The end of the Nobunaga trilogy certainly goes out with a bang. Onimusha 3 contains the likenesses of Jean Reno as Jacques Blanc- a French military soldier from present day France, and also Takeshi Kaneshiro as Samanosuke Akechi, who returns from the original Onimusha game.

Jacques witnesses a horrific attack upon France from a host of Demons that have been unleashed by Guildenstern, Nobunagas scientist and goes to help his fellow soldiers and citizens. Meanwhile Samanosuke in the past, continues his campaign against his arch nemisis, Nobunaga Oda, as he and Mitsuhide Akechi lead an army to Honnoji Temple . The journey Jacques and Samanosuke take to defeat the evil spans 500 years as Nobunagas ambition is not just to conquer early Japan but the past, present and future.

Time travel plays a key part in the game as Jacques and Samanosukes stories intertwine. Puzzles need both of their cooperation as Jacques does one thing in the past, it impacts upon how Samanosuke can do things in the present.

As usual the Oni Guantlet, armour and weapons for both characters can be upgraded by absorbing Red Souls from fallen enemies. each character has their own different styles of weapons with Jacques having long range weapons like Spears and Samanosuke having a multitude of weapons he can obtain as well.

For a brief moment you also control Michelle, the love interest of Jacques, who helps Samamosuke. Michelle doesnt really have the attention of Henri, Jacques child, who is still grieving over the death of his mother. Michelle uses a gun to protect herself and Henri.

Ako is also your ever present companion, who is a Tengu, and dependant upon the Haori you use she can give you more Red Orbs, replenish your health among other things. Filling Haori vests with Eco Spirtis with the appropriate amount allows you to use them. Filling every Haori with Eco Spirts, including the Black Haori- if you complete all the Training lessons, will net you a secret ending.

An essential purchase in my opinion, showing what the PS2 is capable of in terms of graphics and gameplay too.

The opening movie, which you can see if you leave the Start screen alone is stunning as it shows Nobunagas army on the march to reinforce him. A lone samurai infiltrates a massive demon transport and sets about destroying everything in sight. As it progresses and he faces the Boss of the transport, his face is reavealed as....Samanosuke! We also get to see him in full Onimusha mode as he slays the boss. As he makes his way across the land, Nobunaga realises a danger is coming towards him...

Ive got to be honest, im not really into the whole survival horror genre, but with the amount of praise and awards the game was winning left, right and centre- i couldnt help but be intrigued.

Leon S Kennedy is dispatched to rescue the Presidents daughter, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult for nefarious purposes. He encounters hostility from the locals who have an undying loyalty for Los Iluminados, the cult that has Ashley.

The camera focuses behind Leon and when you aim, it drops over his shoulder to allow you to aim the laser sight at various parts of enemies, monsters etc allowing for more precision. Dont go for the headshot everytime though, the AI seem to adapt, as they cover various bodyparts that you continually aim for!

Youll encounter many enemies throughout the game, from the Villagers- Los Ganados, Zealots, Chain Wielding Dr Salvador and the Bella Sisters to the downright freaky Regenerators and Iron Maiden. There are countless more that will disturb, terrify and leave you quaking in your boots long after the YOU HAVE DIED message fades away- the boss battles against the bigger members of the Cult will also test your patience too.

Throughout your travels you encounter a lively chap known as the Merchant who thankfully sells weapons which are upgradable. He will also buy the various treasures you find too.

Its no wonder the game won so many awards- it deserves to

I had the PS3 version of the game which is packed with extras, great of all is The Mercernaries Mode- countless hours playing that!