Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Oni blends fast-paced third-person shooting with fluid hand‐to‐hand combat, creating a hybrid experience that keeps you on your toes. Players take control of Konoko, a TCTF operative, who can unleash a variety of acrobatic martial‐arts combos or pick up weapons scattered throughout the environment. The choice of fighting unarmed or wielding ballistic and energy‐based firearms gives each encounter its own rhythm and strategy.

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Ammo management is a crucial tactical layer: you can only carry one weapon at a time, and each gun uses clips with limited rounds. Picking up a powerful Mercury Bow (a two‐shot railgun) might leave you vulnerable once its ammo is gone, while smaller weapons like the Black Adder SMG grant more rounds but pack less punch. Balancing when to switch weapons or go bare‐fisted adds meaningful decisions, especially in corridors swarming with Syndicate thugs or android enemies.

Moreover, the hypo spray “overdose” mechanic turns a desperate situation into an opportunity. If you run out of regular health, you can push Konoko’s limits by overdosing, resulting in a burst of speed and strength—perfect for turning the tide in tight spots. This risk‐reward system encourages creative playstyles and careful resource conservation throughout the game’s missions.

Graphics

Built on early 2000s technology, Oni’s visuals still hold up with a sleek, cyberpunk aesthetic inspired by Ghost in the Shell. Character models are well‐defined for their era, with Konoko’s fluid animations standing out during hand‐to‐hand combat sequences. Enemy designs, from heavily armored Syndicate goons to robotic SLD units like Shinatama, showcase a consistent sci‐fi palette of greys, blues, and neon highlights.

Environments range from claustrophobic warehouses and neon‐lit cityscapes to desolate, poisonous wilderness preserves. The contrast between the gleaming urban centers of the World Coalition Government and the polluted wastelands outside the atmosphere processors is striking. Textures may appear simple by today’s standards, but clever use of lighting, shadow, and particle effects maintains immersion and atmosphere.

Cutscenes and in‐game cinematics leverage stylized camera angles and quick zooms to emphasize action and narrative beats. While facial expressions can feel stiff, the dynamic camera work during key story moments and boss battles adds cinematic flair that complements the game’s anime inspirations.

Story

Set in 2032, Oni’s narrative unfolds in a world dominated by the all‐powerful World Coalition Government. Initially touted as humanity’s savior, the WCG has reduced individual freedoms and bankrupted poorer nations under the guise of “progress.” Outside the city domes, toxic wilderness preserves have turned vast territories into death traps, setting the stage for a classic dystopian thriller.

You play Konoko, an orphaned recruit of the Technology Crimes Task Force, who knows little about her past but finds herself entangled in the rise of a new criminal syndicate led by the mysterious “Boss Muro.” Guided by handlers Terrance Griffin and Dr. Kerr, and linked to the enigmatic android SLD Shinatama, Konoko must infiltrate warehouses, rescue captives, and uncover the truth behind her own origins.

The story borrows heavily from cyberpunk and anime tropes, yet delivers a compelling tale of identity, loyalty, and the ethical cost of technological advancement. Dialogue exchanges and mission briefings are concise but effective, with occasional comic‐book style panels that heighten drama. Though not Oscar‐worthy, the plot moves at a brisk pace and rewards players who pay attention to environmental clues and side chatter.

Overall Experience

Oni offers a unique blend of martial‐arts action and shooter mechanics that still feels fresh two decades after its release. The game’s learning curve is balanced: early levels serve as a tutorial, while later stages require mastery of both gunplay and melee combos. Replay value comes from seeking out alternate routes, hidden ammo caches, and experimenting with different combat strategies.

Sound design and music reinforce the cyberpunk vibe, from pulsing synth tracks during city missions to tense ambient drones in the wastelands. Weapon sound effects pack a punch, and the impactful clang of Konoko’s kicks and punches adds satisfying weight to melee encounters. Occasional camera quirks and minor pathfinding issues can disrupt flow, but never derail the core fun.

For players seeking a story‐driven action title with nostalgic charm, Oni remains a standout. Its thematic depth, combined with tight combat mechanics and inventive level design, makes it a memorable experience. While modern visuals might outshine it, Oni’s gameplay loop and dystopian setting hold strong, ensuring it retains a special place in the hearts of cyberpunk enthusiasts and action gamers alike.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10