Onimusha: Way of the Sword has a hard mode, but it isn't unlocked from the start

Some players came away from Onimusha's demo worried that the game would be too easy, a concern I've addressed in-depth based on my own time with the game. The good news is that I think the challenge level is well-judged for most people, and Onimusha does have a hard mode.

For those who hoped to jump right into the hardest possible difficulty from the main menu, though, I've got some bad news: you're going to have to beat the game first.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword's default difficulty options

Story: "A difficulty level that lets you focus on the story. Recommended for action game beginners."

• Musashi deals more damage and stamina damage and takes less from enemy attacks
• Action prompts default to on, showing button icons for how to deal with incoming enemy attacks

Action: "A difficulty level for those who like challenging battles. This difficulty level will keep you on your toes. Recommended for experienced action game players."

You can freely change between these two options from save points throughout the game.

Details

Individually adjustable difficulty tweaks:

• Action prompts
• Tips (tutorial messages)
• Navigation UI icons

How to unlock Onimusha: Way of the Sword's Hard mode

There's just one way to unlock Onimusha's harder difficulty level: Finishing the game. No shortcuts, sorry! Here's the in-game description:

Carnage: "A difficulty level where a single hit could mean death. A high-stakes mode where carelessness can kill, but victory is all the sweeter."

If you choose this difficulty, it's locked in. You can't change to Story or Action. But you do get a bit of a leg up, because Carnage is a New Game+ mode that carries over some of your progress from a completed save.

What does the hard mode New Game+ carry over?

• Awakened Oni abilities
• Enhanced basic and special abilities
• Acquired Hozuki Pouches and upgrades
• Items, offerings, and "some" materials
• Charms and charm upgrades
• Unlocked outfits
• Tutorial drills and boss rematch unlocks and completion
• Genma Notes and rescued Lion Dogs

There's a lot that doesn't carry over to NG+:

• Story and sidequest progress
• Clothing, sword, and gauntlet upgrades
• Materials for those equipment upgrades
• Red souls used for upgrades, skill unlocks and buying materials
• Spirit Mirror save points
• Oni bow
• Progression of items buyable with red souls