In sword combat, a parry is a defensive move where a fighter uses their weapon to block or deflect an opponent's attack, often setting up a counterstrike. This technique, rooted in real-world fencing, has become a popular feature in video games, especially those with sword-based combat. Recently, several new games have incorporated parrying as a central mechanic, including Mortal Shell 2, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, The Blood of Dawnwalker, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which launched on consoles and PC on September 4. This trend has drawn attention from critics, with one journalist from Polygon calling parrying "the most overused game mechanic today," noting that its repetitive use has made it feel uninteresting in many titles. Despite this widespread critique, Polygon made an exception for Onimusha, praising the game for its execution of the parry mechanic. The difference lies in how the feature is implemented—whether it feels meaningful or just tacked on. A parry can be memorable when it’s tightly integrated into the game’s design, offering real strategic value and a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, if the mechanic feels forced or lacks consequences, it can become frustrating and repetitive. The success of Onimusha may be tied to its setting and narrative. Developed by Capcom, the game is set in a fantasy version of Japan during the Edo period, a time known for its strict social order and samurai culture. The game’s protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi, is portrayed as a master samurai capable of reading his opponent's movements with precision and responding with unrelenting skill. This focus on the nuances of combat aligns with the game's parry system, which is designed to feel both challenging and rewarding. While parrying has become a common feature in action games, its impact on player experience depends heavily on context and execution. Onimusha stands out by weaving the mechanic into its world and gameplay in a way that feels authentic and engaging, offering a rare exception to the trend of overused mechanics in modern gaming.