Onimusha: Way of the Sword — How to Practise Issen Timing

An Issen starts with an attack just before an enemy's strike hits Musashi. Its timing window is tighter than an ordinary parry. Start against one isolated enemy and practise a recognizable attack rather than trying to counter every swing in a crowd.

This guide concerns Onimusha: Way of the Sword, not an older Onimusha game. The source is an Xbox Wire preview of combat before release; check the attack and defence commands shown in your version and control settings.

Learn one incoming attack

Stand where the enemy can reach you and watch the beginning and path of one simple strike. On the first attempt, prioritize survival: block or move away to see when the blow actually arrives. The wind-up is your warning, but the relevant Issen moment is immediately before impact, not necessarily when the enemy raises its weapon.

Repeat the encounter and initiate your attack near that impact. A successful Issen produces its distinctive animation and powerful strike. If your ordinary attack came out too early, wait slightly longer next time. If you were hit before attacking, try the input a little earlier.

Parry and Issen are different inputs

A parry can help you learn the rhythm, but it uses the defence input; it is not the same action as starting an attack for Issen. The game also offers deflection and dodging. Some attacks call for a dodge rather than a parry.

When to stop forcing it

If health or stamina is low, return to blocking or moving away and practise again in a safer encounter. Against several enemies, protecting yourself is often a better decision than waiting for one perfect counter.

Once you can repeat an Issen against the same strike, try another opponent and read its animation afresh. Don't rely on a fixed delay: watch the particular attack as it approaches.

Source

Xbox Wire combat preview