DESCRIPTION

Inspired by Japanese anime as well as dystopian sci-fi films like Blade Runner, Oni for PlayStation 2 stars a spunky female operative named Konoko as she prepares to battle the Syndicate, a totalitarian regime bent on world conquest. Played from a third-person perspective, Oni features a blend of shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and the nimble movement typically associated with traditional platform games. As players explore the dark cityscapes, warehouses, research labs, and other dwellings of the Syndicate, they will confront numerous armed guards loyal to Boss Muro, the sole leader of the oppressive establishment. To help Konoko in her mission to dismantle the Syndicate piece by piece, players will need to master moves such as jump flips, dodges, disarming techniques, slides, and throws, to name but a few.

Weapons are also available, but only one armament can be carried at any given time. Instruments of destruction include automatic pistols, plasma rifles, grenade launchers, cannons, and more. After first honing her skills in a training mission, Konoko will receive situational updates and mission objectives from her assistant Shinatama, a simulated living doll. Indicators at the bottom of the screen include a compass used to locate targets and a health meter. Scattered somewhere within the 3D levels are items such as ammo, energy cells, hypo spray to boost attributes, phase cloaks for temporary invisibility, and force shields for added protection. Konoko must advance through a total of 14 levels in her attempt to wrest the Syndicate from the iron grip of Boss Muro. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide