This detail is not without its cost, and this cost comes in the form of load times. During battles, when the camera changes perspectives, there can be a slight delay as data loads. Instead of a dip in framerate, the game just puts you on hold for a second or two while the data loads. Forgivable, yet annoying. Regardless of minor problems, the character renderings, particularly for monsters, are quite detailed and creative.
Character animations are flawlessly smooth and suitably impressive.
As a matter of fact, I can't recall a game this gorgeous since Soul Calibur. Come to think of it, the main character Samanosuke looks an awful lot like Mitsurugi, and the female ninja Kaede is more than a little reminiscent of Taki. Not to take anything away from Onimusha, but the similarities bear acknowledgement. Perhaps this is an inevitable comparison, as both games feature fantastic graphics and characters drawn from common historical molds. Onimusha's superb feel is further heightened through its audio.