Oni
Introduction
Released at the dawn of the new millennium, Oni is a striking fusion of third-person shooting and martial arts combat that remains a singular experience in gaming history. Developed by Bungie West—a satellite studio of the legendary Bungie—it brought the high-octane energy of late-90s anime to life. Inspired by the philosophical depth and aesthetic grit of series like Ghost in the Shell and Akira, Oni set out to bridge the gap between two disparate genres. It promised a world where gunplay and fisticuffs were not separate modes, but a singular, fluid dance of destruction. Even decades later, few games have attempted to replicate its specific "blended combat" rhythm with the same level of ambition.
Story & Setting
The narrative of Oni takes place in a bleak, dystopian future. The year is 2032, and the Earth has become so polluted that only a fraction of the planet remains habitable. To manage the resulting social and environmental crises, the World Coalition Government (WCG) maintains a strict, often oppressive grip on the populace. Players step into the boots of Konoko, a purple-haired elite agent working for the Technological Crimes Task Force (TCTF).
The story begins as an intense action anime thriller where Konoko is tasked with dismantling the Syndicate, a powerful criminal organization led by the enigmatic Muro. However, as her mission progresses, the line between ally and enemy begins to blur. Konoko is haunted by unknown demons of her past, and the truth threatens to send her over the edge. What starts as a standard mission to fight the evil Syndicate evolves into a desperate quest for identity as Konoko uncovers the dark biological secrets hidden by her superiors.
Gameplay
At the heart of Oni is its revolutionary combat system. Unlike most action games of its era that forced players to choose between being a shooter or a brawler, Oni implemented what the developers called "blended combat." Konoko can transition seamlessly from firing an energy rifle to delivering a roundhouse kick without missing a beat. The control scheme was specifically designed to handle this fluidity, allowing for complex martial arts combos, throws, and disarms that could be executed even while under heavy fire.
The game emphasizes movement and tactical awareness. Konoko can run, jump, and flip through environments, using her agility to outmaneuver Syndicate goons. Weapons range from standard pistols and submachine guns to more exotic tech like the Mercury Bow and the Screaming Cannon. A unique mechanic involves disarming enemies; if an opponent is bothering you with a rifle, you can simply run up, perform a specific move to snatch the weapon from their hands, and use it against them. This creates a dynamic flow where the tide of battle can shift in seconds based on your proximity to the enemy.
This game was released on several platforms, including the PlayStation 2 and personal computers.
Legacy
Oni occupies a unique place in Bungie's history. It was the only game produced by the short-lived Bungie West studio and was released just as Bungie was being acquired by Microsoft for the launch of the Xbox and Halo. Because of this transition, the PlayStation 2 port was actually handled by Rockstar Toronto, making it a rare collaborative artifact between two of the industry's eventual titans. While critics at the time were divided on its sparse environments and high difficulty, the game developed a dedicated cult following. Its influence can be seen in the burgeoning "character action" genre, and its modding community on PC remains active to this day, still working on the "Anniversary Edition" to keep the game playable on modern hardware.
Fun Facts
Oni is the Japanese word for "demon" or "ogre," which ties directly into Konoko's internal struggles and her "Daodan" transformation. The game is known by various names internationally, appearing as Они in Russia and 奥妮 in China. Interestingly, the game's protagonist, Konoko, was voiced by Amanda Winn-Lee, a veteran voice actress famous for her work in the Neon Genesis Evangelion series, further cementing the game's deep ties to anime culture. Additionally, despite the game ending on a massive cliffhanger that suggests a global transformation, a sequel was never officially greenlit, leaving fans to wonder about the fate of the world after 2032.
