Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors

Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
Developer(s)	From Software
Publisher(s)	Sega From Software (JPN)
Composer(s)	Kota Hoshino
Platform(s)	Xbox
Release date(s)	JP December 25, 2003 NA October 19, 2004 EU February 11, 2004
Genre(s)	Hack and slash, Action
Mode(s)	Single-player
Rating(s)	ESRB: T (Teen)

Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors a hack and slash action game designed by From Software. Otogi 2 was published by Sega and was released for the Xbox in 2003. It was released in the West the following year and is based on the legendary Raikoh, his four generals (Suetake, Kintoki, Tsuna, and Sadamitsu) and their guide, Seimei. Otogi 2 is the sequel to the original Otogi: Myth of Demons and has an evolved style of gameplay.

Gameplay

• You can choose to play as one of the six warriors (either Raikoh, Kintoki, Suetake, Sadamitsu, Tsuna, or Seimei).
• Each character has their own alternative weapons (everyone has three, except for Raikoh having 4) and their own three costumes (that you can unlock).
• Each character also has their own customizable spells as well, and certain higher level spells that only they can use.
• There are around 27 story stages, which also includes bonus stages.

Plot

Players assumed the role of Raikoh Minamoto, the undead warrior charged with the task of vanquishing the demonic infestation that plagued Japan's sacred capital. Continuing where the original left off, Otogi 2 puts players in the role of Raikoh, who is summoned once again to destroy the invading demons. This time however, he's not alone, and with the help of some new allies, Raikoh and his loyal followers will set out to destroy the demons once and for all and prevent darkness from consuming the world.

Characters

• Raikoh - The legendary warrior known throughout ages. Raikoh wields a sacred sword passed down throughout many generations, known as the 'Soul Shrine'. When Seimei realized the danger that was opposed to the Holy Orb, she called upon the help of the legendary cunning warrior Raikoh. Raikoh vowed to forever protect the Capital while battling to the end with his four loyal retainers. With a high attack power and the highest magical defense in the game, he is a sturdy warrior with a balanced moveset, jump height and dash distance.

• Seimei - From the House of Void (Infinity). Seimei wields dual fans which are commonly known as 'Nature's Balance'. Throughout the Capital, Seimei wields the strongest of magic. Seimei acts as the divine instructor to Raikoh along with his retainers throughout the game (like the Princess did in the previous game). Seimei vowed to forever protect the Holy Orb, for the city shall fall if it gets into the hands of the demons. She possesses the highest magical attack and MP value in the game, along with grab moves and the second fastest and longest dash, making her a very defensive character.

• Kintoki - From the House of Suzaku (Red Phoenix). Kintoki wields a large axe as his main weapon, known as the 'Crimson Axe'. Kintoki, at some point, served under the Imperial Army and fought alongside his old friend, Masakado (the headless warrior). Kintoki is counted among as one of the four retainers under Raikoh, and has vowed to rid the capital of its evil. Kintoki is forced to strike down his old friend, Masakado who has turned evil. Kintoki fighting style is stout and strong, built heavily around his natural resilience. He may be slow, with the shortest jump and dash but have solid hits, along with the highest defense and HP value, along with some powerful grab moves.

• Sadamitsu - From the House of Genbu (Black Turtle). Sadamitsu wields a scythe as her main weapon, known as Scourge. Sadamitsu was a very brave young girl and even left her home at a very young age to join the military forces at the Capital. After that Sadamitsu became one of the four famed retainers under Raikoh. Sadamitsu wields very powerful magic and excels when it comes to the element of ice. Sadamitsu is known for her swift speed and agile movement, making her a very mobile warrior. Her attack power and magic power are balanced and second lowest HP, but possesses the highest jump and longest dash, along with nice ranged attacks.

• Tsuna - From the House of Byakko (White Tiger). Tsuna wields a double sided sword named 'Darkness'. Tsuna attained his weapon through merging his sword with his friend's who was slain by the Spider Clan. Tsuna later joined Raikoh becoming yet another one of his four famed retainers. Tsuna carries a very deep hatred towards the Spider Clan and has vowed to destroy every member. His ferocity is matched by few, as he can slay many opponents in a matter of seconds. He has the highest attack power in the game, along with a great radial attack range and good speed, jump and dash, but also the worst defensive values and low HP.

• Suetake - From the House of Sōryū (Blue Dragon). Seiryu is more commonly used today over Sōryū although they mean the same thing. Suetake possesses strong honor - He gave up his life as a human to fuse his soul with a tree so he could forever protect the Capital. Suetake carries, as his weapon, a large wheel on what you could call his back named the 'Chaos Wheel'. Although this wheel sounds a bit useless, it can whip around Suetake at blinding speed, taking out every enemy unfortunate enough to cross his path. Suetake is counted as one of the most powerful sorcerers of the Capital, and as a very devoted warrior. His magical power is strong as Seimei's, with higher MP, but he moves very slow and has the lowest HP. He also has great ranged attacks, and can jump indefinitely.

Japanese mythology

Minamoto no Yorimitsu exorcising the evil spirit of Mount Oeyama

The characters in Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors are based on the Japanese myth of Ooeyama, the sequel to Watanabe no Tsuna, and all lived during the Heian Period in Japan.

• Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikoh) - Son of Minamoto no Mitsunaka, he was a member of the Minamoto family under the Fujiwara clan and fought alongside his brother Minamoto no Yorinobu, doing the 'dirty work' of the clan. In the myth of Ooeyama, he led the four generals listed below into combat.

• Abe no Seimei (Seimei) - An onmyoji (someone who practices onmyōdō) and a man despite many depictions, including this game's, that present him as a woman (Seimei is also presented as a woman in the survival-horror game Kuon also developed by From Software). Seimei is from the House of the Void, representing onmyodo's usage of the yin and yang (specifically the yin, being darker and feminine as opposed to the lighter and masculine yang) as well as the Japanese five elements' Kū (Void).

• Sakata no Kintoki (Kintoki), Usui Sadamitsu (Sadamitsu), Watanabe no Tsuna (Tsuna), and Urabe no Suetake (Suetake) - The Four Guardian Kings under Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikoh) in the myth.

Music

The theme for Otogi 2 is "Voice" performed by DoRe.

Reception

Otogi 2 was well-received by critics upon its release but was not very popular. Responding to a letter questioning why Electronic Gaming Monthly ran such a short review on Otogi 2, Dan Hsu, editor-in-chief of the publication, stated, "As good of a game Otogi 2 is, we still have to acknowledge that relatively few people want to read about it."^[1] The game is not compatible with the Xbox 360.

References

1. ^ Hsu, Dan (Jan. 2005). "Letters". Electronic Gaming Monthly (187): 20.