Review Jevnation 4/5 · Jun 16, 2021
Groundhog Doomsday
Much like its spiritual predecessor Stories: The Path of Destinies, Omensight is another game checked off my bucket list.
My interest piqued when I first discovered Omensight on the Steam store, which I would describe as an hack n' slash RPG with a murder mystery plot. As the harbinger, I get summoned in the middle of an ongoing conflict between …
Much like its spiritual predecessor Stories: The Path of Destinies, Omensight is another game checked off my bucket list.
My interest piqued when I first discovered Omensight on the Steam store, which I would describe as an hack n' slash RPG with a murder mystery plot. As the harbinger, I get summoned in the middle of an ongoing conflict between the animal factions, only for it to get caught in an apocalyptic eruption across the realm. Following this thrilling event, I take upon my god-given mission to collect the clues behind the murder of an important priestess, which precedes the coming of an evil spirit that would destroy the world. The whole premise is set upon the day before the world's end and I can choose the key character to assist, intending on unlocking new answers and access to new plot points through different means I discover. The result of this is a refreshing experience that makes me want to come back and try new routes for progress' sake. Since the Stories game, the skip function is a big time-saver when I can jump directly to a pivotal event in a played-through scenario, considerably reducing the grind that plagued its predecessor.
Granted for the murder mystery plot, the major characters have a nuanced background with secrets waiting to unfold, be it by lore or the current events. Some clichés are to be expected, although learning more about different character's motives and relationship between one another helps make them more memorable. I really appreciate the fact that each character have their own voice actors as the current feature, compared to Stories.
The combat system is easy to get into but there's also some depth added in by special powers like time-freeze field and psychic grabbing. Even certain environments and escort battles calls for tactical approach in battle; I can recall losing and retrying several times due to my carelessness. Enemies' numbers did put pressure on my skills and priorities. The difficulty rises with each chapter but in contrast, the experience points I gathered helped unlock new abilities and skills for me to negotiate the battles with some ease. The combat is simple but tactful approach will come a long way.
Without spoiling the game, I can say that the ending you get at first might leave a bittersweet taste in your mouth, for better or worse. But exploring gamers can rejoice in the fact that there is a another ending waiting to be unlocked when you've gathered the rest of clues, which were non-essential for the headline plot. While the dodgy, self-moving camera and some melodramatic antics of the characters might rear a few ugly heads, Omensight is worth playing for the possibility to participate and influence the story events, in a Groundhog Day movie fashion.
Song for the mood: Doomsday by Globus (Soundtrack/cinematic rock)