Japanese Mythological and Historically inspired Game Revivals

Seen as though this is the era of the remake, the revival of these franchises would be great! ; Onimusha, Otogi, Gengi, Okami.

The list is what is considered to be Japanese games that are heavily inspired by the countries’ mythology, fictional history and the history of their culture. I was drawn in by theses games because of the inspirational background and the initial beauty and aesthetics of these games, which are probably this way, out of respect for their own culture’s beliefs and folklore. I am also interested in the fictional history.

Onimusha: Onimusha: Warlords (PS2)

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the Onimusha series heres a bit of an insight; consider the fact that there are sequels to this game that have alternate storylines. Onlimusha-Warlords is based around the game’s leading protagonist; Samaosuke Akechi, whose sole purpose is rescue Princess Yuki of the Saitō clan and annihilate the warlord Oda Nobunaga, who has been resurrected after making a deal with a demon. With his companion; Kaede, they travel throughout the Inabayama Castle to find the whereabouts of the Princess.

The Onimusha series should, in my opinion, go back to its roots with all that pre-rendered background goodness, moving on a fixed plane, which is obviously similar to the Resident evil franchise. (duhh.. same Creators)  The third-person versions of the games (both games) got old really fast. Plus I didn’t really like the lack of the puzzle solving aspects in the last installment of the series, although I can’t really argue that much because I didn’t play through most of the game.

Onimusha: Warlords Gameplay

They have been hints of reimbursing the Onimusha series. Christian Svensson; Capcom Business & strategic planner has hinted at the possibility of a reboot of both the Onimusha and Dino Crisis series – but not as likely for the DC franchise. So thankfully Capcom hasn’t forgotten the IPs. But as it stands; they aren’t literally any bright ideas to bring back the games and the narratives for that matter. After the last installment of the Oni series, Capcom has a lot to think about.

I hope they do consider the reboot of this great game but the process of forming a suitable gameplay functionality that doesn’t mimic the modern hack ‘n’ slash games (God of War, Devil May Cry, Dynasty Warriors) is going to be a hard and tedious process. There is a slight possibility that the game might even look like the past two Resident Evil games, in which the game play mechanics are focused around a third-person/ over the shoulder aspect, similar to Onimusha 4, which I despised.

Other Japanese mythological and historically inspired games from the older platforms:

Otogi (Xbox)

Otogi: Myth of Demons and Otagi 2 are other action/ hack and slash games that I had idolized.  The environments were impressive, especially that they were destructible, which was unique for the time the game was released. The Myth of Demons story is based on the main character; Raikoh’s quests for redemption and reassemble the seal that has led to the release of demons into the human world.

Otogi:MOD Gameplay

Otogi 2 Trailer (good trailer – like the soundtrack)

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai (PS2)

I had never actually played Genji: Dawn of the Samurai for the Playstation 2 but from the looks of the game, it leaves a good impression. But from reviews, the game seems too short in length which is apparently a disappointment. Genji is about the Japanese legend of the same name. The historic hero Genkuro Yoshitsune or his companion Benkei, a monk, set out on a mission to release the oppressed from forces of the tyrant warlord Kiyomori and restore the Genji dynasty to power.

Genji has actually had a release for the newest generation of consoles with Genji: Days of the Blade for the PS3. It does seem reasonable good, especially the graphics but the reviews say otherwise.

Genji PS2 Gameplay

Genji: Days of the Blade PS3 Gameplay

Okami (PS2 and now Wii)

Okami is a beautiful cell-shaded platform game inspired Japanese woodprints and Inks. The traversing of the vast landscapes comes close to comparison and equality of the Zelda games. I personally think that the game is one of the most original and creative games I’ve ever played. The story: “A darkness has fallen over the land. Unsurprisingly, it’s your task to rid the world of that darkness, which you do by taking control of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess who has been incarnated in the shape of a white wolf.”(source-IGN-reviews)

Okami PS2 Gamplay

They are actually quite a lot of Japanese inspired games I like, but sadly there are in decline or being adapted for a more western audience for global sales.

Koei-Tecmo games are also fun if you like Japanese hack ‘n’ slash games. (Ninja Gaiden, Samurai / Dynasty Warriors)

Goo.