Oni

In the year 2032, the world is controlled by the World Coalition Government, a tyrannical regime that has annexed most countries and severely restricted individual freedoms. The game follows Konoko, a young and skilled operative of the Technology Crimes Task Force, as she battles against the Syndicate, a powerful crime organization, in a futuristic world of advanced technology and social unrest.

Oni: Review

Introduction

Oni is a third-person action game developed by Bungie West, a division of Bungie Studios, and released in 2001. It was Bungie West’s first and only game. The game was innovative and broke new grounds by blending weaponry with hand-to-hand combat, resulting in a unique, yet familiar game for third-person shooter enthusiasts. Oni is heavily influenced by anime, especially Mamoru Oshii’s film Ghost in the Shell (1995). The game’s universe is set in a dystopian future where the World Coalition Government (WCG) has taken over, and the player takes on the role of Konoko, an elite agent on a quest to infiltrate and destroy a ruthless crime syndicate.

Development History & Context

Oni was initially expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 1999, but its development was troubled from the start. The team was young and inexperienced, and the game suffered from a lack of direction. The original director of the project was displaced by what amounted to an internal coup within the studio. Bungie’s acquisition by Microsoft in 2000 meant that the game had to be rushed to completion, resulting in a period of torturous crunch during which plans for a multiplayer mode were scrapped. The game’s engine was written specifically for it, and it was optimized for handling levels with larger indoor environments than typical games of the time.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The story takes place on or after the year 2032, shortly after the establishment of the WCG. The Technological Crimes Task Force (TCTF) is a paramilitary law-enforcement agency within the WCG. Konoko is a TCTF special agent fresh out of training, under the authority of Commander Terrance Griffin, and is teamed with a Simulated Life Doll (SLD) named Shinatama. The game’s story revolves around Konoko’s activities for the TCTF, her hidden past, and her special abilities. The narrative explores themes of identity, free will, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Oni features a unique blend of hand-to-hand combat and gunplay. Konoko can explore and move about freely in 14 levels of varied sizes. The game allows Konoko to use various moves, including punches, kicks, throws, and flips, as well as special combos and “super moves” that unlock as she progresses through levels. The melee component of the game is particularly complex, employing over 2000 animations. The game’s AI is also noteworthy, with enemies that can adapt to Konoko’s actions and work together to take her down.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Oni’s universe is heavily influenced by anime and cyberpunk themes. The game’s levels were designed by actual architects, giving them a more realistic look than many contemporary game worlds. The texturing in the game is minimalist, a style chosen to try to match the look of anime. The game’s animation engine implements a method of interpolation that tweens key frames, enabling characters to execute combat moves smoothly. The soundtrack for Oni was partly composed by Michael Salvatori and Martin O’Donnell, who had previously worked on Myth and would go on to work on Halo.

Reception & Legacy

Oni received generally positive reviews from critics, with a metascore of 73/100 from critics, but an 8.4/10 from the website’s voters. Professional critics tended to dislike the ambitious melee element, complaining of counter-intuitive or unresponsive controls. Some reviewers were unimpressed by environmental graphics that were not as rich as other games of the time. Despite its flaws, Oni has developed a cult following over the years, with fans praising its unique gameplay mechanics and stylish visuals.

Conclusion

Oni is a unique and innovative game that blends hand-to-hand combat and gunplay in a way that was new and exciting at the time of its release. Despite its flaws and troubled development history, the game has stood the test of time and remains a beloved cult classic among gamers. Its influence can be seen in many later action games, and it continues to be celebrated for its bold vision and innovative gameplay mechanics. In conclusion, Oni is a must-play for fans of action games and anime, and its legacy continues to be felt in the gaming industry today.