[First Impressions] Onikira: Demon Killer

I sure do love the retro 2D beat ’em up side-scroller games. They remind me of my childhood, when playing a game was challenging if only because you had limited health and you had to be cautious with the life you had. Digital Furnace Games, Merge Games and Headup Games have brought that nostalgia back with their project Onikira: Demon Killer.

I remember stumbling on an article almost a year ago about a game and I wrote a piece after speaking with Andrea Magnorsky of Batcat Games. At the time the game was called Honourbound. Developers decided to change the name, which I appreciate the new one, and joined up with two publishers. The rest is–as they say–history. It’s now available on Steam Early Access for $9.99, £6.99 or €9.99.

Upon starting the game, the first thing I noticed is that you’ll need a wired Xbox controller. It doesn’t tell you that, so I figured I’d mention it. I tried with a mouse and keyboard–no go. You’re thrown into action after a brief story overview. You are Yamazaki Jiro, a samurai fighting to prevent the forces of the Japanese underworld, Yomi, from breaking through into the world of the living. It’s a feudal Japan theme in which the protagonist is fighting the oni–demons. This game is so beautiful. The animation and art style is stunning.

The weapons and fighting animations are amazing, and there are tons of strategies to choose from within the weapon selection once you discover each. So far in early access, there are four basic weapons. The sword is your basic main weapon. The Tetsubo, is used for whacking enemies around you. The Naginata and Arm Blades are for all-range combat. Combining these weapons allows for a variety of fighting moves and some satisfying combos.

The game also introduces the Soul Shop in which you can use your accumulated Soul points to restore health, purchase new moves and open Challenge Arenas. Just so you know, those underworld enemies also have a combo of moves, attack patterns and weaknesses. Keep that in mind so you can exploit them in order to progress through each level.

I love the music which is dark, heavy, and fits the theme around it perfectly. It’s eerie and gothic giving the sense that evil and ominous creatures are lurking about in this world.

The combat system is simple, yet comprehensive giving you a combo of old school side-scrolling hack n’ slash and some of the cooler moves introduced by newer action games. Early access features two lengthy, challenging, and nicely detailed levels, as well as one outstanding boss battle.

Onikira: Demon Killer does have some sharp and responsive action time. You get to slice your enemies, toss them in the air or continue with a follow-up air combo using normal or heavy attacks. Note there are freaky oni heads that float above shooting lasers at you, so jump and kill them quickly. Boss battles are spectacular and show promise. The weapons given to slay these bad boys are a blast.

I highly recommend checking out Onikira: Demon Killer especially if you’re a lover of the Devil May Cry and Mortal Kombat games.