Released on August 22, 2019, ONINAKI represents a significant departure from the traditional turn-based roots established by developer Tokyo RPG Factory. Moving away from the structured combat of their previous titles, this Action RPG delivers an energetic experience centered on real-time combat and an emotionally heavy narrative. Players take on the role of Kagachi, a "Watcher" tasked with navigating the delicate boundary between the living and the dead.
A Tale of Two Realms
The world of ONINAKI is split into two interconnected planes: the Living World and the Beyond. By crossing "the Veil," players transition from familiar landscapes into a purgatory-like realm to hunt for lost souls. As a Watcher, Kagachi’s primary duty is to ensure that those who have passed move into the cycle of reincarnation rather than remaining as "the Lost"—shadows of their former selves clinging to the spirit world.
While the game's art style may initially appear almost childlike, the narrative explores much more mature and heavy themes. The story delves into the complexities of grief, uncertainty, and the ethics of death. Players will encounter difficult moral dilemmas, such as the necessity of executing those who cannot let go of their earthly attachments, to ensure that both the deceased and the living can eventually find peace.
Mastering the Daemons Battle System
At the heart of ONINAKI is the innovative Daemons Battle System, which serves as the cornerstone of its combat mechanics. As a Watcher, Kagachi possesses the unique ability to possess restless spirits known as Daemons. This system allows players to carry up to four different Daemons at once, enabling them to swap between spirits on the fly to adapt to various battlefield challenges.
Each Daemon functions similarly to a distinct character class, offering entirely different playstyles, movement capabilities, and weapon sets:
- Aisha: A katana master focused on high mobility and rapid, slashing strikes.
- Zaav: A heavily armored knight wielding a long-reaching lance and capable of strong defensive maneuvers.
Beyond mere combat utility, the Daemons are integral to the game's progression and lore. As players level up their Daemons, they can discover buried memories that reveal the secrets and troubles each spirit faced during their lives. This layer of customization and storytelling allows players to build a specialized arsenal of spirits tailored to their preferred way of playing.
Platform Availability and Audience
ONINAKI is available on PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. The game is best suited for fans of Action RPGs who enjoy atmospheric storytelling and deep, character-driven narratives. If you appreciate titles that use stylized visuals to mask profound, thought-provoking themes regarding life, death, and the human condition, ONINAKI offers a unique and haunting experience.
