• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2003

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 40
  2. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. If Otogi's tale was the bread it's gameplay is the butter. It mixes the best best of both the action and rpg genre... Much like "Ico" and "Panzer Dragoon Orta" it will go down as one of the most memorable experiences of this generation.
  2. Guaranteed to satisfy the gamer that craves fast and furious combat, haunting music and stunning visuals. Put your brain on hold and prime those reflexes for one of the most intense action games to hit the Xbox this summer.
  3. An awesome package. It's got great art, stunning visuals, immersive sound, responsive controls, RPG elements, great level and boss design, a challenging difficulty level, and slick, slick style to top it all off.
  4. The graphics, for one, are a veritable showcase of what the Xbox is capable of handling and the contrast between the foreboding sinister worlds and the brilliant colors, which explode on the screen during combat, is well worth checking out.
  5. Solid game play combined with spectacular graphics and sound make this title a winner. The rich story line and role-playing elements will keep you busy for a good while. I see myself completely dedicating a few weekends to this game alone.
  6. There have been few action adventure games that pull of the perfect blend of gameplay, storyline and presentation that Otogi manages to do. From Software did their homework in regards to the control scheme and overall gameplay mechanics.
  7. Otogi's uncanny amount of spooky artistry, otaku-level challenge, and blissful action make this game a rare treasure and a treat to play. [Oct 2003, p.68]
  9. A glitzy, colorful, Japanese, demon bashing, sword wielding, magic using tool of mass destruction which actively encourages you to smash, bash, demolish, destroy, kill and maim anything that moves, or doesn’t move for that matter.
  10. 90
    Crafted like a fine work of art, Otogi is a finely tuned title that never releases you from its grip. Though some may find it repetitive, the challenge of keeping yourself alive from level to level is simply exciting and fun.
  11. There's a ton of imagination and visual power on display in Otogi, and From Software has created yet another amazing game, one of the best Xbox games of 2003.
  12. Otogi is a classic samurai-fighting, sword-slashing; destroy everything in sight action game. You don't need a good understanding of the story to just plow through the game, utilizing the wide array of weaponry and magic given to you.
  13. Superbly crafted production values (catered exclusively to the Xbox's hardware) and great gameplay that's tough but not impossible make for a game that's not just beautiful to look at, but entertaining and challenging as well.
  14. Otogi is just abso-friggin-lutely gorgeous. From Software gets the gold star for taking the time to really develop a wonderfully realized look and feel within Otogi. This is the game to show off how good the Xbox graphics truly are.
  15. 83
  16. Otogi has incredible art direction, virtually flawless controls, and one of the most addictive (and rewarding) combat systems out there. Hack-n-slash in 3D has never been this good on Xbox. [Oct 2003, p.154]
  17. Although Otogi is challenging, the progression of difficulty is balanced to the point where it neither feels like a walk in the park, nor a climb up an insurmountable mountain.
  18. One of the more elegant, gorgeously conceived action games of the year... it never feels like we're just going through the motions, one kill after another. [Sept 2003, p.67]
  19. 83
    Frustrating at times. Restarting a level 38 times before you beat it makes it hard to look upon the experience fondly, after all. [Oct 2003, p.57]
  20. Should satisfy those looking for otherworldly action in a fantasy "medieval" Japanese setting. The style isn’t for everyone, but the RPG elements and the nonstop combat make it worth playing.
  21. More style than substance, but action game fans owe it to themselves to check out this stylish and atmospheric offering.
  22. 82
    Even with its niggling control issues, Otogi is a beautiful and entertaining action romp.
  23. Otogi doesn't mess around at all. This is for hardcore gamers and it will delight a lot of those who want more of the Japanese action that can also be found in games like Ninja Gaiden, Tenchu, and Genma Onimusha.
  24. Nearly everything about Otogi, from its art direction to its intricately balanced game design, is infused with careful thought, consideration, and much love. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.86]
  25. Its gameplay and graphics bring a richness to the genre in grand style and with lyrical grace. [Oct 2003, p.74]
  26. Digging deep into these levels proves to be a pretty profound experience. Each level is adorned with washed out colors and textures, as lush and lively as the cherry blossom trees the game so prominently displays.
  27. It's not that Otogi doesn't deliver, it's just that I wished it delivered more depth in it's gameplay rather than relying on the "hey look at how insanely cool my graphics are" school of development.
  28. One of the best third-person action games released in recent memory. The unprecedented ability to destroy nearly every onscreen object, including the ability to pound craters into the ground with devastating attacks, will keep gamers looking for action more than satisfied.
  29. If you’re looking for a showcase title to impress your friends, this is it. But, I think focusing so much on the visuals takes something away from the game. Its gameplay is far more impressive, and the fact that the art design has trumped every other action title out there is just icing on the cake.
  30. 78
    You'll find Otogi a varied and challenging affair, meriting replay after replay, continue after continue.
  32. 70
    As a high-octane slay-a-thon, Otogi knows what it is and what it's supposed to do, and as long as you don't mind leaving your brain at the door, you'll probably dig it. Just be prepared to get bored after the first couple of hours.
  33. It's just unfortunate that Otogi has come this far with its visuals only to be undermined by the subtle oh-so-important aspect of vids known as gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.133]
  35. For most, the graphical splendour and multi-hit combos will carry it only so far before the magic fades. From there, the appeal of several more levels of the same is greatly diminished.
  36. The sound is unusually quiet, consisting mostly of ghostly bell chimes, only coming to life when battle begins. It's wonderfully atmospheric and gives OTOGI a distinct, mystical feel that's almost as important as the gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.127]
  37. While it adds some RPG elements and has some of the best, most colorful, artwork of any game, Otogi is just another hack and slash action game. Well, an action game with very poor camera controls and a confusing menu system.
  38. Simply bear in mind that Otogi: Myth of Demons never evolves beyond the realm of a mildly pleasing product with an irresistible graphical hook.
  39. 60
    Fans of anime-style action and stories will especially dig this game, with its heaping dose of Asian mysticism, fatalism, and drama. Beyond that, the strange, magical action and hordes of levels are sure to give action fans plenty of challenge.
  40. The gameplay just isn’t up to scratch. Hack, slash and float is the basic premise, and that is about the extent of it. All the shopping for new weapons and random character level-ups don’t appear to have any effect on the meat and bones of the gameplay, and the repetition soon leads to boredom.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Sep 5, 2013
    Awesome game, awesome music, awesome graphic, awesome combat. But the better thing in this game is...atmospehere. Yes, a beatiful ancient and magical atmosphere. You can feel really the feel of being in a some kind of ancient and fairytale (folkloristic) world, with demons, ghosts...Otogi is awesome, and Otogi 2 is even better.
    The Battle system is elegant, but quite simple...there are no a lot of tecnicism, but it works. Difficulty sometimes can be a pain in the ass, but only few stages causes trouble.
    I recommend this at everyone who wants to approach and even apprecciate japanese mythology.
    Full Review »
  2. Late
    Oct 9, 2006
    In my opinion, this game is overrated. It has its strenghts yes, but I think there's too much weaknesses to call it a 'great' game. The Story is awful. Some half-dead swordmaster is called from the death by the mysterious princess to repair the broken seal between the worlds, eh? May sound interesting, but all you have to do is to kill demons. a LOT of demons. But that's not so bad, 'cause killing demons is where otogi really shines. Graphics are good, and that raikoh guy really kicks ass. There are a lot of combo moves and... well basicly everything you need to "purify" (kill) a demon. There is a wide range of weapons and they all are cool. Then there is the level-up system, which I think is embedded in the game to add a bit of a RPG feeling. Well it fails in that. You can see the difference between level 1 and the MAX level, but that's about it. The environments in the game are really beautiful, but when you are in the halfway in playing, there will be a twist in the plot (I bet its the only one in the whole game), and you will have to play all the levels again, but backwards.Bboring, i'd say. So, you kill demons, kill demons, kill some more, kill a mid-boss, kill demons, kill demons, and what do you have? A final boss of course. The final boss (I don't even remember the bloody things name) is also like the plot, it sucks. He just flashes around the battlefield and changes form until you kill him. Didn't like. Well overall, if you want a game where you don't have to think and kill demons at the same time, then Otogi is you'r choice. But if you'd like a more strategic view to killing things, you should consider something else. Full Review »
  3. ApocalyseBrown
    Aug 11, 2005
    Although the gameplay is very repetitve i can't help but love this game. The sounds are sensual, the colours have such beautiful tones to them and i can't forget the incrediably enchanting voices within it! Its more of a free soul rather than a brutal hack n slash. Simply beautiful. Full Review »