Capcom as of late seems to want to branch off its Onimusha series into different directions. To my delight they released a tactics game set in this universe. Speaking for myself I am huge fan of tactics games, and this is one of the key reasons I got a Gameboy Advance in the first place. Onimusha feels right at home on Nintendo’s portable, perhaps it is because it started out on the N64, and was later cancelled and moved to the PS2.

Features:

The Story is set in the expanding Onimusha universe.

Use the Oni gauntlet to absorb enemy’s souls.

Over 30 hours of gameplay

The story is heavily intertwined in the world of a young warrior named Onimaru, who finds out he is one of the few surviving members of the Oni clan. The sworn enemies of Onimaru’s people are the dreaded Genma. Now led by Nobunaga, the Genma are posed to conquer all of Japan. Onimaru quickly builds a small band of warriors in an effort to thwart the Genma’s evil plans.


Title Screen

Onimusha Tactics has simplified its content so that even someone who doesn’t enjoy strategy games may find it interesting. There is no shop where you purchase items, or weapons. Instead the Genma will drop stones when defeated, and you can transform these into your weapons, armor, and supplies. You cannot create any of these items without first finding its recipe. Once you have the recipe, it tells you what, and how many Genma stones are needed to create your item. I know it sounds strange but it really works well. I know that when I play say Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, I spend 70% of my time buying and selling equipment and that can become irritating. So this slight departure is like a breath of fresh air.

The battle system has been simplified as well. In most tactics games you move each character, perform a task, and then end the character’s turn in a direction for him/her to face. Onimusha Tactics automatically faces you in the direction of your attacker, so there is no distinct advantage to positioning yourself behind an enemy. Each character in the game also starts off in a certain occupation, and they stay that way. There is no job system to deal with -- for example -- a pikeman will remain that way throughout the game.

The Oni gauntlet is also in the game. Just like the PS2 versions you absorb fallen enemies souls to gain more power. Only Onimaru can absorb these souls, but he can upgrade himself, and any of his fellow clan members with this gauntlet. This really is a nice touch, and makes the transfer from action to strategy flawless.


Pretty Purple Magic!

Don’t get the wrong idea; this game does contain strategy. Key members of your party are best suited for long range attacks, whereas some are better suited to slug it out and absorb damage from your enemy. As you progress through the game your clan will grow to more than 20 characters. You simply cannot use them all; so most people find a particular grouping of characters, and use them throughout the game. I had for example at least 3 different archers in my clan, and they all had slightly different abilities. So this design lends itself to be more open ended as far as strategy goes, and allowing the player to complete the game in his or her own style of playing. The choice is yours as to whom you trust with your crusade.