Earlier this year,
Square Enix announced a new intellectual property that was being developed by Tokyo RPG Factory. The new title in question is
Oninaki, a role-playing game directed by Atsushi Hashimoto, that
was later revealed to be produced and produced by Takashi Tokita; known for directing the brilliant
Chrono Trigger.
In a recent interview with the PlayStation Blog,
Oninaki Producer and Director Takashi Tokita and Atsushi Hashimoto, respectively, have revealed some interesting details about the game's combat system and how the game itself differs from the previous titles Tokyo RPG Facotry has worked on, namely
I Am Setsuna and
Lost Sphear.
According to Tokita,
Oninaki's combat system will differ from other role-playing titles as the game embraces action RPG instead of going for the classic turn-based combat; making for a more dynamic and active battle system.
"
I believe there are two major differences: the first one is changing system’s genre from old-school turn-based RPG to action RPG," explained Tokita.
"The other one is the shift in visual presentation; we went from creating stylized visuals that give the impression of an old-school game to creating unique visuals that are vivid and full of originality. We put in the extra effort especially in the way we used colors in the background and effects that embody the world setting of the game, in order to establish an art style that can only be achieved by Oninaki."
When it comes to battle mechanics, Tokita mentions that these are centered around using Daemons at any time during fights, making the combat even more exciting and somewhat similar to that seen in classic turn-based combat systems without changing its action RPG essence.
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The biggest characteristic of the battle mechanics is utilizing your “Daemons” — these will allow for you to enjoy a wide range of variety, much like changing jobs in a turn-based Final Fantasy, while still being an action RPG.
You can switch between different Daemons who each have their own personalized actions, plus you can grow and customize these individually. We’ve taken on the challenge to make an exciting battle system that has both freedom and elements that encourage replayability."
Oninaki Director Atsushi Hashimoto then interjects and adds that they wanted to make the game's combat system rewarding in a way that doesn't alienate players that may be more used to turn-based RPGs — while also encouraging a more action-based approach.
"Because this is an action RPG, we wanted to pursue exhilarating action that feels good, plus dig deeper into this title’s characteristic element of having your Daemons fight alongside you to bring you action in combat that is very unique to this game.
Also, we are being mindful so that the action doesn’t become too difficult, too. We want to prepare a difficulty level that is still accessible to players who may not be comfortable with the action-based mechanics. But on the flip side, for those who are thinking, “I want to come up with complex combos!” will be able to achieve that kind of gameplay as well, depending on how you customize. We are making it so that there is variety in the way you play, so I think that’s something to be excited about."
Oninaki is already in good hands, with Takashi Tokita being actively involved in the development, and it seems that Tokyo RPG Factory know exactly what they want to offer players. The game still has no official release date but it is expected to launch at some point this Summer for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.
ONINAKI tells the story of one Watcher on a journey to protect Life, after Death. Players will uncover the mysteries of life, death and what’s beyond as protagonist, Kagachi moving between the Living World and the realm of the dead known as the Beyond.
Oninaki will be available for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in Summer of 2019.