Though it drags a bit in places, Oninaki is a fascinating action-RPG that tackles the idea of reincarnation in a creative and thought-provoking way. The combat is fast and fun, though a bit simple, and the story is enjoyably unpredictable and filled with satisfying themes.
Oninaki
Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
Price: $50
Platforms: PS4 (reviewed), Nintendo Switch, and PC
MonsterVine was provided with a PS4 code for review.
You may know Tokyo RPG Factory as the folks who made I Am Setsuna and Lost Sphear; two of the most praised RPGs of the current console generation. Following up on these major successes would be an imposing task for any game developers, but I think Oninaki is quite successful in setting itself apart as a fun and thematically fascinating game, despite some minor issues here and there.
The story of Oninaki is set in a world where reincarnation is the one true religion that dominates society. People aren’t allowed to mourn for dead loved ones, as those regrets are said to keep the dead from passing on, leading to them becoming one of the “Lost”; a soul that dwells on the other side of the “veil” of life and death. You play as Kagachi: a young “Watcher” whose job is to help the Lost move on so that they can be reincarnated. Though Kagachi starts as a cold and straight-laced warrior, he eventually has to face the mystery of reincarnation first-hand, which changes him in compelling ways. It feels like Kagachi becomes an entirely different character as the game goes on, but not in a cheap way. Kagachi’s growth feels earned, thanks to the (
The themes that Oninaki tackles are my favorite part about the game, as it offers a fresh take on religion and reincarnation. Oninaki addresses the terror of not 100% knowing about what happens after death, with the most skeptical and faithful characters alike all coming to realize that existence itself is, like in real life, absolutely terrifying. This isn’t a lazily nihilistic take on the concept, however, as Oninaki also has characters (both alive and dead) that aren’t very concerned with what happens after they pass on, so long as their loved ones can live happily. Pretty much the entire spectrum of opinions on this matter is explored through the main story and various side-quests throughout the game, with some answers coming towards the latter half of the game. I think this is handled quite well, as Oninaki lets you come to your own conclusions about whether the system of belief the characters follow is righteous or misguided.
“I quite like the customization involved with unlocking new moves for each spirit, as you can experiment with different attacks until each spirit feels proper.“
As Oninaki is a hack-and-slash action-RPG, it could best be compared to something like Diablo or Marvel Ultimate Alliance. You have one basic attack and four special moves for each of your four “spirits”, which serve as vessels to use huge, flashy attacks. Each spirit has an entirely different weapon, ranging from swords to chains. The attacks are exciting to perform, as they look quite striking for the most part. Using each spirit lets you see more of their backstories as well, which lets you unlock more abilities for each. I appreciate this integration of story and gameplay, as it makes you want to learn more about your spirits.
I quite like the customization involved with unlocking new moves for each spirit, as you can experiment with different attacks until each spirit feels proper. Getting moves and abilities for each spirit can be a pain though, as they don’t gain experience concurrently if they aren’t being actively used. This makes it harder and harder to use a new spirit as the game goes on, as you’ll get mowed down by mid-game enemies as you try to level up your new, and essentially useless, spirit. You’ll likely find one or two spirits who you prefer to use and stick with them for the majority of the game. There’s only one basic attack that you can perform outside of special attacks, which can feel a bit repetitive. The attack does change, depending on your spirit, but I still wish that basic combat was a bit more combo-oriented.
Visually, Oninaki can be incredibly colorful and pleasant to look at. Switching between the world of the living and the other side of the veil makes every environment feel multi-faceted. One moment, a forest path is bright and relaxing, while the next, it’s dark and harshly-lit with intense color. While the character models look fairly simple, this design choice fits the tone of the story. The detailed art for each character and spirit that can be found in the game’s menus are sharp and just plain cool.
The Final Word
Oninaki is a game that excels at exploring the hefty themes of life and death without compromising its status as a fun and simple action RPG. Though I wish it was easier to use new spirits, and having only one basic attack makes things feel repetitive at times, Oninaki’s variety of abilities and intriguing story make it a rather unique and worthwhile title.
MonsterVine Review Score: 4 out of 5 – Good
