Chemistry

fter watching a beautiful CG title sequence, you’ll arrive in Paris during the year 2004. Jacques, a French police officer, is speaking to his son on a cell phone when monsters suddenly invade the city. Cut to the year 1582. In Kyoto, Japan, a samurai warrior named Samanosuke joins those who are trying to defend the sacred temple.

When you take control of Samanosuke, move forward into the courtyard and help fight off enemies. Press the [Square] button to attack with a sword, the [X] button to attack with a bow, and the [Circle] button to absorb enemy souls. Execute special attacks by pressing the [Triangle] button. Follow your comrades up a staircase leading to the temple entrance. Once there, you’ll find a Save Point on the right and a blue pool next to it. Stand close to the pool while holding down the [Circle] button to replenish your magic bar. Open two chests near the stairs to get a couple of Herbs. Further left, there’s a chest containing the Map of Honnoji Temple. Continue up the burning staircase to face a large, ball-wielding enemy. Try using different button combinations along with R1 to take him down. Or you can enter “Onimusha-mode” by pressing R3 if you have enough purple souls. Once you’ve defeated him, enter the temple.

Inside, a cutscene introduces you to Nobunaga and his cohort Ranmaru. Fight Ranmaru until the cutscene resumes and Samanosuke is sucked into a hole that appears on the floor. Back in Paris, you’ll take control of Jacques. Shoot the creatures with your handgun and an unlimited supply of bullets. Approach Philippe, an injured comrade, to prompt a cutscene wherein Jacques witnesses Samanosuke’s flashy arrival into the future.

When you regain control of Samanosuke, you’ll be in an alley next to a Save Point. Notice that all of your cool gear has been replaced with basic stuff. Examine the Save Point to find that 2 new menu choices have been added: Enhance and Train. Enhance allows you to use any red souls you’ve collected to...