Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines Review – Japanese Folklore At Its Best?

Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines is a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Alfa System and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Vita in 2014. The game takes place in a fantasy world inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore, where the player controls a clan of divine beings cursed with a short lifespan.

Players must lead their clan through generations, seeking revenge against the demon that cursed them while also performing tasks for the gods to ensure their blessings. The game features turn-based combat, traditional RPG mechanics such as character customization and equipment crafting, and a unique feature where the player can mate their characters to produce offspring with inherited traits and abilities.

Gameplay

In Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines, players control a clan of divine beings who are cursed with a short lifespan. To continue the clan’s legacy and ensure their survival, players must mate their characters with other characters to produce offspring with inherited traits and abilities. The hereditary system is a key mechanic of the game, as it allows players to create and customize their own unique characters and build a clan that is tailored to their playstyle.

When two characters mate, their offspring will inherit some of their parents’ traits and abilities, such as their stats, skills, and elemental affinities. The hereditary system is not entirely random, as players can influence the traits and abilities that their offspring inherit by choosing the right partner and performing certain actions during the mating process.

For example, players can increase the likelihood of their offspring inheriting a certain skill or stat by performing actions that correspond to that skill or stat during the mating process. They can also use certain items or equipment to enhance the chances of their offspring inheriting specific traits or abilities.

READ MORE: Hold onto your Personas: We interview Erin Fitzgerald!

As the offspring grow and develop, they can be trained and customized by the player, allowing them to become powerful warriors with unique skills and abilities. This system encourages players to experiment with different pairings and breeding strategies, as they try to create the perfect clan with a wide range of skills and abilities.

Overall, the hereditary system is a fascinating and innovative gameplay mechanic that sets Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines apart from other RPGs. It allows players to create their own unique characters and build a clan that reflects their playstyle, while also adding an element of strategy and customization to the game.

Graphics

The game features a beautiful art style that draws heavily on traditional Japanese art and culture, with vibrant colors, intricate details, and stylized character designs that are reminiscent of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

The game’s environments are also well-designed and immersive, featuring diverse landscapes such as lush forests, dark dungeons, and expansive cities that are inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore. The attention to detail is impressive, with small details such as cherry blossoms falling in the background and wildlife roaming in the foreground, adding to the overall ambiance and atmosphere of the game.

The character designs are another standout feature of the game’s graphics, with each character possessing their own unique appearance and personality. The designs are heavily influenced by Japanese mythology and culture, with characters such as Kitsune (fox spirits), Tengu (bird demons), and Oni (ogres) appearing throughout the game.

In addition to the stunning visuals, the game also features an impressive soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. The music is composed of traditional Japanese instruments and melodies, further immersing the player in the game’s world and enhancing the atmosphere.

Sound

The game’s soundtrack, composed by the renowned Japanese composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, is a standout feature of the game. The music is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese instruments and melodies, which further immerses the player in the game’s world and enhances the atmosphere. The music perfectly complements the game’s art style and setting, providing a memorable and enjoyable auditory experience throughout the game.

Additionally, the voice acting in Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines is of high quality, with the Japanese voice cast bringing life to the game’s characters. The voice actors effectively convey the emotions and personalities of their respective characters, making them feel more alive and engaging. The game also features English subtitles, allowing non-Japanese speaking players to understand the dialogue and story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines is an enjoyable RPG that offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience. The game’s hereditary system allows for a high degree of customization and strategy, allowing players to create their own unique characters and clan. The game’s graphics are also a standout feature, with a beautiful art style that draws heavily on traditional Japanese art and culture. The music and voice acting add to the overall immersion of the game, providing a memorable and enjoyable auditory experience throughout the game. Overall, if you’re a fan of RPGs or traditional Japanese culture, Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines is definitely worth checking out.

Facebook Comments

About Marcos Codas 384 Articles
Lover of portable gaming and horror cinema. Indie filmmaker and game developer. Multimedia producer. Born in Paraguay, raised in Canada. Huge fan of "The Blair Witch Project", and "Sonic 3D Blast". Deputy head at Vita Player and its parent organization, Infinite Frontiers. Like what I do? Donate a coffee: https://www.paypal.me/marcoscodas