Fans of the Onimusha franchise were pleasantly surprised back in August, when it was announced that the first entry in the series would be remastered early next year sporting HD visuals and other additions. Today, the forthcoming remaster, Onimusha Warlords, is showing off its new-and-improved in-engine graphics and combat mechanics in the first gameplay video.

To be clear, Onimusha: Warlords is being remastered, not remade from the ground up. That being said, fans can expect better-looking, HD background graphics, character models, and cutscenes. Further, Capcom is enhancing the experience with the addition of analog stick support, 4:3 and 16:9 display choices, an all-new soundtrack, and newly recorded Japanese voice acting. Finally, players will now be able to embark on the adventure in easy mode right from the get-go.

Those familiar with the original game will likely feel right at home slicing through hordes of demons and ogres. As expected, the 2001 title's hack and slash mechanics appear faithfully reproduced and silky smooth on modern day hardware, with ports coming to PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch.

While the Onimusha name still carries weight, the last proper release in the franchise was 2006's Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams. For long-time fans of the series, any new release is surely welcome, including this upcoming remaster. Better yet, those looking forward to the remaster only have to wait until January 15 to get their hands on a copy.

Onimusha's unique blend of action-adventure gameplay, feudal Japan setting and story, and horror elements have made it a cult classic franchise that many hope to see Capcom continue in the form of a new installment. Unfortunately, there are no new developments that would affirmatively suggest that Capcom has any interest in developing a new Onimusha title, although with any luck this remaster could be a sign of more to come.

The remaster of Onimusha: Warlords is slated for release January 15, 2019 on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.