Bungie Software, the developer of some of most successful games ever, are at it once again creating another highly-anticipated game. After the release of Myth 2: Soulblighter, a guaranteed success rooting from Myth: The Fallen Lords, Bungie followed it up with the announcement of Oni. Immediately, this game received a great deal of attention because of its stunning graphics. However, Oni offers even more than just good graphics. Influenced by Japanese animation and using advanced animation systems and a superb graphics engine, Oni will combine to create a spectacular-looking action game with an original plot, great characters, and an extraordinary gameplay in the single and multiplayer options. Bungie Software's previous games, such as the Marathon and Myth series have been extremely successful, and Oni has the potential to do much better.

Marathon, Myth: The Fallen Lords, and Myth 2: Soulblighter were all known for having innovative stories hooking the gamer for hours at a time. Oni should be similar focusing on a Japanese animation-influenced story and strong gameplay. OniCore, a fan site dedicated to Bungie Software's Oni, interviewed Brent Pease regarding Oni's focus:

OniCore: Previous Bungie games have had a large emphasis on story first - does Oni have that same priority?

Brent: The story has been a very important part of the game. We have spent a lot of time and effort coming up with a unique story that approaches the center character of the game in a fresh perspective.

Oni's story is one of the most interesting and original plots displayed this year, and Brian Pease has assured us that the focus is still on the story. Taking elements from Japanese anime, Bungie has also integrated a futuristic twist to add more flexibility and innovation to the characters, weapons, architecture, and plot. This excerpt is taken from the Official Oni Website speaking about Oni's story and setting:

Set in the year 2032, you play Konoko, an elite agent on a quest to infiltrate and destroy a ruthless crime syndicate. As Konoko, you’ll fight through levels designed by architects, including a monstrous underground research facility and a towering 15-story police station. As the game progresses you’ll discover terrible secrets of the underworld, the frailty of your own identity, and, most important, that there’s no one you can trust.

OniCore gives a little more background on Oni's plot:

The actual storyline is about the main character uncovering her past which is shrouded in mystery. The plot is centered on Konoko, a young woman who is a member of the Techno Crimes Task Force (TCTF). While on some form of assignment she discovers something important about her past and Kage, a crime syndicate, and her discovery forces some type of role-reversal. She strikes back at the syndicate in revenge of the murder of her mother and father. The name Oni gives reference to a ghost or monster, but also to a woman who morns the loss of her child and seeks vengence. Therefore, this case it could has something to do with Konoko's loss of her parents.

Putting Oni in a crime-ridden world in the future, Bungie Software can devise thousands of problems for Konoko, the gamer's character, to solve. In addition, Architects have skillfully crafted Oni's levels to make sure realism is at its peak when the game is played. Konoko's history is the center of this game, and a dark, winding road of deceit begins in Oni. Oni's story will offer immersive and interesting gameplay for hours.

Author:
Kevin 'Exodus' Weinberg

Type:
Third-Person Action

Developer:
Bungie Software

Publisher:
Bungie Software

Requirements:
To Be Announced

3D-Accelerated

Expected Release:
Quarter 4 of 1999

Multiplayer:
Yes