Oni
- January 08, 2001 16:38 PM PST
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Strap yourselves in anime fans, 'cause Oni is headed your way! Rockstar and Bungie are bringing this third-person action shooter to the PS2 in fine style.
Combining hand to hand martial arts combat and gunfighting, Oni is taking action gaming on the Mac, PC, and PS2 to a new high. Gamers play as Konoko, a genetically enhanced police officer on the Tech Crimes Task Force. You first take Konoko though training and then get to test her skills on the mean streets as she gradually uncovers (and single-handedly tears down) a powerful crime syndicate.Combined with comic book cut-scenes, the run and gun action of this third person shooter brings anime to life in a way that's never been done before. The gameplay features a good number of puzzles that will require physical dexterity as well as smarts to get past them. Simple, find the switch tasks are complimented by more complex run, jump and slide sequences, reminiscent of platform style games. Of course, the combat is rough and tumble as well. Konoko learns new hand to hand moves as she progresses through the game, and the variety of punches, kicks, throws and combos she can use is quite impressive. She'll need them too, because enemies often attack in groups of two or more. Although Konoko can only carry one weapon at a time, and ammunition is limited, blasting opponents with energy and projectile weapons is a main part of the gameplay too. Sharp, colorful graphics and very convincing animations add a very cool alter-reality look to this future world. Oni is certainly a game that will be a worthy one for anime and action game fans to check out when it hits the shelves in late January.
