Onimusha Tactics carries on in the tradition of Tactics Ogre and the recent Final Fantasy Tactics for the GameBoy Advance. Fight through a series of small battles, controlling up to 8 characters chosen from a hearty band of available warriors: Slicing swordsmen, spear-wielding troops, arrow-launching bowmaidens, knife throwing ninjas and axe-wielding barbarians are all at your disposal.
The charm in Onimusha Tactics lies in its creative and involving story line. You are Onimura of the Oni Clan, the only one who can stop the Genma – underworld demons – and their leader, the evil Nobunaga Oda who is attempting to eliminate Joy and Hope, thereby opening the Gates of Hell and unleashing his hordes of Genma upon the world.
Set in the Onimusha realm, this turn-based strategy game has outstanding music, sound effects and graphics, and is a great game to play while commuting on the train or when you need a little break. Though most battles are too easy, and there seems to be little consequence when you lose a comrade in battle or a battle itself, the rapid gameplay is simple and fun. Each battle consumes about 20 minutes of time, 3-5 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of playing time. I don’t have the time nor patience to sit and play a game for 4 consecutive hours like I used to so this game is just what I’ve been looking for.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Strategy: turn-based
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: Nov. 11, 2003
Price: $29.99