Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors

"This Game Is Absolutely Stunning!"

I picked up Otogi 2:Immortal Warriors as a 'blind buy' I had seen absolutely nothing of this game, no reviews, no screenshots, no gameplay movies. The closest thing that I had to information was the fact that I had once looked at the back of the box of Otogi: Myth of Demons!

Later that night about an hour or so into the game, I discreetly patted myself on the back for the BEST blind purchase I had ever made!

So without waffling for too long let me break it down for you:

Gameplay:9/10
Basically what stood out to me at 1st was the actual simplicity of the game, which made it easy to pick up and a pleasure to learn. Players might not get how simple the gameplay is at first, as it is almost hidden behind the sheer beauty and presentation of the game (but more on that later).

Hack and Slash?
The best description of the gameplay I would choose is a 'Hack and Slasher' with small (and simple) undertones of RPG. Basically you go from level to level 'purifying' them ('purifying' being a nice term for put the smack down on anything that dares move!), the objects you are to 'purify' are generally know as 'demons' but this is a broad term which covers everything from giant spiders to dead spirits. By destroying these demons you gain Experience and Gold (which is where the RPG style play comes in) which can be used after each level to power up you're characters (eg increase their life or magic metre), develop their magic spells and buy Items which have different beneficial effects.

Variety
There are 6 playable characters to choose from not all of them are available for each level. Some levels are made easier with certain characters and some levels harder, but it is fun trying the levels with the hard characters. Its all about variety.

Terrain
About 95% of the terrain you come across is destructible and you are encouraged to destroy it, you get a rank at the end of the level determining how much you smashed. That and there are plenty of hidden items tucked away is more than enough reason to keep on smashing!

Big,Big Bosses
At the end of some levels you will cross path's with some mean bosses, these in my opinion are the real backbone of the game! The boss battles are absolutely amazing both graphically and gameplay wise. Now these bosses really define the term 'Big bosses' some of them are huge and that is an understatement!

Graphics 10/10
I am going to keep this section short and simple; Otogi 2:Immortal Warriors has the best graphics I have ever seen on any format, everything from character models to enemy design , to the level design and terrain graphics everything is stunning I have not found one fault.

You Want Explosions?
All this is aided by some neat little touchs like if you destroy a demon it literally explodes under you're blow and I am not talking action film explosions, I am talking about beautiful choreographed fireworks show's of explosions!

The graphics will blow you away. Period.

Music and Sound:8/10
The sound in this game really suits the style of the game, and while it won't blow you away it won't disappoint.

Music
The style of music is oriental which makes sense since this the game is set in Japan, I am glad that from software did'nt go down the popular road of scoring it with a cheesy metal soundtrack (ala Prince of Persia). It is very peaceful which sometimes does not match the chaos on screen but some of the boss battles have very cool action based music.

SFX
Good, very good; the enemys moan and grunt like they should and when they should. The ambient noises are spot on, the water sounds like water and footsteps sound like footsteps nothing to fault. The voice overs are adequate not breath taking ala MGS but good enough!

Difficulty:8.5/10
This game is very challenging but definitely not frustratingly hard like Ninja Gaiden. It will keep you coming back to those hard stages you are stuck on to try again and again, and when you beat them you will be very satisfied and eager to see what the next level has in store for you!

Replayabilty:6/10
What is there for you once you have beaten the game? Well not much to be honest . There is a 2nd play option which lets you start a new game retaining all the stats and items you collected on you're 1st play through. But I personally think this game is so good it is always a pleasure to go back and play through again!

Overall:9/10
This is a stunning game which leaves you with a great sense of satisfaction once you have played it. People should own it, for the combination of awesome gameplay and breath taking graphics, it really is gaming bliss. A worthy addition to any real gamers collection! Go out and buy this game! Pronto.

Thanks for reading, now if you don't mind I am off for an Otogi 2 session.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/04/05