Destined Not To Love? (Onimusha 2 - Samurai's Destiny (PS2))

Member Name: scream4bruce

Product:	Onimusha 2 - Samurai's Destiny (PS2)
Date:	06/09/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good graphics, some funny moments

Disadvantages: Camera angles, battle system

*A review of Onimusha 2.*
Whilst the sequel may be magnificent in size compared to it's predecessor, it felt as if the flaws too had become magnified.

The game only works with the Dual Shock 2 (or similar), despite the d-pad being used for movement, and the map feature - mapped to R3 - being accessible via the Start menu. The default controller configuration (or only, rather) sees just R1 making use of it's analogue button - lightly held, and the character readies their weapon, but held firmly, they also charge their Oghi power. As this produces more powerful attacks and does not consume magic, or anything, there was perhaps not the need to differentiate. Such preparation has its problems however, since there's no switching, let alone knowing the enemy whom your character will lock-on to. Outside of the Oghi, the presence of enemies means there's no guessing correctly whether your character does a standard attack or stabs the enemy at their feet. Then there's the disappointment of the latter seemingly seeing to a drop in the chances of a successful connection as well as it being not guaranteed to deliver death. At least with the Hissatsu counter attacks timing of attacks can be rewarded. Oh, and the left analogue stick can come into use - when equipped with a projectile-based weapon. Throw in the tank-like controls and 180 degree turn and you're ready to go.

Now, the camera angles are always going to be a problem in this style of game, but it's as if they plumped for the poorer choice of camera angles all-round. So at times the enemies can be in the way obscuring the action as well as being out of the picture, or indeed, the pre-rendered backgrounds. Speaking of which, these backgrounds needn't be still - the best shots, of the stream, sure are er, streaming! However, it's not all exotic environments, since the game retreads old ground in the Inabayama Castle. Seems the game must be keen on recycling - bits of backtracking aside, you'll also at least battle not one, but two, bosses, thrice! And then there's the final boss battle (yes, HIM again), of which, surprisingly is of a similar "WHAT THE HELL!?" vein to that of another Capcom action-adventure, Devil May Cry. Somewhat similar games, samey problems?

As well as the change of characters - this time they can all absorb souls - on occasions an ally fights alongside you. Whilst it can leave players divided on the AI, as it did the enemies, you can leave them to do the dirty work, and just absorb - not soul [!] bad is it? This time, armour - and not items - can be enhanced along with the weapons. It's good to talk - there's now a town with numerous NPCs to chat to, and someone to buy gifts from. Although you'll get a rough clue of what gifts to give to whom, you'll have no idea of what you'll get in return. Still, it can be worth it even if there's trial-and-error, but there's laughs to be had when presenting an adult magazine as a gift. If only Oyu downing the love potion lived up to it's potential.

I didn't find the soundtrack to be memorable, but I remember not fancying the town theme. There are plenty of boxes with puzzles - as these were without timer they are of the pressure-free type. As well as the unlockables, players can play again for the multiple routes and improved grades. Thankfully you can skip the sequences because story-wise, the dialogue and dubbing is dubious, and some of what happens is just silly. Onimusha 2 is a disappointing sequel. It's average enough to make me wonder why I don't just stick with 2D games.

Summary: Onimusha 2 for PlayStation 2