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Otogi - Myth of Demons
by Hector Cortez
Friday, September 5 2003
Slick visuals and interesting gameplay keep Otogi fresh and fun.
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Title:
Otogi - Myth of Demons
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Platform:
Xbox
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Publisher:
Sega of America |
Developer:
From Software |
#
of Players: 1 |
Genre:
Action/Adventure
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Origin:
Japan
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Expected
Release:
August 8, 2003 |
Grapevine:
We still have yet to find out what Otogi actually means... |
In OTOGI you play as Raikoh, an undead warrior who must stop a demonic army that has been unleashed on Earth. The reason he in undead is because a Princess held him in a state between life and death. If Raikoh failed to rid the land of evil then he would die. If he was successful, then the Princess would cleanse any impurity from his soul and allow him to live.
Throughout the game's 25 incredibly massive levels, the Princess will aid you by hinting at what you are to do. Each level is full of evil Demons that vary in style. Some are big and dark, while some are flying skeletons.
One of OTOGI's high-points is the ability to pretty much destroy anything you see. Is there a building in the distance that you don't like, well then destroy it! Hate trees? Knock them down. Too cool for bridges? Take 'em out! While this is incredibly fun, the game actually rewards you for doing this! Getting 'paid' to destroy! (I bet George 'Dubya' Bush wishes OTOGI's rules would apply to him. -- Cheap shot! Don't you just love free speech?)
Throughout the game you will be able to buy better weapons and magic spells. There are four types of weapons: Sword, Great Sword, Staff, and Double Bladed Swords. There are four different types of spells and each type is seperated into three levels. Along with weapons and spells, you can also buy accessories such as a White Serpent Amulet that will protect Raikoh against fire. Lastly, while destroying stuff throughout the land, Raikoh will come across Items such as the Enchanted Lotus that restores his life.
You would think that OTOGI's control scheme would be difficult to get the hang of but infact it's quite simple. The Left Thumbstick is used to move, while the Right Thumbstick is used to control the camera. The Right Trigger is used to lock onto your enemy while the Left Trigger is used to Dash. Y is your Heavy Attack while B is your Light Attack. X is used to cast a magic spell while A is used to jump. These, of course are just the basics. There's nothing stopping you from casting spells and bustin' out combo attacks while soaring above the land. Expirement with the buttons and you'll start to do some crazy stuff that'll have you saying "Woh!"
Visually, OTOGI shines so bright you'll need to wear sunglasses! Fighting animations are incredible. Stay in the air for minutes and each and every single move will be animated correctly. No choppiness anywhere! Environments are full of style and great detail. Support for HDTV 480p really makes the game's details and colors pop. Amazing graphical style that is in a category all it's own. Cool Chinese art and style blends in perfectly with the visual flair on OTOGI. From Software really did it this time, great job guys!
As far as sound goes, while not as amazing as the visuals, is still definitely well done. Voice acting while not perfect is definitely above average. The sound of buildings and trees being destroyed is awesome. With support for 5.1 surround sound, OTOGI immerses you deeper into the experience.
Overall, OTOGI is definitely an amazing game that seems to have just popped out of nowhere. Thanks to SEGA for bringing this great game over to the USA. Great action, visuals and sound make OTOGI a definite contender for the Best of 2003 awards. Editor's Choice!
--- Hector "Rabid" Cortez
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