Editor's Review

Onmyoji, developed by NetEase, is a mobile role-playing game that immerses players in a beautifully crafted world inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology. Since its release, the game has garnered a dedicated fanbase thanks to its captivating story, stunning visuals, and strategic gameplay. Players assume the role of an Onmyoji, a practitioner of Japanese traditional magic, tasked with balancing the worlds of humans and spirits. While Onmyoji offers a rich gaming experience, it also has its strengths and weaknesses that warrant discussion.

One of the standout features of Onmyoji is its exquisite art style and visual presentation. The game boasts highly detailed character designs, vibrant colors, and beautifully animated environments that transport players to a mystical world. Each character, known as a Shikigami, is intricately designed, reflecting their unique abilities and personalities. The attention to detail in the graphics enhances the overall immersion, making players feel as though they are part of a living, breathing world. Additionally, the soundtrack complements the visuals, featuring enchanting music that adds to the game's atmosphere.

The gameplay mechanics in Onmyoji are another significant strength. The game features turn-based combat that requires strategic planning and team composition. Players can collect and summon various Shikigami, each with distinct skills and attributes, allowing for diverse strategies in battles. This depth encourages players to experiment with different team setups and tactics, making combat engaging and rewarding. The game also incorporates various modes, including PvE, PvP, and events, providing ample content for players to explore and enjoy.

The story in Onmyoji is another highlight, featuring a rich narrative that draws players into its world. The game weaves traditional Japanese folklore with unique characters and engaging plotlines, creating a compelling storyline that unfolds through quests and cinematic cutscenes. Players will find themselves invested in the characters and their journeys, making the experience more than just a series of battles. This strong narrative element adds depth to the game and encourages players to progress to discover more about the world and its lore.

However, Onmyoji is not without its drawbacks. One major concern is the game's monetization model. While it is free to play, it features numerous in-app purchases for premium currency, exclusive characters, and other enhancements. This can lead to a pay-to-win dynamic, where players who spend money may have significant advantages over those who do not. This aspect can be frustrating for players who prefer to rely on skill and strategy rather than financial investment. A more balanced approach to monetization could improve player satisfaction and reduce feelings of inequity.

Another issue is the steep learning curve, particularly for new players. The game's mechanics, while rewarding, can be complex and overwhelming at first. Understanding the nuances of each Shikigami, their roles in combat, and the various strategies can take time. Providing more comprehensive tutorials or guided content could help new players acclimate more easily and enhance their overall experience.

The game's progression system can sometimes feel slow, with players needing to invest significant time to level up their Shikigami and unlock new content. This slower progression may deter some players, especially those who prefer quicker advancements and rewards. Streamlining the leveling and enhancement processes or providing more opportunities to earn rewards could keep players engaged and motivated.

In terms of overall experience, Onmyoji successfully delivers an enchanting and immersive RPG that appeals to a wide audience. Its strengths lie in its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and rich storytelling. However, the reliance on in-app purchases, steep learning curve, and slow progression may detract from the enjoyment for some players. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains a solid choice for fans of RPGs and those interested in Japanese mythology.

In conclusion, Onmyoji is a captivating title that combines beautiful artistry with deep gameplay mechanics and a compelling narrative. While it has its flaws, particularly regarding monetization and accessibility for new players, the overall experience is enjoyable and rewarding. Players who appreciate strategic RPGs and rich storytelling will find much to love in Onmyoji, solidifying its place as a noteworthy title in the mobile gaming landscape.

About Game

Step into the enchanting world of Onmyoji, a role-playing game developed by NetEase that seamlessly blends rich Japanese folklore with captivating gameplay elements. This game invites players to the capital city during the Heian period where spirits roam with colorful personalities.

In this meticulously designed world, humans and spirits coexist. As Onmyoji, your role is to ensure harmony and balance between these worlds. Amid the uprising of evil spirits seeking dominance, players are tasked to tame these spirits using unique abilities derived from reading stars and creating amulets. Experience the magic and embark on an adventurous quest for power and peace.

How to play

• In Onmyoji, gameplay mechanics are as diverse as the spirits you encounter. Players unlock new gameplay elements with each new Shikigami, enhancing the gaming experience with exciting challenges and rewards.
• The game offers a plethora of tactical options with diverse troop movements that can impact both enemy and ally. Players can customize their Shikigami's soul configuration to improve attributes like immunity, SPD, HP, and more, creating a unique character for gameplay. Get lost in the myriad gameplay in vast new zones, ensuring that every adventure is a new experience.

Features

• Onmyoji offers a selection of spirits with unique, vibrant personalities. The stories of these spirits are quirky and touching, adding depth to gameplay.
• New character unlocks pave the way to innovative gameplay, creating an ever-evolving gaming experience.
• Different Shikigami yield different battles providing rich diversity in tactical options.
• Customizable soul configuration allows players to tailor unique Shikigami suited to their preferred gameplay style.
• The power-packed combination of all-star voice cast and soundtrack, coupled with exquisite graphics creates a visually and audibly stunning game environment.