Omori (video game)
Omori | |
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Single-player |
Omori is a 2020
Omori is based on the director's
Gameplay
Omori's gameplay is inspired by traditional
The overworld portion is played from a top-down perspective.
Battles are played out in a
Unlike most role-playing games,
Plot
The titular main character, Omori, awakens in "White Space", a barren void he has lived in "for as long as [he] can remember". He enters a door to the vibrant world of "Headspace", where he meets his friends, Aubrey, Kel, Hero, and Basil, and his older sister Mari. They peruse Basil's photo album, containing pictures of their shared memories, and decide to visit his house. Once they arrive, Kel and Aubrey scuffle, damaging the album. Upon seeing an unfamiliar photo fall from it, Basil panics and Omori is abruptly teleported back to White Space. He stabs himself with his knife, revealing the previous events to be the dreams of a teenage boy, Sunny, as he wakes up in the middle of the night.
The player discovers that Sunny and his mother are moving. He goes downstairs for a midnight snack but is confronted by a nightmarish hallucination. He dispels the illusion by taking deep breaths and returns to bed. Awakening once again in White Space, Omori reunites with Aubrey, Kel, and Hero. They discover that Basil has gone missing and set out to rescue him. The four explore the various regions of Headspace in search of Basil, with Mari assisting along the way. The group is continuously diverted from their search by various situations, leading their memory of Basil to gradually fade away.
Meanwhile, in the real world, it is revealed that Mari committed suicide four years ago, which led to the friend group diverging. Although Kel and Hero managed to recover to varying degrees, Sunny became an estranged shut-in, Aubrey a delinquent, and Basil an anxious recluse. Kel knocks on Sunny's door in an attempt to reconnect one last time. The player can either ignore Kel or answer the door: if they choose the former, Sunny stays inside for the remaining three days, immersing himself in housework and his dreams.
If the latter option is chosen, Sunny and Kel venture outside to find Aubrey and her new friends bullying Basil. The two discover that she has stolen Basil's real-life photo album, ostensibly to stop him from vandalizing it. After confronting Aubrey, they return the album to Basil, though some photos are missing. As he believes Sunny needs it more, Basil lends the album to him. While eating dinner together, Basil becomes mortified as he learns of Sunny's impending departure and runs to the bathroom. Sunny finds him in a hallucinatory panic attack but leaves him alone. The next day, Kel and Sunny encounter Aubrey and her gang surrounding Basil at their old hangout spot. After they confront her, Aubrey angrily pushes Basil into a lake. Sunny dives in to rescue him, but both boys are saved from drowning by the arrival of Hero, and they carry him back to Basil's guardian, Polly.
Kel and Hero offer to have a sleepover in Sunny's house, while in his sleep, they return to Basil's now-dilapidated house, where Omori is transported to the more disturbing "Black Space". Basil appears in different areas, repeatedly attempting to talk to him about something before dying gruesomely each time. In the final room, Omori kills Basil and places himself atop a throne of massive, red hands. On the last day before Sunny's departure, the others reconcile with Aubrey, discovering she had kept the photos containing Mari from the album. Coming to terms with Mari's death, Sunny's friends decide to spend their final night together at Basil's house, despite him refusing to leave his room.
Eventually, Sunny finally confronts the truth about Mari's death: in an argument before their recital, he accidentally pushed Mari down their staircase, causing her to die. In denial that Sunny did it, Basil helped frame her death as suicide by hanging her corpse. As they finished, they glanced at Mari's body and saw an open eye staring back at them, shaping their subsequent hallucinations. While Basil was consumed by guilt and self-loathing, Sunny's suicidal depression led him to create Headspace and his dream persona Omori to repress his trauma. To hide the truth, Omori reset Headspace every time memories of the incident resurfaced. Sunny then wakes up in the middle of the night, leaving the player with the choice of either confronting Basil or falling back asleep.
Endings
If the player chooses to confront Basil, Sunny enters his room and is cordially greeted. However, Basil quickly loses his temper over Sunny's absence after Mari's death, and the two boys enter a delusional state and start fighting. After Basil stabs Sunny's right eye with his garden shears, both of them pass out. While unconscious, Sunny remembers his childhood memories with his friends and Mari, giving him the strength to face Omori. Refusing to die, Omori defeats Sunny, causing the player to receive a game over screen.
- If the player opts to continue, Sunny gets up and performs the recital with Mari. Omori then disappears and a hospitalized Sunny wakes up in the real world. He encounters his friends inside Basil's room, and it is implied that Sunny confesses the truth about Mari's death. Additionally, if the player watered Basil's garden daily in Headspace, an after-credits scene will depict Basil waking up to the sight of Sunny in the hospital. The two smile at each other and their hallucinations disappear.
- Should the player choose not to continue, Sunny disappears rather than Omori. After Omori wakes up in White Space and goes out to Headspace, the scene instead cuts to Sunny jumping off the hospital's balcony, plummeting to his presumed death.
Alternatively, if the player ignores Basil on the final day, Sunny and his friends will wake up to discover that he has committed suicide. Depending on the player's choice, Sunny can then either kill himself with his knife or move away with his guilt still unabated. This ending also occurs if the player has chosen to remain inside and avoid Kel.
Development and release
Omori was developed over the course of six and a half years, directed by pseudonymous artist Omocat.[11][a] It is based on Omori (ひきこもり, hikikomori), a webcomic Tumblr blog Omocat created to "help [them] cope with [their] problems during a confusing part of [their] life."[12][13] Initially planned as a graphic novel, they switched its medium to a video game since they felt it fit the story better, and to enable the audience to make choices during it.[14][15] For the game engine, they chose RPG Maker, as they deemed it important to support an accessible platform and community.[12]
A Kickstarter campaign was launched in 2014, and was successfully funded within one day,[16][10] with an initial projected release date of May 2015. A Nintendo 3DS port was promised as a stretch goal, but ultimately never came to fruition due to the discontinuation of the console. Backers were instead offered a Nintendo Switch port.[17] To aid the game's creation, Omocat hired several additional team members, including an RPG Maker expert, but still had a goal of keeping the team size small. Initially, they enlisted their musician friends Space Boyfriend and Slime Girls to help with the soundtrack; after being inspired by Bo En's "My Time" and coming up with the idea of hidden music tracks, they contacted him as well.[12]
Many of Omori's environments were inspired by dreams that Omocat had when they were younger. The imaginary world of Headspace was based on
As development continued, the team had to change their version of the RPG Maker engine, using this opportunity to refine the game's visual style, story, and gameplay.[18] After crowdfunding money was exhausted, they relied on merchandise sales to continue development.[4] Omocat stated that they eventually took a role as lead programmer, sometimes working up to 20 hours a day to ensure the game's release. The game would be delayed into 2019 and early 2020, but would again miss both targets; significant parts of the finale were only implemented months before its release date.[15][19][20]
Later in 2020, Omori received its final release date of December 25,
The
After being removed from Xbox Game Pass at the end of June 2023, Omori was pulled from the Xbox store, stopping further copies of the game being sold. No official statement has been released by Omocat on the matter.[32]
Reception
Publication | Score |
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Nintendo Life | [33] |
PC Gamer (US) | 80/100[6] |
RPGFan | 90/100[2] |
Omori received largely positive critical reviews,[1][6][8][33] with gaming publications praising it for its depiction of anxiety and depression. Rock Paper Shotgun reviewer Kat Bailey compared it to her real-life experiences, stating that the game managed to take overused themes regarding the subject and create a "memorable darkness".[1] Rachel Watts of PC Gamer described it as a work that "captures this sentiment [of overcoming anxiety] masterfully", but criticized some parts of it for being unnecessarily dark.[6] RPGFan writer Alex Franiczek stated that it "succeeded" at depicting harrowing events during a formative part of life, despite it being something that not many games try to attempt.[2]
The game's writing and tone also received praise from many reviewers, who compared it to games such as
Reviewers' opinion of the game's combat varied. Claiming that the combat was "hardly necessary", Hancock criticized the lack of strategical depth, stating that he "found a strategy that worked and basically just repeated it ad nauseam".[5] Mitch Vogel described its battle mechanics as unique and narratively fitting, but ultimately under-utilised due to a lack of difficulty.[33] Opposingly, Bailey praised the game's "well-executed" combat and "difficult" bosses, stating that they helped break up some of the dungeons.[1] In her review, Rachel Watts complimented the way the game's abilities made the party feel like a cohesive unit.[6]
The art direction also received positive reactions. Watts praised the art direction of the monsters, stating the mix of different art styles "really heightens the horror".[6] The "anime-style cut-ins" were praised by Bailey, who called them "surprisingly well-animated".[1] Despite his criticism of the game's battles, Hancock stated he often anticipated them due to the art style, calling it "nothing short of phenomenal".[5]
Awards
Omori received two Honorable Mentions at the 2021 Independent Games Festival.[34] It was also nominated for three categories in DreamHack's 2021 "Dreamies" awards, winning the "Daringly Dramatic" prize.[35]
Sales
In Japan, the Nintendo Switch version of Omori sold 2,903 physical copies within its first week of release, making it the nineteenth bestselling retail game of the week in the country.[36] On December 31, 2022, the game's official Twitter account announced that Omori had sold 1 million copies.[37]
Related media
Omocat made partnerships with companies for Omori merchandise, such as Nendoroid plastic figures.[38] In November 2023, it was announced that a manga adaptation of the game by Nui Konoito would be released in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine.[39] The manga is set to release in spring of 2024.[40][41]
Notes
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Bailey, Kat (February 10, 2021). "Omori review". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Franiczek, Aleks (August 11, 2023). "Omori Review | RPGFan". www.rpgfan.com. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ a b c Russo, Lee (February 5, 2021). "Omori: The Most Beautiful Game of 2021 Is Already Here". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ a b Smith, Graham (January 7, 2021). "Omori is out and looks destined for mega fandom". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hancock, Patrick (March 14, 2021). "Review: Omori". Destructoid. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Watts, Rachel (January 14, 2021). "Omori review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Jones, Rebecca (May 28, 2021). "Omori Emotions Chart | How to inflict emotions and which to use". VG247. Archived from the original on November 24, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Fukunaga, Julie (January 12, 2021). "Omori Is the Horror RPG of Your Dreams (or Nightmares)". Wired. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-578-26616-9.
- ^ a b Suszek, Mike (April 23, 2014). "Artist Omocat's surreal RPG Omori channels its inner Earthbound". Engadget. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ LeClair, Kyle (December 3, 2020). "Offbeat RPG Omori Finally Receives Release Date". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on November 24, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ a b c OMOCAT (May 11, 2014). "from illustration to video game". OMOCAT Blog. Archived from the original on September 27, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ Archived copy of omori ひきこもり Tumblr blog. Retrieved February 15, 2021
- ^ Altozano, Jose (June 9, 2014). "OMORI, un RPG psicodélico, llega a Kickstarter" (Interview) (in Spanish). Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ a b c OMOCAT (June 17, 2023). "How OMORI was born: Draw your own HEADSPACE #Drawfest4" (Interview). Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ Budgor, Astrid (April 23, 2014). "OMORI is equal parts Final Fantasy and Eraserhead". Kill Screen. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- Nintendo Life. Archivedfrom the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
- ^ Devore, Jordan (January 2, 2017). "Psychological horror RPG Omori is alive and well". Destructoid. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- Siliconera. Archivedfrom the original on January 9, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ Siliconera. Archivedfrom the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ "OMORI on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
- ^ OMOCAT (December 16, 2021). "OMORI Now Available in Japanese!". Steam. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ @OMORI_GAME (March 18, 2022). "OMORI is now available in Korean and Simplified Chinese on Steam!". Twitter. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ Romano, Sal (September 11, 2019). "'Surreal psychological horror RPG' OMORI adds PS4, Xbox One, and Switch versions". Gematsu. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ Koch, Cameron (December 15, 2021). "Acclaimed Indie Adventure Omori Comes To Nintendo Switch In Spring 2022". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
- ^ Carpenter, Nicole (June 14, 2022). "Surreal horror RPG Omori coming to consoles this week". Polygon. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ Nicholas, Heidi (June 17, 2022). "Omori joins Xbox Game Pass as surprise addition". TrueAchievements. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ComicBook.com. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
- Nintendo Life. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ Fuller, Alex (March 4, 2022). "Omori Physical Release Announced". RPGamer. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
- ^ "Update for OMORI Standard Edition". OMOCAT. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
- ^ Llado, Miguel (July 11, 2023). "Xbox Game Pass Title Can't Be Purchased After It Was Removed". Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ Smith, Graham (May 8, 2021). "IGF's 2021 nominees announced, mostly correct". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ Haring, Bruce (April 30, 2021). "The Dreamies Gaming Awards Honor 'Hades' As 'Mind-Melting' Winner". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ Romano, Sal (December 1, 2022). "Famitsu Sales: 11/21/22 – 11/27/22 [Update]". Gematsu. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
- ^ Sinha, Ravi (January 2, 2023). "Omori Has Sold 1 Million Copies Since Launch". GamingBolt. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
- Siliconera. Archivedfrom the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ^ Tai, Anita (November 23, 2023). "Omocat's Omori RPG Gets Manga Adaptation". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- The Mary Sue. Archivedfrom the original on March 15, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
- ^ Welcome to White Space. OMOCAT. March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2024 – via YouTube.