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CRITIK

Oninaki

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Oninaki
Item: Oninaki
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableAug 22, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperTokyo RPG Factory

Overview

The all-new Action-RPG, ONINAKI tells the story of one Watcher on a journey to protect Life, after Death.

Elsewhere

6.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Oninaki received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many critics praised the game for exploring heavy and thought-provoking themes such as death, reincarnation, and existentialism. Critics like DualShockers, Push Square, and PlayStation Universe highlighted the emotional depth and moving moments within the narrative. The game was commended for its unique premise, engaging players emotionally, and presenting tough moral dilemmas through its lore, as noted by Twinfinite and Vandal. On the flip side, several critics criticized the execution of the story in Oninaki. CGMagazine and GameCrate mentioned that while the story had a fascinating premise, it was poorly executed and paced, lacking depth and compelling characters. DarkStation and RPGamer pointed out issues with uneven and clumsy writing, generic characters, and underdeveloped subject matter. Some critics, such as Game Informer and Softpedia, found the narrative to be underutilized, with excessive exposition and a lack of emotional depth in dialogues. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Oninaki is mixed. While some praised its exploration of heavy themes and emotional moments, others criticized its execution, pacing, and character development. The game was appreciated for its dark and compelling narrative by critics like Wccftech and God is a Geek, while others felt that the story fell short in engaging the player and lacked coherence, as highlighted by Gamer.no and Multiplayer.it. Ultimately, Oninaki's story seems to have intrigued some players with its unique take on death and reincarnation but left others wanting more depth and consistency in its storytelling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics had mixed opinions on Oninaki's story. Some praised its exploration of heavy themes like death and reincarnation, while others criticized its execution and character development. Some found it emotionally engaging, while others felt it lacked depth and coherence. In the end, Oninaki's narrative intrigued some with its unique premise but left others wanting more consistency and depth.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Oninaki has received mixed reviews from critics, with some positive aspects highlighted by certain reviewers. Critics such as Everyeye.it, LevelUp, and NintendoWorldReport praise the unique combat system that involves bonding with Daemon spirits, offering strategic depth and character progression. The ability to switch between different Daemons for combat adaptability and the well-balanced character progression system were also noted as strengths. The diverse fighting styles and abilities of the Daemons provide an engaging experience for players looking to experiment with different combat strategies. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative opinions about the gameplay of Oninaki. CGMagazine, Softpedia, and Video Chums criticized the combat for being repetitive, lacking variety, and feeling sluggish. The unresponsive controls, monotonous enemy encounters, and underutilized dual-world system were highlighted as drawbacks that hindered the overall gameplay experience. The lack of challenge, unexciting loot, and limited exploration opportunities were also mentioned as areas where the game falls short in providing a satisfying gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of Oninaki's gameplay. While some reviewers appreciated the strategic depth and unique combat mechanics offered by the Daemon system, others found the gameplay to be repetitive, unfulfilling, and lacking in variety. The inconsistent difficulty curve, sluggish combat mechanics, and underdeveloped exploration elements were common points of criticism. Despite some positive aspects, such as the engaging combat system and character progression, the overall sentiment suggests that Oninaki may not fully deliver on its potential to provide a consistently enjoyable gameplay experience for all players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Oninaki's gameplay divides critics, with praise for its unique combat system and character progression from some reviewers like Everyeye.it, LevelUp, and NintendoWorldReport. They highlight the strategic depth of bonding with Daemon spirits. However, CGMagazine, Softpedia, and Video Chums criticize the game for repetitive combat, unresponsive controls, and lacking variety. Mixed reviews suggest Oninaki offers engaging combat but falls short in delivering a consistently enjoyable gameplay experience due to issues like sluggish mechanics and underdeveloped exploration elements.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Oninaki are quite varied. Many critics praise the game for its unique artistic style, vibrant colors, and beautiful vistas. For example, Hobby Consolas appreciates the "unique artistic style, vibrant visuals, and diverse locations in the game world," while DualShockers considers Oninaki as Tokyo RPG Factory's best-looking game to date, with a balance between realism and chibi-like character models. Additionally, Video Chums mentions that the world looks wonderful with soft color palettes and detailed environments that change drastically between different worlds. The watercolor anime art style is also highlighted as gorgeous and visually appealing by RPG Fan. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's visuals. Critics like GameCrate and IGN Italia point out that while the models and environments have been upgraded and the art style exudes the mood of the game, they still feel empty, lack expressiveness, and are visually repetitive. GameSpew mentions that while Oninaki has a charming art style, the overall presentation feels budget, and USgamer criticizes the visuals as plain and uninteresting, with frequently recycled character models and bland enemy designs. Furthermore, Shacknews notes that the chibi, childlike character designs may feel out of place given the somber tones and themes of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Oninaki leans towards a mixed reception. While the game is praised for its unique artistic style, vibrant colors, and beautiful vistas, there are concerns about the lack of originality, repetitive designs, and outdated character models. The game's visuals seem to have left some critics divided, with some appreciating the art style and others feeling that it falls short in certain aspects. Despite the varying opinions, it is evident that Oninaki's visual presentation plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience for players, with some aspects resonating positively while others leaving room for improvement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Oninaki. While some praise its unique style and vibrant colors, others criticize the lack of originality and repetitive designs. The game's visuals receive both acclaim and backlash, with some appreciating the art style and others finding it lacking in certain areas. Overall, Oninaki's visuals shape the player experience, with some aspects resonating positively and others needing improvement.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Oninaki are quite varied. Some critics, such as LevelUp and PlaySense, praise the music for enhancing emotional and action-packed moments, with LevelUp specifically mentioning a captivating soundtrack blending different genres and instruments. The orchestral soundtrack, as noted by PlayStation Universe and IGN, adds thoughtful ambience to the events in the game, contributing to the overall atmosphere. The use of somber and elegant music, as highlighted by Guardian and IGN Spain, also receives positive feedback for matching the tone of the game effectively. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Oninaki. DarkStation and RPG Fan find the music forgettable, with DarkStation mentioning generic dungeon themes and lack of memorable tracks. Shacknews and Worth Playing criticize the lack of English dub and issues with music not playing at times, leading to a monotonous experience. Wccftech and Softpedia go further to describe the soundtrack as dull and disappointing, respectively, indicating a lack of impact and immersion. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the Sound Design and Music in Oninaki. While some critics appreciate the music for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and emotional moments, others find it lacking in memorability and impact. The limited use of audio in certain areas, as pointed out by Easy Allies, contributes to a sense of emptiness in the game. Despite some positive remarks on specific tracks and the orchestral elements, the general sentiment suggests that the Sound Design and Music of Oninaki may not fully resonate with all players, with varying degrees of satisfaction and disappointment expressed by different critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the Sound Design and Music in Oninaki. Some praise the music for enhancing emotional moments and blending genres, while others find it forgettable and criticize the lack of English dub. Overall, opinions range from captivating and atmospheric to dull and disappointing, leading to a varied reception among critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Voice Acting in Oninaki, there is a clear divide in sentiments. Nintendo Enthusiast and NintendoWorldReport both highlight the positive aspects of the Japanese voice acting in the game. Nintendo Enthusiast specifically praises the strong voice-over performances from the Japanese voice actors, noting that it enhances the player's connection with the Daemons. This indicates that for some critics, the choice of Japanese voice acting added depth and immersion to the game, enhancing the overall experience for players who appreciate authentic performances. On the other hand, the majority of critics, including COGconnected, GameCrate, God is a Geek, and Shacknews, express negative opinions about the Voice Acting in Oninaki. GameCrate points out the absence of voice acting in the game, coupled with the lack of expressive character models, which resulted in less engaging exposition through walls of text. Similarly, God is a Geek criticizes the game for only including small character soundbites spoken solely in Japanese without subtitles, which led to a lack of spoken dialogue and mutterings under the breath by voice actors. Shacknews also notes the absence of an English dub and the lack of fully voice-acted scenes, which detracted from the immersion and polish of the game. These criticisms collectively highlight a significant drawback in the Voice Acting aspect of Oninaki, impacting the overall storytelling and player engagement. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the negative side regarding the Voice Acting in Oninaki. While Nintendo Enthusiast and NintendoWorldReport appreciated the Japanese voice acting, the majority of critics found fault with the minimal or lack of voice acting, absence of subtitles, and mismatch between audio and text in the game. This discrepancy in opinions indicates a missed opportunity for Oninaki to fully utilize voice acting to enhance the narrative and emotional depth of the game. The criticism from GameCrate, God is a Geek, and Shacknews collectively suggests that the Voice Acting aspect of Oninaki fell short of expectations, impacting the overall immersion and quality of the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the Voice Acting in Oninaki. Some praise the Japanese voice acting for enhancing immersion, while others criticize the lack of voice acting, absence of subtitles, and mismatch between audio and text. Overall, the majority of critics express negative opinions, highlighting a significant drawback that impacts storytelling and player engagement.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics highlighted positive aspects. DarkStation mentioned that the game runs great with minor hiccups, while Gamers Heroes and Hobby Consolas reported no crashes, glitches, or frame drops. The Games Machine praised the sharp and refined graphics, indicating a visually pleasing experience. However, RPG Site noted long loading times as a drawback, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Worth Playing also pointed out stuttering issues on the PS4 Pro during cutscenes, affecting immersion. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch version faced more technical challenges according to the critics. Attack of the Fanboy and GamingTrend both noted frame rate dips and stuttering on the Switch, particularly when using heavier weapon Daemons. Nintendo Enthusiast and NintendoWorldReport mentioned noticeable hitches and longer load times during effects-heavy cutscenes, respectively. Multiplayer.it highlighted long loading times as a significant issue on the Switch version. IGN Spain brought up issues with long-range combat on the Switch, affecting gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed bag of technical performance for Oninaki across different gaming platforms. While the PS4 version generally fared better with solid performance and visually appealing graphics, issues such as long loading times and stuttering during cutscenes were noted. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch version faced more significant challenges with frame rate dips, stuttering, and longer load times impacting gameplay enjoyment. SpazioGames acknowledged the drawbacks of the Switch version but praised the game for passing the test considering the team size and project scope. Everyeye.it highlighted the balanced difficulty levels and technical stability on the Switch, contrasting with the long loading times on the PS4. The overall sentiment leans towards a more favorable technical experience on the PS4 compared to the Nintendo Switch, with room for improvement in optimizing performance on both platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised the PS4 version of Oninaki for its solid performance and sharp graphics but noted issues like long loading times and stuttering. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version faced more technical challenges, including frame rate dips and longer load times, impacting gameplay. While the PS4 version generally fared better, both platforms have room for improvement in optimizing performance.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the potential replay value of Oninaki. IGN Italia mentioned the multiple endings and challenging endgame content, such as the labyrinth with increasing difficulty levels, which can incentivize players to replay the game. PlayStation LifeStyle also pointed out the exploration of different Daemon skill trees and collecting Soulstones as enhancing replayability. The Games Machine praised the multiple endings and customization system for Daemon characters, which can encourage players to revisit the game for different experiences. On the negative side, some critics expressed concerns about the limited replay value of Oninaki. GameSpew noted that while the game offers multiple endings, most players may not feel compelled to replay it. Vandal mentioned the lack of depth in optional missions and exploration, which could restrict the overall replayability of the game. Worth Playing highlighted that much of the content feels like filler, and the lack of challenge or additional difficulty options may deter players from replaying the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Oninaki is mixed. While some critics like IGN Italia, PlayStation LifeStyle, and The Games Machine appreciated the multiple endings, challenging content, and customization options that can enhance replayability, others such as GameSpew, Vandal, and Worth Playing raised concerns about the lack of compelling reasons to replay the game. The variety of opinions suggests that the replay value of Oninaki may appeal more to players who enjoy exploring different endings and character customization, while others may find the gameplay repetitive or lacking in depth.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are split on the replay value of Oninaki. Some praise its multiple endings and challenging content, while others criticize the lack of compelling reasons to replay. The game's customization options and exploration aspects enhance replayability for some, but others find it repetitive and lacking depth.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The positives of Oninaki, as highlighted by several critics, include its engaging storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and striking visuals. Critics like DualShockers and PlayStation LifeStyle praise the game for its moving story and compelling narrative, with DualShockers even placing it among the best Japanese games of its console generation. The combat system is also lauded by critics like DarkStation and Worth Playing for being enjoyable and initially fun, showcasing potential for a strong foundation for future titles from Tokyo RPG Factory. Additionally, the game's artistic visuals and unique perspective on the action genre, as noted by The Games Machine and Hobby Consolas, offer a fresh take on the JRPG experience. On the other hand, the negatives of Oninaki, as pointed out by various critics, revolve around issues such as repetitive gameplay, lackluster storytelling, and technical shortcomings. CGMagazine and Softpedia criticize the game for its tedious and monotonous gameplay, with Softpedia specifically mentioning clunky combat and a flat story as major drawbacks. RPGamer and RPG Site highlight weak storytelling and design flaws that hinder the overall experience, while GameCrate and Destructoid mention issues with pacing, underutilized mechanics, and execution problems that prevent the game from fully realizing its potential. Furthermore, some critics like Impulsegamer and GamingTrend express disappointment in the game's execution and hope for improvements in future releases from the developer. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Oninaki is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the game's emotional depth, engaging combat, and unique perspective, others feel that it falls short of its potential due to lackluster storytelling, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues. The game seems to have divided opinions, with some like COGconnected and Twinfinite acknowledging its strengths and potential, while others like Game Revolution and Multiplayer.it find it lacking in various aspects. Ultimately, Oninaki appears to be a title with moments of brilliance but also significant room for improvement, leaving players with a somewhat polarized experience based on their preferences for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and overall execution.

TL;DR

Oninaki impresses with its compelling storyline, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals, earning praise from critics. However, criticisms focus on repetitive gameplay, weak storytelling, and technical flaws. The game polarizes opinions, with some praising its strengths while others point out areas needing improvement, making it a title with both brilliance and room for growth.

CRITIK

Reviews

99 reviews found

Game Revolution

PlayStation 4

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Oninaki is an essential action RPG that succeeds as art, with a strong story that explores the theme of death brilliantly. Despite unspectacular gameplay, it ties its gameplay elements to its thematic strengths.

Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Oninaki may seem rough-around-the-edges at first, but for those who are patient enough to explore its world and battle system, there is a lot to like and dive into. It offers a refreshing take on JRPGs.

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Oninaki is praised for its beautiful and heartfelt storytelling, exploring themes of death and spirituality. However, the gameplay is criticized for being stilted and repetitive, impacting the overall experience. Despite its flaws, the game is considered a powerful and deeply human tale from Tokyo RPG Factory.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

ONINAKI reignites the reviewer's interest in JRPGs with its engaging gameplay mechanics and compelling storyline, despite some predictability. The reviewer expresses enjoyment and anticipation for continuing the journey, aiming for completion.

DualShockers

PlayStation 4

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Oninaki is a fascinating game with a moving story and bold ideas, sitting boldly next to some of the best Japanese games of this console generation.

Attack of the Fanboy

Nintendo Switch

Aug 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Oninaki offers a unique and emotional story with engaging gameplay mechanics, marred by technical issues on the Nintendo Switch but still a standout RPG from Tokyo RPG Factory.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Aug 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has noticeable flaws but shines brightly in its story and gameplay, making it an engaging and entertaining experience for JRPG fans

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An enjoyable and thought-provoking RPG with pacing issues and a lack of variety, but still worth playing.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 4

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A quality JRPG that revitalizes the genre with a fresh perspective and solid gameplay mechanics, reminiscent of games like Diablo and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Aug 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Oninaki offers a thoughtful narrative with a stellar tone, soundtrack, and memorable tales. However, it has some pacing and presentation issues, and developing new Daemons can be time-consuming. Overall, it is worth experiencing.

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