Customer Reviews

Otogi 2

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Last year, Sega was gracious enough to publish Otogi: Myth of Demons in the U.S., allowing gamers to experience the mesmerizing destruction and mystical Japanese setting of From Software's nightmarish slasher. Well, send Sega a thank-you card once again, because they're repeating this year, with Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors.

At its core, O2 feels almost exactly like the original: you carve your way through gorgeously rendered levels, trashing swarms of bizarrely beautiful evil demons and reducing the environment and buildings to rubble, while mournful Japanese dirges swirl in the background. Raikoh, the resurrected silent warrior, returns for second round of purifying the land from the demon scourge, only this time, he's got some help.

The main difference in Immortal Warriors is the six playable characters. Four "generals" are called upon to, er, sacrifice themselves (in grotesque fashion during the game's opening cinema) in order to raise Raikoh from the dead once again to repel the invading forces of the evil Nine-Tailed Fox. In addition, the sorceress who summons the generals is also a playable character.

These extra characters are a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's refreshing to send a new character into battle, and they play just differently enough to keep the experience feeling new (a good thing, because at its core, Otogi is a simple hack-&-slash affair). Kintoki is a bulky, slower warrior who wields a huge axe, while Sadamitsu is a small and speedy robe-wearing female armed with a lightning-quick scythe. Seimei, the enigmatic sorceress, fights with twin bladed fans, and can grab and throw enemies. The best of the lot, however, has to be Suetake, a living tree stump who's "armed" with a wagon wheel. Yep, you read correctly. Before you laugh yourself to death, he's probably one of the most useful characters in the game - you'll see what I mean once you give Ol' Wooden Head a chance.

However, you cannot choose any character at any time during the main quest. Many of the 25+ levels are restricted to certain characters during the first playthrough (several are restricted to one character only), and this has several unfortunate effects on the gameplay. Even though you have six characters to play, you're unable to stick with a favorite, because if you neglect powering up Tsuna the Wolf Guy, when you reach a level where you have to play as him, you're going to have a hard time progressing.

This basically means you have to play and level up all the characters equally, and while they are similar, you're undoubtedly going to have your favorites. Being forced to play a character you don't particularly like can distance the player from the experience. Add to that the fact that some levels are obviously designed for one character in particular (which makes it more difficult if you want to play with a different one), and it can be more frustrating than it needs to be. However, once you manage to clear a level, you can then replay it as any character you like, which makes uncovering the many secrets easier....just be prepared to play most levels more than once, even if you're a skilled gamer.

For the most part, however, Otogi 2 feels like a natural extension of the original; a true sequel. The storyline picks up directly after the events of the first game. The love-it-or-hate-it floaty combat feels tighter and heavier, and huge stylish combos are only a few buttons presses away. You'll still harvest the souls of fallen enemies to buy new items, as well as to keep your ever-dwindling magic supply (if you run out of magic during a level, you start losing health - think of the magic as your power supply). And there's still nothing like blasting a creepy monster through a stone wall and making a huge crater in the ground. The combat is cathartic to say the least.

One welcome addition is the Forest of Havoc, a collection of mini-challenges that break up the constant pummel-fest of the main mode. Unlocked as you progress through the story mode, these challenges are quite different. One requires you to use enemies to sink ships. Another has you passing through arches without touching the ground. Overcoming each challenge gains you new items, and the final challenge will bring a smile to those who played the first Otogi.....

Otogi 2 keeps the same design and music styles as before. Some enemies are recycled from the first game (and the enemy design overall doesn't seem quite as inspired in Otogi 2), and the music, while a great complement to the mood, doesn't quite top the deeply haunting Japanese instrumentals of the original.

And again, as before, you'll struggle with the camera and lock-on, battle tough bosses, lose track of your character amidst all the onscreen chaos, and suffer slowdown. But these problems can be overlooked due to the beautiful levels and unique atmosphere that Otogi 2 presents.

Last year's Otogi: Myth of Demons was an incredible experience, and Otogi 2 retains much of the details that make the series stand out from the norm. Fans of the first will definitely want to play the second to see what happens to Raikoh and his crew. Just be prepared for a sequel that doesn't quite reach the immersive genius of the original, but still delivers the goods in dreamlike, memorable fashion.

The original Otogi: Myth of Demons floored video game reviwers when it was released on Xbox last year. Its spectacular graphics, great gameplay, RPG elements and great storyline impressed all who played the game which amounted to about 15 people as the game sold poorly. A release stateside for Otogi 2 was uncertain as the game has been available in Japan for nearly a year. However, the powers that be at Microsoft have decided to greenlight the project in the hopes that Otogi's good word of mouth will help make the second game a success.

Otogi 2 amazing graphics similar to the first game and even improves upon them. The story is a continuation of undead warrior Raikoh's journey which ended in Otogi 1. In Otogi 2, five warriors give their lives to bring Raikoh's spirit back so that he may do battle with the demons again and this time seal them away forever. The game offers you the choice to play any of the six characters, each with their own set of abilities. The game promises approximately 30 levels in which you can slash, jump and beat every possible monster in Japan's mythical pantheon (not to mention every temple, rock and village). The second game features a different game engine which really gives you better control of the character (which isn't saying much as controil in the first game was near flawless).
I would recommend this game for anyone. The game has numerous puzzles and tough battles. Levels arents terribly huge though so the game can be enjoyed by those who like to casually knock out a level or by those who commit some serious hours to gaming. The eye candy alone is worth giving the game a couple of hours of play.

1. Best Graphics.
2. Best Sound and Music.
3. Non-stop gaming action.

What more could anyone want?
Seriously though, its NOT an RPG, so if thats the sort of depth that you are looking for, this game isn't it. But it is great fun in combat and there are plenty of unlockable that kept me playing the game for weeks. I also have the original which I now feel like replaying...

Great game. Unfortunately it will be a "sleeper hit" as it just doens't get much publicity.

Otogi is based on Japanese mythology and takes place in ancient Japan. The main character is an undead warrior named "Raikoh." Raikoh is summoned by Seimei (a female spell caster) to help save the land from a demon invasion. Raikoh has the aid of "4 generals" which are all characters loosely based on Japanese mythology and ancient Japanese history. In combination with Raikoh, Seimei, and the "4 generals" there are 6 playable characters all with unique abilities. Raikoh and his companions seem to have god-like powers to float in mid air smash enemies through walls, cut through thick pillars, and generally destroy everything in their path. Almost everything is destructable in the environments and it is quite fantastic to see massive structures crumble at the sheer power that your characters wield. This is a great and fun game although it is strange enough to not appeal to the mass market but cater more to hardcore fans. The original Otogi game seems to have better graphics and somewhat better level design. However, both games are quite enjoyable and have quite a bit of replay value since you are rated on the amount of destruction you do to the environments, on finding 100% of the lost souls, purchasing all weapons, and leveling up all characters. Those willing to try this game out will find that it is a Gem of a game even though it is somewhat strange and highly based on Japanese mythology and culture.

Words cannot adequately describe the sublime blend of exhilaration and delight one feels at playing this game. That is... if one really enjoys destroying things. And I do.

The six playable characters in this game can destroy anything and everything in the environments. Outside of Katamari Damacy, I haven't found a game in which the surrounding environments are involved so much in the gameplay. Trees, rocks, buildings, statues -- nothing is spared. But you don't just destroy them; you destroy them in style. The visuals are gorgeous. All the characters can fly to some extent, making one feel completely free to move about anywhere in the environments. To this add the sheer power of blasting apart everything in sight, and you'll see where much of the appeal of this game lies. These characters feel invincible; what player wouldn't want to be in their shoes?

Some people, however, might be turned off by the strong cultural influences of Japan in this game. It doesn't exactly require familiarity with Japanese history; but that certainly helps. For those gamers who have an interest in japanese mythology, the story will be engrossing and fun, and seeing enemies like the impressive Nine-Tailed Fox is just cool. For those who are totally unfamiliar with japanese culture, the setting might feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I'd suggest giving it a chance, because the game is just beautiful, and I haven't played a hack n'slash title that I've enjoyed more (and that includes the Dynasty Warriors series).
Players will doubtless have different favorites among the six characters, but all of them are worth trying out. They include:

Raikoh - the main character, who manages not to say an entire word throughout the game. He's the most balanced, and with his final weapon arguably the most powerful.

Tsuna - a wolf man with an attitude. He is excellent in combat against multiple enemies, has strong attacks and good range.

Suetake - One of the most interesting characters, he's essentially a floating tree trunk. Very slow, but his range is unmatched, and his ability to jump infinitely is fun.

Sadamitsu - The fastest character in the game, she's a bit low on health, but there are a few levels in which her speed is essential.

Kintoki - The heavyweight of the game, he can throw enemies (fun!). His inability to double jump is a bit of a drag, but his power makes up for it.

Seimei - The sorceress. Her magic is unstoppable, and since she can replenish her mp by stealing it from demons she can cast powerful spells constantly. After the other hand-to-hand combat characters, she takes some getting used to, but her high-level spells crush enemies so fast it's almost laughable.

The combination of excellent graphics, beautiful music, and an interesting story make this game one of my top favorites. It also has epic boss battles, and the cutscenes are beautiful. If you're skeptical, rent it and try it out.

Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors - Circa 2005

GOOD:
- Good/tight controls (slightly different from the original)
- Uniquely stylized world and environments
- Lot's of weapons/magic to buy and find
- Every stage can be utterly demolished
- Really great use of surround sound
- Play as six different characters (including Raikoh)
- Level up and customize each character (even equip different weapons and magic spells)
- Game loses the weapon-sharpening option, which was in original (an annoying effect where you had to spend gold to re-sharpen your weapons after so many uses)
- Forest of havoc mini-game/bonus levels, which really test your skills and abilities

BAD:
- Not much different from the original (game play wise)
- Simplistic game play
- Liner level design, or small arena type levels
- Sparse and cryptic story, although as meager as original story
- Not having ability to play entire game with only one character, certain characters have to be used on certain levels making it necessary for you to level up all your characters or levels will feel very unbalanced


IF IT FITS YOUR TASTE:
- Game is broken down into small stages each with a slightly different look and feel
- Exceptionally stylized world feels like and ancient Japanese paintings come to life
- Game music and sound has old-time Japanese Shinto shrine feel to it
- Game play is easy to master
- Environments can (and often will) be completely destroyed, entire buildings will be torn down and hitting enemies into structures obliterates both the enemy and the structure
- Play as six different characters each with a very Unique look and slightly feel

GAME ITS MOST ASSOCATED TOO:
- Otogi: Myth of Demons
- Shinobi (PS2)

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- This game is based on ancient Japanese mythology; actually this game is loosely based on the legend of the legendary samurai Raikoh and the members of his crew
- The creators of this franchise are known for the Armored Core series (on Playstation and Playstation 2), note that the special sword (which can be bought for a high amount of gold) called the Moonlight works similar and has the same name of a popular energy sword in the Armored Core franchise

this game does not play on xbox 360, dont buy unless you intend to play on orig. xbox. there is no update on xbox live. to bad ilove this game.