Otogi: Myth of Demons

"Otogi: Silly name. GREAT game!"

Otogi, exclusively for Xbox, takes you on a mythical adventure in a world of demons, magic, and spirits. From Software, whose name most people don't recognize, was responsible for this masterpiece. This game has frequently been compared to Gun Valkyrie (GV), and since a lot of people have played that, I may refer to it. But if you didn't like GV don't assume you won't like this game. I didn't like GV either, but Otogi will be one of my favorites for a LOOOONG time.

Gameplay: 10/10 The gameplay is excellent. Controls are perfect. Anyone who's main problem with GV was the controls need not worry. The control scheme is perfect and will make split-second attacks easy. No fumbling through weapons, or having to do crazy thumbstick movements to dash. Dash is a simple tug on the R-trigger, and weapons can only be changed in between levels. Enemy are smart, but not too smart. A single non-boss enemy will be no challenge for you. But most of these enemies like to swarm. They have strength in numbers and they know it. Most importantly, it's FUN! Just wading through enemies casting fire spells, and them hitting them with your sword while they burn is great! Nearly everything in a stage in destroyable. In fact, you're even graded on how much stuff you can destroy.
Another key point to Otogi's gameplay is it's RPG elements. This gives Otogi it's biggest difference to GV. Otogi's main character, Raikoh, is more than just the guy that fights for you. Think of him like you would an RPG character. You'll want to ''take care'' of him by gaining him levels, buying him new weapons, magic spells, and accessories. Even his weapons must be repaired if they become weak or have been used to much. Levels can be gained by returning to stage's you've already beaten. This will also bring some Gold into your pockets which can be used to buy new and better equipment. As levels gain your attack, defense, and magic rating all increase.

Story: 9/10 The story is solid. Your are Raikoh. The Great Seal has protected mankind from demons for 1,000 years. Now, the Seal has failed. Demons flood this realm in an attempt to take control of it. You have been resurrected through magic and granted special powers to cleanse the demons. The game gives you small details on Raikoh's past, but you will learn more as you play. I'd rather not spoil it for you. Throughout the game you must reunited the Essences. These Essences power the Seal and until they're reactivated, the demons will continue to invade. The story is an excellent part of this game. I've given you what you find out in the first few levels, but to get the whole story you must play the game. =)

Graphics: 9/10 The graphics are wonderful. Lighting, fog, flames, everything is beautiful to look at. The only problem really is the often when you break down a wall or pillar a cloud of smoke/debris will rise and block your view of your enemies. The dust/debris clears quickly so it's not a problem for long. There's even a ripple effect throughout the menus that looks pretty.

Sound: 8/10 The sounds in the game ... well ... there aren't a WHOLE lot. Basically all you'll hear most of the time is the ''Ha, huh, yaa!'' of Raikoh grunting while he swings around his sword. Or the screeches of demons. Every once in awhile a friendly voice comes to help Raikoh. This voice, while somewhere between creepy and soothing gives the game a nice way of helping you out if you get lost. Luckily it doesn't talk ALL the time, just to give you some direction and the beginning and end of levels. The music soundtrack for this game is excellent though. Fits the whole atmosphere PERFECTLY. It's kind of weird at first, but you'll quickly get used to it.

Replay value: 10/10 A lot of this game's replay value is in the first time you play it. While that sentence may sound confusing, it makes sense once you play it. Let me try to explain. You have goals that you try to meet in each stage. Once you beat a stage you can go back to it, with demons and everything, to try and meet these goals. Goals are time to complete the level, how much stuff you destroyed, how many souls you freed, and maximum combo. So, whereas in most games, you have to restart the game to try a level again, you can do this from within the same game. Well, I guess you have to play it to really understand it. In short, Yes, this game has GREAT replay value.

Conclusion: Otogi is a shining gem in a rock garden of mediocre Xbox games. The biggest challenges Otogi faces are 1) Otogi was released the same day as Soul Calibur 2. Seeing as Soul Calibur 2 is a great game, and much more hyped than Otogi, this could cause Otogi to unjustly slip into the background. Luckily it was released at $39.99, which will hopefully catch some people's eye. 2) No hype/advertisement for this game at all. Especially because of Soul Caliber 2 taking a lot of the spotlight, a simple Otogi commercial would've done a great job, in my opinion.
Overall grade of this game would have to be 10/10. Even with a few lower grades on individual categories above, this nails it in every category it needs to. The actually gameplay is so impressive I wish I could give it a 15/10. I'm THAT impressed with it. I feel this game deserves nothing less than a 10/10 from me. If this review (or the other reviews) still haven't swayed you into buying this game, it's AT LEAST worth renting. Unless you just plain don't like RPGs, action games, or adventure games, you HAVE to at LEAST rent this game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/31/03