get some
help from this.

The Dark Realm is something that has become a mainstay in each Onimusha game.
They are included as an extra challenge for the player, with a big reward for
those who can make it through. In Onimusha: Warlords, there is only one, but
going through it can have a big impact on your game. This walkthrough will
take the player through each level, showing you what to expect and what to
look for, and will show you just how the Dark Realm will ultimately affect
your game.

2. Controls
-----------
Here are the controls for playing as Samanosuke:

- start - Opens inventory screen.
- select - Pauses the game.
- control pad - Use to move Samanosuke.
- triangle button - Use magic attack. Also cancels selections.
- circle button - Hold to absorb souls.
- x button - Use to confirm a selection.
- square button - Use to attack.
- R1 - Use to go into an attack stance. Also changes displays in inventory.
- R2 - Use to make a 180 degree turn.
- L1 - Hold to block. Also changes displays in inventory.
- L2 - not used
- left analog stick (L3) - not used
- right analog stick (R3) - Press to display map.

3. Things to Know
-----------------
- While you can enter the Dark Realm after obtaining the Evil Plate, you may
want to wait until later in the game, until you are about to enter the last
area. This way, your weapons and armor will be more powerful, and the Dark
Realm will be easier to traverse.
- All this information was obtained on Easy mode, and checked again on Normal
mode. The number of enemies should stay the same regardless of what mode
you are playing.
- On one playthrough, I accidentally skipped a Flourite, only to find it in
the next treasure box instead of the original item. When obtaining items in
the Dark Realm, make sure you get every item so that you don’t miss out on
anything.
- When in a room with reynaldos, the number you see is a base number, and
does not include any clones that may be produced.
- If you are shooting for Superior rank, be careful of how much damage you
take. You can’t use any medicines, meaning that you are limited to herbs
and yellow souls.

4. Knowing Your Weapons
-----------------------
The further you get into the Dark Realm, the more important your swords'
abilities will become. Using the right weapon will determine if you get
through unscathed, or if you'll end up using a valuable herb to heal yourself.
There are three main weapons you can use, each of which you will have by the
time you enter the Dark Realm. Each weapon also comes with an orb, which
provides invaluable magic power. Here are their abilities.

- Raizen - The first weapon you get is a regular sword. It has average
abilities, and is a good all-around weapon, useful for all but the
biggest demons.
- Shiden - This orb's magic attack unleashes a lightning attack against one
enemy, and is useful when you want to target a single big enemy.

- Enryuu - The second weapon is a broadsword. It is heavier than the Raizen,
so it is slower, making it not as good an all-around weapon.
However, it can knock enemies down, which combined with its power
makes it ideal for taking on bigger enemies.
- Kouen - This orb's magic attack sends a wave of fire at enemies in a
straight line. Use lock-on to pick an enemy to aim at, because the
magic attack is otherwise hard to aim.

- Shippuu - The final weapon is a double-bladed weapon that Samanosuke spins
around. Its low damage power is made up by its quickness. It is
ideal in battles with small enemies and groups of enemies.
- Arashi - The Shippuu's usefulness to groups extends to the orb's magic
attack, in which a whirlwind is created to take out many enemies
at once. Save this magic power for lower in the realm.

Take advantage of your weapons in respect to each level of the Dark Realm.
When using your magic, you will want to save power for the later levels, so
you can take out enemies quickly. Saving as much energy and as many herbs as
you can is a major requirement for S rank, and is important for the final
battles, so learn each weapon and use it effectively.

5. Monsters
-----------
The names of the monsters in this section were taken from the Bradygames
Onimusha strategy guide, by Dan Birlew. I am using them in order to provide
each monster with an easy description.
These are the monsters that you will encounter in the Dark Realm:

- zombies - These are your basic enemies. They attack you with swords, and
are easily defeated.

- ninjas - These enemies leap around the room, and attack with blades.

- red knight - These are big demons, with red armor. They attack with big
swords, and can also grab you and choke you. They are tougher
to take down.

- hobgoblins - These spiky demons attack with axes, and can also roll up into
a ball and roll at you, causing several hits of damage.

- hecubites - These insect demons are low to the ground and attack your legs.
They attack in groups.

- soul stealers - These floating enemies wait until you defeat other enemies,
then suck up the available souls. They can also latch onto
your arm, sucking up your own souls. Let them suck up
souls, then defeat them for a big bonus, but be careful
that they don’t get away, or you’ll lose those souls.

- orcs - These huge demons attack with equally huge axes. Keep your distance,
and attack with a magic attack if possible.

- reynaldos - These strange demons attack you with their tentacles, even
sending them through the ground to your location to bind you.
Attack them, but be careful, for sometimes they will split in
two!

- moles - These demons burrow through the ground, popping up to deliver
powerful blows. They can also turn invisible. Blocking is
essential. Block, wait for them to pop up and attack, then quickly
unblock and attack before they turn invisible. Also, watch out for
their long range boomerang attack.

- shadow ninjas - These are like regular ninjas, except they can leave an
image in one spot while they leap to another spot. They can
also attack with throwing knives.

- blue knights - These are more powerful versions of the red knight, and are
harder to take down. Consider a magic attack.

6. Items
--------
The Dark Realm is a place where you can find some valuable items. Here is a
rundown of what you can find there:

- herb - This is the most basic of the healing items. It will refill a small
amount of vitality. (found: 3)

- medicine - This is the bigger, more valuable healing item to have. It will
refill a large amount of vitality. (found: 1)

- soul absorber - When this is used, a circle appears on the ground. Any
enemy that steps inside this circle can have its souls
sucked out of it while still alive. This item is somewhat
valuable, even in boss fights. (found: 1)

- Talisman - This item is very valuable. It allows you to be revived after
being killed, giving you another chance. It is also valuable
because using one does not affect game ranking. (found: 1)

- Flourite - These are small pieces of ore that can be found throughout the
game. Collecting all 20 pieces unlocks the Oni Spirits minigame.
Three pieces can be found within the Dark Realm. (found: 3)

- Bishamon O. - The Bishamon Ocarina is the big prize of the Dark Realm. This
is used later to unlock a special door and obtain the
Bishamon Sword, Samanosuke’s ultimate weapon. (found: 1)

7. Walkthrough
--------------
So, you’ve fought many monsters, you’ve leveled up your weapons, and you’re
ready to delve into the great challenge that is the Dark Realm? Well, then,
let us step into the light and see what awaits us. This section will let you
know what to expect in the Dark Realm, but ultimately your own skills are what
will carry you to the bottom. Good luck!

When exploring the Dark Realm, you will enter each room and fight a number of
enemies in each room. Once you have defeated all enemies for the current room,
two shafts of light will appear. One will lead you down into the next level.
Items found within the Dark Realm can be obtained at any time within that
room. If you ever need to leave the Dark Realm, enter the shaft of light that
goes up. Be aware that if you leave the Dark Realm and then return, you will
have to fight your way back through any previously completed floors.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location - There are two locations where you can access the Dark Realm. The
first is in the Keep of Inabayama Castle, in the room near the
entrance with the magic mirror and magic well (the sentry box). The
Gatekeeper will just hang there until a certain point later in the
game.

The second location is in the West Area of the castle. As you
traverse the area around the buildings before the archery range,
you will find a well just off the main path. You can find the
Gatekeeper there.

Both locations lead to the same Dark Realm.

Access - You are first able to access the Dark Realm after Samanosuke defeats
Stylado, his evil clone, in the underground area, and obtains the
Evil Plate. When you return to the keep, you will see spirits
floating above some of the fallen warriors if you have the Rosary of
Communication. This is how you’ll know the time is right.

You will be able to access the Dark Realm at any time, up until you
open and enter the main door to the Dark Realm with the Great Arrow
in order to face Marcellus. After you enter that door, you may not
return to the normal world.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Room 1 - monsters: zombies (10)

The Dark Realm starts out easy and progresses to the difficult stuff.
Here you will fight an easy battle against some zombies.
Note: This room starts off a series of rooms with a red color to
them.

Room 2 - monsters: ninjas (7)

Some leaping ninjas will keep you moving, but again, nothing to worry
about.

Room 3 - monsters: zombies (5)
red knights (2)

This will be your first room with more than one type of enemy. Take
out the weaker zombies first, so you will have room to dodge around
the knights.

Room 4 - monsters: red knights (4)

You should be able to hit and dodge these, as they don’t all come out
at once, but don’t be afraid to use some magic to give yourself some
breathing room.

Room 5 - monsters: ninjas (5)
red knights (2)

It’s getting a little tricky. Take those ninjas out as quickly as you
can, and don’t let them gang up on you. The Shippuu’s magic can get
you out of trouble if you need it.

Room 6 - monsters: hobgoblins (12)

Don’t let these gang up on you, because those spin attacks can be
really annoying. Ideally, you should be able to critical hit a few of
them.
Note: This room starts off a series of rooms with a yellow color to
them.

Room 7 - monsters: hecubites (8)
item: Flourite

Attack fast and hard, but be careful with finishing moves, as these
things like to swarm around you.

Room 8 - monsters: hobgoblins (9)
soul stealers (4)

This provides a good opportunity for a soul bonus, if you are adept
at building up souls. Defeat the hobgoblins, let the soul stealers
suck them up, then defeat them before they get away for a huge soul
bonus.

Room 9 - monsters: orcs (3)
hobgoblins (6)
item: medicine

Oh, joy. Keep those hobgoblins away from the orcs. Keep yourself away
from the orcs. Attack when you have an opening. This is where your
magic may be coming into normal use.

Room 10 - monsters: orcs (3)
soul stealers (3)
item: Flourite

Try to get as much of a soul bonus as you can, but if you must
defeat a soul stealer, by all means do it. Your vitality is becoming
much more important at this stage.

Room 11 - monsters: reynaldos (5)

By themselves, these aren’t bad, so take them out swiftly. Try not
to split them up, though, you’ll get the same amount of souls
regardless.
Note: This room starts off a series of rooms with a green color to
them.

Room 12 - monsters: reynaldos (4)
soul stealers (4)
item: soul absorber

Again, try to get the bonus, but if the room becomes infested with
reynaldos, get what you can and get out.

Room 13 - monsters: reynaldos (3)
hecubites (5)

Slice and dice, but you may want to take out any hecubites first so
they don’t swarm your legs as you’re fighting reynaldos.

Room 14 - monsters: moles (3)
item: herb

These things will attack you two at a time. Remember to block, and
take a shot whenever you see an opening.

Room 15 - monsters: reynaldos (5)
moles (2)
item: Talisman

This combination of enemies can be frustrating, if you let it. Try
using the Enryuu’s magic attack to take out the reynaldos so you can
concentrate on the moles. Don’t forget the Talisman.

Room 16 - monsters: shadow ninjas (7)
item: herb

The thing about shadow ninjas is that their afterimages will confuse
your target locking system. Still, if you keep slashing, you should
be able to take them down somewhat easily.
Note: This room starts off a series of rooms with a blue color to
them.

Room 17 - monsters: red knights (2)
blue knights (3)
item: Flourite

This room introduces the blue knights. Consider a magic attack aimed
to hit multiple targets, because you don’t want that much long reach
around you. You’ll want to thin the herd.

Room 18 - monsters: shadow ninjas (4)
moles (2)
item: herb

Take out those shadow ninjas quickly, preferably with a blast from
the Shippuu. You don’t want those things bouncing around while moles
are turning invisible and coming up to you.

Room 19 - monsters: shadow ninjas (6)
blue knights (3)

Use a magic attack or two against the blue knights, hopefully
hitting the shadow ninjas in the process. Clean up any stragglers.

Room 20 - monsters: orcs (3)
moles (3)
item: Bishamon O.

Okay, you’ve made it this far, so don’t let this final gauntlet of
enemies get you down. Use whatever magic you have left against the
orcs, take down the moles with the usual tactic of blocking, and
don’t let them gang up on you.

Using the Bishamon O. - After you defeat Marcellus back in the main
part of the game, you will come to a room with a magic well, a magic
mirror, and a strange door that looks like a skeleton hand. Use the
ocarina in front of this door, and it will open and let you into a
secret room where you can claim the Bishamon sword, the ultimate
weapon for Samanosuke, from a hanging skeleton.

8. Superior Ranking - The Effect of the Dark Realm
--------------------------------------------------
When you beat the game, you are given a ranking based on what you’ve achieved
throughout your game. The highest ranking is the “S”, or superior ranking. In
order to get this ranking, you are required to do the following (according to
the Bradygames Onimusha guide):

- finish in less than 3 hours
- kill at least 600 demons
- collect at least 55,000 souls

Obviously going into the Dark Realm is going to affect each of these stats.
Here is a breakdown of how going into the Dark Realm will affect your chances
of getting this rank:

- souls: around 12,610 - This is obviously a variable number, due to bonuses
and missed souls, but you can expect around this number. It’s a huge
chunk, and at this stage of the game could put you over the edge, so
if you haven’t been collecting souls, you’ll need this, especially
if your weapons aren’t powered up all the way yet.

- enemies: 147 - This is pretty much an exact number. As you can see, it’s
just about ¼ of your total, so if you can make it through fast
enough, this will be a big help.

- time: about 25 minutes - Time is a big factor in the race for superior
ranking. If you’re quick enough, this is about how long it should
take. You should be at about 2 hours when you enter the Dark Realm if
you want to meet the requirements, since really the only thing you
have left are two boss fights. Also, getting the Bishamon Sword will
help you immensely, so you will want to take the time to go through
and get the Ocarina.

One thing to remember about the Dark Realm is that completing it does not
factor into your overall ranking. So if you can get enough souls and kills in
the regular areas and don’t want to spend time in the Dark Realm, then you can
miss it without fear of losing rank. You will miss out on three herbs, as well
as a soul absorber and Talisman, which can help in the final battle, but you
may end up using the two herbs in the Dark Realm anyway, and you can get a
soul absorber and a Talisman in other places. As always, it comes down to your
own skills, so determine what will help you best.

9. Thanks
---------
CJayC - For running GameFAQs, a place that I spend a lot of time at. This site
has all the info I could ask for.

Capcom - For making this game.

Dan Birlew - For being the author of many quality strategy guides. I obtained
some information for this FAQ from his Onimusha guide.

10. Copyright
------------
This walkthrough is copyright 2005 Brian Mills, all rights reserved. This
guide may be reproduced for personal use, but otherwise cannot be reproduced
in part or whole for any reason. It may not be sold for any reason, and may
not be posted anywhere other than GameFAQs. If you have any questions, you
can e-mail me at [email protected] and I will try to answer when I can.
If you see this walkthrough anywhere other than GameFAQs please let me know
by e-mail.