Onimusha Tactics is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Capcom, specifically for the Game Boy Advance. This game stands as a unique spin-off from the main Onimusha series, which was primarily featured on the PlayStation 2. Notably, it’s the only game in the series to be released on a Nintendo system and diverges from the main storyline, offering a side story instead. Gameplay The gameplay in Onimusha Tactics revolves around tactical, turn-based battles on a gridded battlefield viewed from a 3/4 perspective. Players control Onimaru, a samurai who wields the Oni Gauntlet, enabling him to become an Onimusha—a demon-fighting warrior. The primary goal is to defeat teams of opponents, strategically navigating the battlefield to gain tactical advantages. As players engage in battles and defeat enemies, they earn experience points which are essential for improving their character’s attributes such as strength and speed. These stats are crucial as they affect the character’s attack power and the turn order in battles, respectively. Players can equip their characters with a variety of weapons including katanas and spears, allowing for diverse combat strategies. Characters The protagonist, Onimaru, is joined by a host of characters, some of whom are familiar faces from the Onimusha series on PlayStation 2, including Saika Magoichi, Ankokuji Ekei, Fūma Kotarō, and Akechi Mitsuhide. As Onimaru progresses through the game, he confronts the genma army and their leader, Nobunaga, continuing the series’ theme of battling demonic forces. New to Onimusha Tactics are additional chosen warriors who receive powers associated with the mythical creatures of the Chinese zodiac—phoenix, tortoise, tiger, and dragon. These powers play a significant role in the game and are integral to the plot and gameplay mechanics. This inclusion of celestial animals as a thematic element connects to a puzzle featured in Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, adding depth and continuity to the series lore.