In the 2018 remaster of Onimusha: Warlords, most cutscenes can be skipped by pressing the Start button or the skip button prompt that appears on screen. The remaster added skip functionality that was not present in the original PS2 version, making replays significantly faster. Simply press Start during any skippable cutscene to immediately resume gameplay.
However, not all cutscenes can be skipped. Story-critical cutscenes that load new areas or trigger scripted events cannot be skipped, as skipping them would break the game's progression logic. These include the opening cinematic, the scene where Samanosuke first receives the Oni gauntlet, and the final boss transformation cutscene.
In total, there are approximately 35 cutscenes in Onimusha: Warlords. Of these, roughly 25 can be skipped in the remaster. The 10 unskippable cutscenes total approximately 15 minutes of forced viewing. Knowing which cutscenes are skippable helps you plan your speed run route and estimate your total time.
| Cutscene Type | Skippable | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Standard story | Yes | ~25 |
| Area transition | Sometimes | ~5 |
| Critical story | No | ~5 |
Which Cutscenes Can Be Skipped
In the 2018 remaster of Onimusha: Warlords, most cutscenes can be skipped by pressing the Start button or the skip button prompt that appears on screen. The remaster added skip functionality that was not present in the original PS2 version, making replays significantly faster. Simply press Start during any skippable cutscene to immediately resume gameplay.
However, not all cutscenes can be skipped. Story-critical cutscenes that load new areas or trigger scripted events cannot be skipped, as skipping them would break the game's progression logic. These include the opening cinematic, the scene where Samanosuke first receives the Oni gauntlet, and the final boss transformation cutscene.
In total, there are approximately 35 cutscenes in Onimusha: Warlords. Of these, roughly 25 can be skipped in the remaster. The 10 unskippable cutscenes total approximately 15 minutes of forced viewing. Knowing which cutscenes are skippable helps you plan your speed run route and estimate your total time.
| Cutscene Type | Skippable | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Standard story | Yes | ~25 |
| Area transition | Sometimes | ~5 |
| Critical story | No | ~5 |
Workarounds for Unskippable Cutscenes
For cutscenes that cannot be skipped normally, there are several workarounds. The most reliable method is to pause the game during the cutscene by pressing the Start button. While this does not skip the cutscene, it pauses the timer if you are doing a timed run, allowing you to step away without losing time.
Another workaround is to alt-tab or minimize the game on PC during unskippable cutscenes. The cutscene will continue playing in the background, but you can do other things while waiting. When you return to the game, the cutscene may have finished, allowing you to resume gameplay immediately.
Some players use a save and reload technique for certain unskippable cutscenes. If a cutscene triggers when entering a new area, save at the nearest Magic Mirror before the trigger point. After watching the cutscene once, reload your save. In some cases, the cutscene will not replay, though this is inconsistent and may not work for all scenes.
- Pause during cutscenes to stop the timer
- Alt-tab on PC to wait in background
- Save and reload to skip certain triggers
- Memorize unskippable scenes for route planning
Speed Run Tips for Fast Completion
For a speed run of Onimusha: Warlords, the most important factor is route optimization. Memorize the shortest path through each area, skipping optional rooms and unnecessary enemy encounters. Use the dodge roll to move faster than walking, and chain rolls to traverse long corridors quickly.
Use the Bishamon Sword for all boss fights, as it has the highest damage output and kills bosses in the fewest hits. However, obtaining the Bishamon Sword requires clearing the Dark Realm, which takes 2 to 3 hours. For runs under 3 hours, skip the Dark Realm and use a fully upgraded Raizan instead, accepting slightly longer boss fights.
Skip all optional content, including Fluorite collection, chest opening (except for essential items), and side exploration. Use soul-charged attacks on bosses for maximum damage per hit. Practice the Isshin counterattack on bosses, as it deals bonus damage and can shorten fights by 30 to 40 seconds per boss.
| Strategy | Time Saved |
|---|---|
| Skip all cutscenes | ~20 min |
| Use Bishamon Sword | ~15 min |
| Skip optional areas | ~30 min |
| Isshin on bosses | ~5 min |
New Game Plus for Faster Replays
New Game+ in Onimusha: Warlords carries over your weapons, weapon levels, and some items from your previous playthrough. This makes subsequent playthroughs significantly faster, as you start with powerful weapons and do not need to collect or upgrade them again.
If you completed the Dark Realm in your first playthrough, New Game+ starts with the Bishamon Sword available from the beginning. This reduces boss fight times dramatically, as the Bishamon Sword kills most bosses in under 2 minutes. Combined with cutscene skipping, a New Game+ run can be completed in under 2 hours.
For the fastest possible replay, use New Game+ with the Bishamon Sword, skip all cutscenes, avoid all optional content, and use the dodge roll to traverse areas quickly. Memorize puzzle solutions to avoid wasting time on trial and error. With practice, a New Game+ speed run can be completed in approximately 90 minutes.
- New Game+ carries weapons and upgrades
- Bishamon Sword available from start
- NG+ speed run: approximately 90 minutes
- Memorize puzzles for fastest completion