Otogi: Myth of Demons

Into Liquid Sky

If Otogi's tale was the bread it's gameplay is the butter. It mixes the best best of both the action and rpg genre... Much like "Ico" and "Panzer Dragoon Orta" it will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of this generation.

Game Chronicles

Guaranteed to satisfy the gamer that craves fast and furious combat, haunting music and stunning visuals. Put your brain on hold and prime those reflexes for one of the most intense action games to hit the Xbox this summer.

GameZone

An awesome package. It's got great art, stunning visuals, immersive sound, responsive controls, RPG elements, great level and boss design, a challenging difficulty level, and slick, slick style to top it all off.

Next Level Gaming

Solid game play combined with spectacular graphics and sound make this title a winner. The rich story line and role-playing elements will keep you busy for a good while. I see myself completely dedicating a few weekends to this game alone.

Gamezilla!

The graphics, for one, are a veritable showcase of what the Xbox is capable of handling and the contrast between the foreboding sinister worlds and the brilliant colors, which explode on the screen during combat, is well worth checking out.

XboxAddict

A glitzy, colorful, Japanese, demon bashing, sword wielding, magic using tool of mass destruction which actively encourages you to smash, bash, demolish, destroy, kill and maim anything that moves, or doesn’t move for that matter.

Game Over Online

An incredibly satisfying brawler, with levels you can clear in a few minutes each. It's got a few drawbacks, and it's by no means easy, but it's an extraordinary game from a developer that I'd written off as mediocre.

Team Xbox

There have been few action adventure games that pull of the perfect blend of gameplay, storyline and presentation that Otogi manages to do. From Software did their homework in regards to the control scheme and overall gameplay mechanics.

Official Xbox Magazine

Otogi's uncanny amount of spooky artistry, otaku-level challenge, and blissful action make this game a rare treasure and a treat to play. [Oct 2003, p.68]

Deeko

Crafted like a fine work of art, Otogi is a finely tuned title that never releases you from its grip. Though some may find it repetitive, the challenge of keeping yourself alive from level to level is simply exciting and fun.

BonusStage

There's a ton of imagination and visual power on display in Otogi, and From Software has created yet another amazing game, one of the best Xbox games of 2003.

XGP Gaming

Otogi is a classic samurai-fighting, sword-slashing; destroy everything in sight action game. You don't need a good understanding of the story to just plow through the game, utilizing the wide array of weaponry and magic given to you.

GamingTrend

Otogi is just abso-friggin-lutely gorgeous. From Software gets the gold star for taking the time to really develop a wonderfully realized look and feel within Otogi. This is the game to show off how good the Xbox graphics truly are.

GameSpot

Superbly crafted production values (catered exclusively to the Xbox's hardware) and great gameplay that's tough but not impossible make for a game that's not just beautiful to look at, but entertaining and challenging as well.

Firing Squad

Although Otogi is challenging, the progression of difficulty is balanced to the point where it neither feels like a walk in the park, nor a climb up an insurmountable mountain.

Play Magazine

One of the more elegant, gorgeously conceived action games of the year... it never feels like we're just going through the motions, one kill after another. [Sept 2003, p.67]

GameNow

Frustrating at times. Restarting a level 38 times before you beat it makes it hard to look upon the experience fondly, after all. [Oct 2003, p.57]

IGN

The boss battles are so unique and refreshing, it's a shame that none of the other stages manage to come close to equaling their intensity. If only there were a few more battles like the one against Crimson Lord, Otogi would have people talking for the rest of the year.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Otogi has incredible art direction, virtually flawless controls, and one of the most addictive (and rewarding) combat systems out there. Hack-n-slash in 3D has never been this good on Xbox. [Oct 2003, p.154]

Armchair Empire

Should satisfy those looking for otherworldly action in a fantasy "medieval" Japanese setting. The style isn’t for everyone, but the RPG elements and the nonstop combat make it worth playing.

Gamers' Temple

More style than substance, but action game fans owe it to themselves to check out this stylish and atmospheric offering.

Xbox Evolved

Otogi doesn't mess around at all. This is for hardcore gamers and it will delight a lot of those who want more of the Japanese action that can also be found in games like Ninja Gaiden, Tenchu, and Genma Onimusha.

GameSpy

Even with its niggling control issues, Otogi is a beautiful and entertaining action romp.

Xbox Nation Magazine

Nearly everything about Otogi, from its art direction to its intricately balanced game design, is infused with careful thought, consideration, and much love. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.86]

GameCritics

Digging deep into these levels proves to be a pretty profound experience. Each level is adorned with washed out colors and textures, as lush and lively as the cherry blossom trees the game so prominently displays.

Cheat Code Central

It's not that Otogi doesn't deliver, it's just that I wished it delivered more depth in it's gameplay rather than relying on the "hey look at how insanely cool my graphics are" school of development.

eToychest

If you’re looking for a showcase title to impress your friends, this is it. But, I think focusing so much on the visuals takes something away from the game. Its gameplay is far more impressive, and the fact that the art design has trumped every other action title out there is just icing on the cake.

GamingWorld X

One of the best third-person action games released in recent memory. The unprecedented ability to destroy nearly every onscreen object, including the ability to pound craters into the ground with devastating attacks, will keep gamers looking for action more than satisfied.

GMR Magazine

Its gameplay and graphics bring a richness to the genre in grand style and with lyrical grace. [Oct 2003, p.74]

Xequted

You'll find Otogi a varied and challenging affair, meriting replay after replay, continue after continue.

Game Revolution

Otogi's somewhat repetitive action is not entirely compelling, but this one is really all about style and looking cool. It might not suck you in, but it should satiate your hunger for both fast-paced action and eye candy.

GamePro

As a high-octane slay-a-thon, Otogi knows what it is and what it's supposed to do, and as long as you don't mind leaving your brain at the door, you'll probably dig it. Just be prepared to get bored after the first couple of hours.

Game Informer

It's just unfortunate that Otogi has come this far with its visuals only to be undermined by the subtle oh-so-important aspect of vids known as gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.133]

Yahoo! Games

Simply bear in mind that Otogi: Myth of Demons never evolves beyond the realm of a mildly pleasing product with an irresistible graphical hook.

G4 TV

Fans of anime-style action and stories will especially dig this game, with its heaping dose of Asian mysticism, fatalism, and drama. Beyond that, the strange, magical action and hordes of levels are sure to give action fans plenty of challenge.

games(TM)

The sound is unusually quiet, consisting mostly of ghostly bell chimes, only coming to life when battle begins. It's wonderfully atmospheric and gives OTOGI a distinct, mystical feel that's almost as important as the gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.127]

Gamestyle

For most, the graphical splendour and multi-hit combos will carry it only so far before the magic fades. From there, the appeal of several more levels of the same is greatly diminished.

Gamer's Pulse

While it adds some RPG elements and has some of the best, most colorful, artwork of any game, Otogi is just another hack and slash action game. Well, an action game with very poor camera controls and a confusing menu system.

Eurogamer

This button mashing hackandslash lark needs an injection of new ideas - RPG pretensions don't hide the core fact that Otogi feels a pretty vacuous beast: gorgeous or not.

TotalGames.net

The gameplay just isn’t up to scratch. Hack, slash and float is the basic premise, and that is about the extent of it. All the shopping for new weapons and random character level-ups don’t appear to have any effect on the meat and bones of the gameplay, and the repetition soon leads to boredom.