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Platform: Xbox
Related Links: Review: Otogi - Myth of Demons (XB)
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Otogi 2
Otogi: Myth of Demons was an extremely stylish action game from last year that featured a resurrected warrior, Raikoh, fighting back a horde of demons with a variety of bladed-weapons. Based on Japanese folklore – or so the press releases said – Otogi featured some pretty cool graphics, light role-playing elements, physics-defying moves and the ability to smash just about everything. A sequel seemed an inevitability. The only thing preventing a sequel could have been Otogi’s seemingly “niche” sensibility, which bordered on artsy-fartsy. Those that did play the original found the action intense and engrossing. The sequel builds on everything the original was. |
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On paper and from my brief time with Otogi 2 at E3, this won’t be a half-baked sequel: Otogi 2 takes place directly after the events chronicles in the original Otogi: Myth of Demons. Like its predecessor, Otogi 2 is set it Japan and steeped in real-life folklore and mysticism. Raikoh, the famed undead warrior, managed to temporarily save the Japanese population from an onslaught of demons, but had not been able to vanquish them all before returning to his grave. The demons have now regrouped from hiding places within the sacred capital of Japan, and they are attempting to take control of man once more. |
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In response, five brave warriors take their own lives in a ritual to resurrect Raikoh. Raikoh rises again and the five selfless warriors rise with him, all set to take on the encroaching demon spawn as a team. Progression through the game is based on the player’s actions, allowing for several different endings. The Otogi 2 storyline is deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy and offers a new cast of six playable characters each with their own unique abilities. Otogi 2 also ups the aesthetic ante considerably – the game runs on an entirely new engine, offering vastly improved graphics and more realistic physics. As a result, Otogi 2 is a technical marvel primed to make Raikoh a true mass-market action hero. Features: Raikoh, the undead warrior, returns but is now joined by five additional warriors, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing players to strategically select characters for each stage. Characters become more powerful as the player acquires items to increase their strength and abilities. “Story mode” and an all-new “Havoc mode” focus on pure destruction. Upgraded graphics create highly unique shading, atmosphere and special effects.
When I first heard about the five additional warriors I worried that we’d see Otogi entering the realm of squad-based action games (like the Rainbow Six series). Thankfully, this is not the case and we’ll just see unfettered action. (You’ll choose your warrior before entering a level.) Look for Otogi 2 this Winter. - Omni (May 27, 2004) |
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