Oniken: Unstoppable Edition

Oniken: Unstoppable Edition is a retro-inspired 2D platformer set in a post-apocalyptic future where players control Zaku, a skilled ninja fighting to dismantle the evil Oniken organization seeking to enslave humanity’s last survivors. Featuring NES-era aesthetics and side-scrolling action, the game spans six challenging levels with three distinct areas each, punctuated by cinematic cutscenes, frequent boss encounters, and special modes like boss rush and a punishing hardcore permadeath option.

Oniken: Unstoppable Edition: Review

In the pantheon of retro-inspired platformers, few titles have managed to capture the essence of the 8-bit era as authentically as Oniken: Unstoppable Edition. Developed by the Brazilian studio JoyMasher, this game is a love letter to the classic side-scrollers of the NES era, paying homage to titles like Ninja Gaiden and Contra. With its challenging gameplay, nostalgic aesthetics, and unapologetic difficulty, Oniken stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of old-school gaming. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy, providing a comprehensive analysis of its place in video game history.

Introduction

Oniken: Unstoppable Edition is a 2D platformer that transports players back to the golden age of 8-bit gaming. Released initially in 2012 for Windows, and later ported to various consoles, the game follows the journey of Zaku, a ninja mercenary tasked with destroying the evil organization Oniken, which seeks to enslave the remnants of humanity after a global war. With its pixelated graphics, chiptune soundtrack, and relentless difficulty, Oniken aims to recreate the experience of playing classic NES games, warts and all. This review will argue that Oniken succeeds in its mission, offering a challenging and nostalgic experience that will appeal to both retro enthusiasts and modern gamers seeking a taste of old-school action.

Development History & Context

The Studio

JoyMasher, the independent Brazilian studio behind Oniken, was founded by Danilo Dias and Pedro Paiva. The duo, along with other collaborators, sought to create a game that paid tribute to their favorite titles from the 8-bit era. The studio’s name itself is a nod to the joy of mashed-up gaming experiences, reflecting their desire to blend nostalgia with modern sensibilities.

The Creators’ Vision

The vision for Oniken was clear from the outset: to recreate the feel of classic NES side-scrollers. Dias and Paiva drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Ninja Gaiden, Contra, Kabuki Quantum Fighter, Shadow of the Ninja, and Vice: Project Doom. The game’s protagonist, Zaku, was modeled after Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star, embodying the tough, no-nonsense attitude of classic action heroes.

Technological Constraints

Developed using Multimedia Fusion / Clickteam Fusion 2.5, Oniken was designed to mimic the limitations of 8-bit hardware. This included a restricted color palette, chunky sprites, and a chiptune soundtrack. The developers embraced these constraints, using them to enhance the game’s retro aesthetic and challenge players in ways that were familiar to those who grew up with the NES.

The Gaming Landscape

In 2012, the gaming landscape was dominated by high-budget, high-fidelity titles. Indie developers were beginning to make a significant impact, but the market was still largely defined by big-name publishers and AAA releases. Oniken stood out as a labor of love, a game created by fans for fans, and it quickly gained a cult following among retro enthusiasts.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot

Oniken takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has been decimated by a global war. The few survivors are oppressed by Oniken, a cybernetic armada seeking to dominate the world. Zaku, a legendary ninja mercenary, is approached by General Zhukov to join the resistance against Oniken. The game’s narrative is conveyed through cutscenes and in-game text, providing just enough context to drive the action forward.

Characters

Zaku is the game’s protagonist, a silent, stoic ninja with a mysterious past. His character design is heavily inspired by Kenshiro, with a muscular build and distinctive hairstyle. The enemies in Oniken are a mix of human soldiers and robotic drones, each designed to challenge the player in different ways. The bosses, in particular, are memorable, with unique designs and challenging battle mechanics.

Dialogue

The dialogue in Oniken is sparse but effective. The cutscenes are accompanied by text that sets the scene and advances the plot, while in-game text provides hints and tips. The game’s minimalist approach to storytelling allows the action to take center stage, with the narrative serving to enhance the gameplay experience rather than overshadow it.

Themes

The primary themes in Oniken are survival, resistance, and the struggle against oppression. The game’s post-apocalyptic setting provides a backdrop for exploring these themes, with Zaku’s journey serving as a metaphor for the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. The game’s unapologetic difficulty also serves as a commentary on the challenges of life, with players forced to persevere through countless failures in order to achieve victory.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Oniken is a side-scrolling platformer at its core, with players controlling Zaku as he navigates through six levels, each divided into three areas. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, with a focus on precise timing and reflexes. Players must slice through enemies, dodge projectiles, and navigate treacherous platforms in order to reach the end of each level.

Combat

Combat in Oniken is satisfying and visceral, with Zaku’s sword serving as his primary weapon. Players can also collect grenades and blade extensions, which provide temporary power-ups. The game’s combat system is simple but effective, with a focus on timing and precision. Enemies come in a variety of forms, each requiring a different approach to defeat.

Character Progression

There is no traditional character progression in Oniken. Instead, players are encouraged to master the game’s mechanics and learn from their failures. The game’s difficulty is unyielding, with players often dying multiple times before completing a level. This trial-and-error approach to gameplay is a nod to the classic NES era, where players were expected to persevere through countless deaths in order to achieve victory.

UI

The user interface in Oniken is minimalist, with a focus on keeping the action on-screen. Health is represented by a simple bar at the top of the screen, while the player’s score and remaining lives are displayed in the corners. The game’s UI is designed to be unobtrusive, allowing players to focus on the gameplay.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the most innovative aspects of Oniken is its difficulty. The game is notoriously challenging, with players often dying multiple times before completing a level. This unyielding difficulty is a nod to the classic NES era, where games were designed to be difficult and unforgiving. However, this approach may not appeal to modern gamers who are used to more forgiving gameplay experiences.

Another flawed system is the game’s collision detection. Some players have reported issues with the game’s collision detection, with Zaku sometimes clipping through platforms or enemies. This can be frustrating, especially in a game that relies so heavily on precise timing and reflexes.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The world of Oniken is a post-apocalyptic wasteland, with humanity on the brink of extinction. The game’s levels are diverse, ranging from futuristic bases to icy caves and ruined cities. Each level is designed to challenge the player in different ways, with unique enemies and obstacles.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in Oniken is dark and foreboding, with a focus on survival and resistance. The game’s pixelated graphics and chiptune soundtrack contribute to this atmosphere, creating a sense of nostalgia for the classic NES era. The game’s cutscenes are also effective in setting the scene, with chunky sprites and minimalist animation.

Visual Direction

The visual direction in Oniken is a deliberate nod to the 8-bit era. The game’s pixelated graphics, limited color palette, and chunky sprites are all designed to mimic the look of classic NES games. This retro aesthetic is enhanced by the game’s use of parallax scrolling and other visual effects that were not possible on the NES.

Sound Design

The sound design in Oniken is a highlight of the game. The chiptune soundtrack is catchy and memorable, with each level featuring its own unique theme. The sound effects are also well-designed, with satisfying crunches and beeps that enhance the gameplay experience. The game’s use of silence is also effective, with quiet moments serving to heighten the tension and anticipation.

Reception & Legacy

Critical & Commercial Reception

Upon its release, Oniken received critical acclaim for its retro aesthetics and challenging gameplay. Critics praised the game’s unapologetic difficulty and nostalgic appeal, with many comparing it favorably to classic NES titles. The game’s commercial performance was more modest, with sales likely limited by its niche appeal and the challenges of marketing a retro-inspired platformer in a market dominated by high-budget, high-fidelity titles.

Evolution of Reputation

Since its release, Oniken‘s reputation has continued to grow. The game has gained a cult following among retro enthusiasts, with many praising its authenticity and challenge. The game’s legacy has also been cemented by its influence on subsequent games and the industry as a whole.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Oniken has had a significant influence on subsequent games, particularly in the realm of retro-inspired platformers. Its unapologetic difficulty and nostalgic aesthetics have inspired a new generation of developers to create games that pay homage to the classic NES era. The game’s legacy can be seen in titles like Shovel Knight, Celeste, and Blazing Chrome, all of which owe a debt to Oniken‘s pioneering approach to retro gaming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oniken: Unstoppable Edition is a masterclass in retro-inspired platforming. Its unapologetic difficulty, nostalgic aesthetics, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the crowded field of indie games. The game’s legacy is secure, with its influence evident in subsequent titles and its cult following continuing to grow. For those seeking a taste of old-school action, Oniken is a must-play title that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Its place in video game history is assured, and it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic NES side-scrollers.