Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bakumatsu Kōrinden: Oni delivers a classic JRPG experience that will feel immediately familiar to fans of the Dragon Quest series. Random, turn-based encounters appear as you traverse winding mountain paths and smoky Edo streets, each battle viewed from a first-person perspective that heightens tension and immersion. Combat combines straightforward physical attacks with a robust selection of special moves powered by the mystical energy known as reiketsu.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Where Oni sets itself apart is its karma system, which echoes the morality mechanics of titles like Ultima. Good deeds—rescuing villagers, sparing lesser foes, or returning stolen items—raise your karma level, rewarding you with bonus gold, rare items, and amplified special abilities. Conversely, choosing a darker path by stealing or lying diminishes your karma, alters NPC reactions, and can even trigger ambushes from righteous townsfolk. This dynamic forces players to consider the consequences of every choice, adding depth to exploration and combat.

Character progression balances traditional leveling with reiketsu-based skills. Yamatomaru’s growth feels organic: as his bond with the Shinsengumi deepens, he unlocks elemental slashes, spirit-infused thrusts, and powerful group buffs that reflect his moral alignment. Resource management is tight, encouraging strategic use of healing items and energy-restoring elixirs. Side quests further expand the skill roster, allowing for diverse party compositions and replayability.

The pacing remains steady throughout Oni’s roughly 30-to-40-hour campaign. Early battles introduce core mechanics without overwhelming newcomers, while later dungeons and Oni-infested strongholds present formidable foes requiring creative tactics. Grind-seeking players can farm monsters for gear upgrades, but the game also rewards thoughtful exploration, making every hidden shrine and mountain pass worth revisiting.

Graphics

Visually, Bakumatsu Kōrinden: Oni evokes the rugged beauty of late Edo Japan. Environments are rendered in rich, earthy palettes: moss-covered shrines, cedar forests, and mist-laden mountain trails all come to life with detailed pixel art. Each location captures a distinct atmosphere, from the bustling port of Yokohama to the shadowy caves where oni lurk.

Character sprites are expressive and well-animated, breathing life into both allies and adversaries. Yamatomaru’s determined stance, the Shinsengumi’s crisp blue-and-white uniforms, and the grotesque designs of yokai reflect a careful attention to historical and mythological detail. During battle, special moves trigger vibrant effects—spiraling energy trails, ghostly apparitions, and bursts of electrical light—that amplify the drama.

Menus and HUD elements maintain a clean, period-appropriate aesthetic. Japanese calligraphy icons and wood-grain backgrounds reinforce the setting without sacrificing clarity. Inventory screens are intuitive, though keyboard mapping can feel dated by modern standards. Still, navigating items, spells, and status screens never detracts from the adventure.

Subtle touches, such as dynamic weather changes and day-night cycles, enhance immersion. Rain patters on temple rooftops, lantern light flickers in dark corridors, and distant thunderclouds loom over battlefields. These visual flourishes, though modest by today’s high-definition standards, create a memorable backdrop for the game’s supernatural conflicts.

Story

Set at the close of the Edo period, Oni weaves a tale of honor, betrayal, and supernatural power. Japan has slumbered in isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate for three centuries, only to be rudely awakened by Westerners seeking the potent energy source known as reiketsu. To safeguard this resource, the shogun’s elite Shinsengumi—and their covert “Shadow” division—stand as the nation’s last line of defense against internal and external threats.

Players take on the role of Yamatomaru, a spirited sixteen-year-old from Iida village. The death of his father sets him on a path of vengeance and discovery when he fails to slay a rampaging monster. Rescued by the seasoned Shadow Shinsengumi warrior Mibu Juurota, Yamatomaru inherits his father’s katana and volunteers for a first mission: rescuing kidnapped boys trapped on a treacherous mountain pass. This early quest establishes emotional stakes and introduces the clash between human greed and mystical forces.

As the narrative unfolds, Yamatomaru becomes entwined in a power struggle that spans fanatical warlords, foreign agents, and malevolent spirits. Dialogues are punctuated with moments of humor, heartbreak, and moral dilemma—especially when the game’s karma system influences how NPCs perceive the young hero. Key side characters, including a repentant foreign scholar and a mysterious shrine maiden, add layers of intrigue and cultural depth.

The pacing of Oni’s storyline strikes a balance between slow-burning political intrigue and high-stakes supernatural showdowns. While some quests follow familiar JRPG tropes, the rich historical backdrop and incorporation of Japanese folklore make the journey feel fresh. Players who appreciate character-driven narratives will find themselves invested in Yamatomaru’s growth from impulsive youth to true protector of reiketsu.

Overall Experience

Bakumatsu Kōrinden: Oni stands as a compelling fusion of historical drama and classic RPG mechanics. Its faithful recreation of late Edo-period Japan, combined with a nuanced karma system, gives players a sense of agency rarely seen in games of its era. Every decision—whether merciful or ruthless—carries weight, influencing both combat rewards and the story’s emotional resonance.

The game’s traditional combat and progression may feel slow to those accustomed to modern, action-oriented RPGs. However, for enthusiasts of turn-based battles, thoughtful exploration, and strategic resource management, Oni offers a satisfying challenge. The variety of environments and well-crafted side quests ensure that exploration never grows stale, while the difficulty curve remains fair yet engaging.

While its graphics and interface reflect the technical constraints of its original platform, Oni’s art direction and sound design more than compensate. A memorable soundtrack blends traditional Japanese instruments with stirring battle themes, and atmospheric sound effects bring each locale to life—from the clang of steel in narrow alleyways to the distant roar of a yokai in the forest.

Ultimately, Bakumatsu Kōrinden: Oni is a hidden gem for JRPG fans who appreciate historical settings and moral complexity. Its blend of turn-based combat, spirit-powered abilities, and karma-driven narrative offers dozens of hours of replayable content. For anyone seeking a journey through a mythic version of Edo Japan, guided by honor-bound swordsmen and haunted by supernatural threats, Oni delivers an experience well worth embarking on.

Retro Replay Score

null/10