Summary

Release Year: 1996
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Super Famicom
Developers: Pandora Box
Publishers: Banpresto

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni: A Historical RPG Epic

Released in 1996 for the Super Famicom, Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni is a role-playing game developed by Pandora Box and published by Banpresto. It is the seventh installment in the ONI series, and is set approximately 670 years after the events of the previous game, Kishin KouRinden ONI. The game combines historical fiction with fantasy, and features appearances by historical figures such as the Shinsengumi, Ryoma Sakamoto, and Yoshinobu Tokugawa.

The story of Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni takes place in Japan during the Bakumatsu period, a time of great political and social upheaval. The country is on the brink of a civil war, and the forces of the shogunate are clashing with those of the imperial court. Amidst this chaos, a young man named Hijikata Toshizo finds himself drawn into a conflict that will determine the fate of Japan.

Hijikata is a member of the Shinsengumi, a group of elite swordsmen who serve as the shogunate’s bodyguards. He is a skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice, but he is also haunted by the memories of his past. When he learns of a plot to assassinate the shogun, Hijikata sets out to stop the conspirators, even if it means putting his own life on the line.

Along the way, Hijikata is joined by a group of allies, including the female ninja Kagura, the skilled swordsman Okita Soji, and the mysterious monk Saizo. Together, they must travel across Japan, fighting off enemies and uncovering the secrets of the assassination plot.

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni is a traditional turn-based RPG, with players controlling a party of up to three characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and strengths, and players must use strategy and teamwork to overcome the game’s many challenges. The game features a large cast of characters, both historical and fictional, and players will encounter many memorable bosses and enemies along the way.

One of the things that sets Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni apart from other RPGs of its era is its focus on historical accuracy. The game’s setting is meticulously researched, and the characters and events are based on real people and events from Japanese history. This gives the game a sense of authenticity and immersion that is rare in video games.

Of course, Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni is not without its flaws. The game’s graphics are somewhat dated by today’s standards, and the gameplay can be repetitive at times. However, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. With its engaging story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay, Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni is a must-play for fans of RPGs and Japanese history.

Gameplay

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni is a turn-based RPG in which the player controls a party of up to three characters. The game’s combat system is fairly straightforward, but it offers a number of strategic options. Players can choose to attack, defend, use items, or cast spells. Each character has their own unique abilities and strengths, and players must use strategy and teamwork to overcome the game’s many challenges.

In addition to the main story, Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni also features a number of side quests and minigames. These side activities can be a good way to earn experience points and items, and they can also help to flesh out the game’s world and characters.

Characters

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni features a large cast of characters, both historical and fictional. The main protagonist is Hijikata Toshizo, a member of the Shinsengumi. He is a skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice, but he is also haunted by the memories of his past.

Hijikata is joined by a group of allies, including the female ninja Kagura, the skilled swordsman Okita Soji, and the mysterious monk Saizo. Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, and they all play an important role in the game’s story.

In addition to the main characters, Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni also features a number of historical figures, such as Ryoma Sakamoto and Yoshinobu Tokugawa. These characters play a variety of roles in the game, and they help to bring the Bakumatsu period to life.

Setting

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni is set in Japan during the Bakumatsu period, a time of great political and social upheaval. The country is on the brink of a civil war, and the forces of the shogunate are clashing with those of the imperial court.

The game’s setting is meticulously researched, and the characters and events are based on real people and events from Japanese history. This gives the game a sense of authenticity and immersion that is rare in video games.

Legacy

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni was a critical and commercial success in Japan. The game was praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. It has since become a cult classic among fans of RPGs and Japanese history.

The game has been ported to a number of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Switch. It has also been translated into English and released in North America and Europe.

Bakumatsu Kourinden Oni remains a popular game today, and it is considered to be one of the best RPGs of its era. The game’s unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy, combined with its engaging story and memorable characters, makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.