Onimusha Tactics - GBA

Those familiar with the turn-based strategy role-playing game will be aware that, regardless of developer and theme, fundamentally, each game plays the same way. Vandal Hearts, Front Mission and Final Fantasy Tactics all follow the same recipe, as does Capcom’s latest offering, Onimusha Tactics.

In a brand new game that takes a step back from traditional Onimusha gameplay, Genma, the evil creature of the underworld, plans to invade the country to establish the Genma Empire. Ordered by their evil lord Nobunaga, the demon warriors begin their attacks on humans. As a young man of an Ogre clan named Onimaru, you will encounter the evil legion of Genma and begin a quest to fight for the good of your country.

Classic storyline aside, Onimusha Tactics is a thoroughbred turn-based strategy game in which infinite battle encounters are interspersed with the occasional story-driven cut-scene. When stumbling across foes on the game’s map, players will immediately be transported to a battle arena. Battles are fought on isometric, grid-based landscapes, in which each warrior has a designated field of movement and a series of unique attacks. Taking turns, most of your battles will entail defeating any enemies on screen, and players must use their options as best they can to maximise their efforts. For example, approaching an enemy from behind virtually guarantees a successful hit and can sometimes deal greater damage. Conversely, attacking from the front can reduce your chances of victory. Players can take up to eight fighters into any one battle, but there is usually an equal number of foes present to make the battle even.

And that’s really all there is to it. It’s another solid strategy RPG for GBA. Enough said. more