Game Modes
While Oni primarily focuses on its compelling single-player narrative, understanding the nuances of how to approach its core gameplay loop is crucial for success. Unlike many modern shooters with a multitude of distinct game modes, Oni's experience is deeply integrated into its campaign structure, emphasizing a blend of hand-to-hand combat and gunplay across its challenging missions. This section details how to best navigate and master the game's inherent "modes" of engagement.
Campaign: The Path of Konoko
The heart of Oni lies within its single-player campaign, where you guide Konoko through a series of interconnected missions. Each mission presents unique objectives, enemy types, and environmental challenges. Success hinges on adapting your combat style and utilizing available resources effectively.
Mission Structure & Progression
- Objective-Driven: Every mission starts with a clear primary objective, often involving infiltration, data retrieval, or eliminating key targets. Secondary objectives may emerge as you progress.
- Linear Progression: Missions are sequential. You must complete one to unlock the next. There's no open-world exploration between missions, but levels themselves can be quite expansive.
- Checkpoints: The game features an auto-save checkpoint system. These are typically triggered after significant progress, such as clearing an area of enemies or completing a sub-objective. Be mindful of where these occur, as dying will often send you back to the last checkpoint.
Strategic Approaches
To excel in the campaign, consider these strategies:
- Resource Management:
- Ammunition: Conserve rare ammo types like those for the Plasma Rifle or Mercury Bow. Use your standard pistol or melee attacks against weaker foes.
- Health Packs: These are vital. Look for Health Kits (small, green boxes) and Large Health Kits (larger, red boxes) often found in side rooms, behind crates, or near enemy patrol routes. Use them strategically, especially before major engagements.
- Combat Versatility:
- Melee Mastery: Oni's hand-to-hand combat is incredibly deep. Practice combos (e.g., Punch-Punch-Kick, Uppercut) and defensive maneuvers (Dodge Roll, Block). Against unarmed enemies or those with low health, melee is often more efficient and conserves ammo.
- Weapon Proficiency: Understand each weapon's strengths and weaknesses. The Screaming Eagle is excellent for close-quarters bursts, while the Wave Motion Cannon offers devastating, but slow, area-of-effect damage.
- Environmental Awareness: Use cover, explosive barrels, and elevated positions to your advantage. Kicking enemies into environmental hazards can also be effective.
- Enemy Prioritization:
- Heavy Weapons: Enemies with Plasma Rifles or Rocket Launchers should be your top priority. Their damage output is significant.
- Melee Specialists: Opponents like the TCTF Striker can close distances quickly and deal heavy melee damage. Counter their attacks with your own combos or a well-placed shot.
- Snipers: In outdoor or open areas, be wary of snipers. Locate and eliminate them quickly to avoid taking sustained damage.
Training Mode (Tutorial)
Before diving into the main campaign, the game offers a comprehensive training mode. This isn't just a basic walkthrough; it's a critical foundation for mastering Konoko's diverse abilities.
Key Training Elements
- Movement & Navigation: Learn basic controls for running, jumping, and climbing. Practice the Wall Jump for accessing higher ledges.
- Melee Combat: This section is crucial. The game will guide you through various punches, kicks, throws, and defensive blocks. Pay close attention to the timing for counter-attacks and combo execution.
- Weapon Handling: Familiarize yourself with different weapon types, their firing modes, and reload mechanics. Practice aiming and switching between weapons efficiently.
- Environmental Interaction: Understand how to open doors, activate switches, and interact with objects in the environment.
Actionable Tips for Training
- Repeat Drills: Don't just complete the training once. Revisit specific combat drills, especially melee sequences, until they become second nature. Muscle memory is key in Oni's fast-paced encounters.
- Experiment: The training area often provides unlimited ammo for certain weapons. Use this opportunity to experiment with different weapon combinations and see how they feel.
- Master the Dodge: The Dodge Roll is an invaluable defensive tool. Practice rolling in different directions to evade incoming fire and reposition yourself during melee brawls.