Chapter 48. Deducting One Point, Because it's Too Perfect
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Released in December, Onmyoji 2 received a high score of 36 from Famitsu.
Once again, it entered the Platinum Hall of Fame.
The score was by no means bad, but compared to Onmyoji 1, it was three points lower.
The four reviewers described the game as follows:
[Onmyoji 2, with its breathtaking visuals, gripping battles, and fast-paced yet addictive gameplay, immerses players deeply and leaves them profoundly moved.
Whether it's the art, character design, playability, or script, it stands as a model for the entire industry.
The only flaw is this—
It is a sequel to Onmyoji.
It failed to make a major breakthrough beyond the first game, so I deducted one point.]
[From my personal experience, Onmyoji 2 is absolutely unforgettable. Even closing my eyes, I can still vividly picture the heroine's stunning figure.
That sense of awe alone is enough to make it worthy of the Platinum Hall.
I won't spoil the story here.
I can only say this: like Onmyoji 1, Onmyoji 2 is a game that every player should experience once in their life.
But only once.
Because after you play it, you'll never again have the courage to relive it.
That doesn't diminish its depth—one playthrough is enough to etch it into your heart for a lifetime.
I gave it a 9.
Mainly because Onmyoji 2 feels like a supplement and recreation of 1—the combat system and mechanics show little change.
Without Onmyoji 1, I would have given it a perfect 10.
I hope Pokeni achieves a greater breakthrough in the future.]
[Onmyoji 2 is without a doubt the year-end surprise. I originally thought there was no chance of playing it this year.
After finishing Onmyoji 1, everyone harbored hopes for the future story and for old regrets to be resolved. Those hopes were entrusted to Onmyoji 2.
In this regard, Pokeni delivered well.
For players who bought Onmyoji 1, Onmyoji 2 will not disappoint.
The heroines are portrayed with greater depth, nuance, and fullness.
Special mention must be given to the second heroine, Takiyo.
Personally, I loved her arc, because it had twists and profound inner exploration.
By comparison, the second heroine of Onmyoji 1, Kurai Tsuki, feels a bit thinner.
Not that she was bad—but in my opinion, Takiyo simply has more personal charm.
(Illustration: Takiyo)
As for the galgame elements—needless to say, they were outstanding.
So outstanding that it's hard to believe such a polished work could exist on a console in this era.
Each heroine's personality is distinct, and I believe one will surely touch your heart through the TV screen.
The only regret is that, perhaps influenced by the first game, the sequel didn't fully carve out its own unique path.
But thinking carefully, given it also had to fill in the story left unfinished by 1, it's remarkable it achieved this much.
For that, I gave it a 9.]
[The romance between humans and spirits, the conflict between humans and demons—this, without doubt, is the central theme running through Onmyoji 1 and 2.
The battles between the Izanagi clan and Orochi became the series' defining motif.
Love and hate intertwined, the cruel choice between humanity and one's beloved, sacrifice and redemption…
All of these weave together into a symphony that stirs the soul.
After finishing Onmyoji 2, the music lingered in my heart. Even as I write this review, the melodies resound within me—alongside the vivid faces of its characters.
Onmyoji is like a poison—you suffer unbearably, yet crave it all the more.
For players, this is a game that cannot disappoint.
In this installment, I must highlight the sense of suspense in the story.
The script is crafted with great ingenuity—so much so that even after finishing, you'll want to replay it in your mind.
Yet the more you think, the deeper the fear grows.
Until now, I've never encountered a game capable of reaching such heights.
It proves that producer Furuhara Tsubaki and writer Urobuchi Gen truly poured their hearts into giving us a new kind of experience.
I wanted to give a perfect 10, but after much hesitation, I settled on a 9. Not because Onmyoji 2 has flaws—but because it was too perfect. And so, I deducted one point.]
…
"Ah—this…"
Kiyoshi Yuuma sucked in a breath of cold air and felt awful.
The earlier parts were one thing, but when he read the final reviewer's comment, Kiyoshi Yuuma simply couldn't bear it.
What do they mean "too perfect, so I deducted a point"?!
You don't give a perfect score because you're afraid the author will get arrogant, is that it?
Seeing Kiyoshi Yuuma glaring like that, HR Ayase Akane couldn't help but find it amusing.
How confident would the president have to be to be dissatisfied with a high score like 36?
Being selected for the Platinum Hall two times in a row—that's not an achievement every series attains.
Be content, will you.
Although he wasn't completely satisfied with the review, Kiyoshi Yuuma was still very grateful to Famitsu.
Being chosen for the Platinum Hall again meant future sales would likely double.
Last time, thanks to Famitsu, Pokeni would have already gone bankrupt otherwise.
But one question kept nagging him—
Why was Famitsu's coverage so timely back then?
And does Famitsu review every single released game?
It all felt a bit too coincidental.
…
"By the way, President, the New Year is coming up soon. After that, will the company be expanding hiring? Please send me the positions and requirements as soon as possible so I can screen and arrange things. Otherwise it'll get really busy after the holidays," Ayase Akane reminded him.
Kiyoshi Yuuma looked up and gave her a sly glance.
"Eh? You're actually in charge of hiring?"
"Hmph, President!"
Ayase Akane puffed up. "Please don't say that, okay? I am HR!"
"Please, have some respect for my profession once in a while—don't always make me do the secretary's work!"
"All right, all right." Kiyoshi Yuuma nodded, conceding. "I was just joking."
"As for hiring…"
He folded his arms and thought carefully.
Since the next project hasn't been decided yet, recklessly hiring might be inappropriate.
But—
"We definitely need to hire musical talent first. Whatever game we develop next, we have to fix the company's weakness there."
"Okay. I'll note that down first." Ayase Akane bent her head and wrote in her notebook.
"Oh, by the way, Ayase-san," Kiyoshi Yuuma cleared his throat and picked up the water glass on the table, "we're out of drinks."
"Oh."
Ayase Akane quickly put down her pen, stood up, and took the cup.
"President, would you like tea or coffee?"
"Coffee."
"All right."
Ayase Akane, practiced at this, walked over to the refreshment bar.
"Eh?!!"
She suddenly froze, as if waking from a dream, and turned around.
"President!"
"Yes." Kiyoshi Yuuma gave a small start.
"Why am I still doing the secretary's work?" Ayase Akane complained, wrinkling her little nose in displeasure. "Please seriously consider hiring a secretary first, okay?"