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Big-budget production games dont always offer the spookiest adventure.
I might even contend that the lowest-quality horror games are the best.
Consider the 2004 freeware survival horror gameAo Oni.
Because of the rampant playthroughs and live streaming at the time, it became quite a global gaming sensation.
And now, the series is making a comeback.
Thus far, the trailer stays true to the original game.
What is Ao Oni: The Horror of Blueberry Onsen?
Ao Oni: The Horror of Blueberry Onsenis an upcomingpuzzle-solvinghorroraction-adventure game.
The originalAo Oniwas released in 2004.
However, it was later ported to Nintendo Switch and Steam on July 26, 2024.
Based on Steams description, youll be chased by fear, which is essentially blue demon variations fromAo Oni.
The goal will be to navigate the different rooms of a haunted building looking for an escape.
The building was once popular for having hot springs that can enhance beauty.
However, a rumor began to spread about its halls being haunted.
Since then, the building has been abandoned.
This sparks intrigue among the Hiroshi, Mika, Takeshi, and Takuro cast.
They decide to explore the building and record their findings via Mika Channel.
It seems Ai’s presence at the Inn will be a part of the mystery youll need to uncover.
Ai is the protagonist ofthe originalAo Oni.
But the over-arching mystery will be finding out what lies in the Blueberry Hot Spring inside the Inn.
On the whole, youll need to guide Hiroshi and the other characters to their escape.
Gameplay
Ao Oni: The Horror of Blueberry Onsenis a puzzle horroraction-adventuregame.
For the most part, the gameplay seems to be the same as the originalAo Onigame.
However, Steams description affirms that the new game will bring many new systems.
For instance, youll unravel the story through conversations between the characters.
Therell also be co-op play with friends as well as a chat function.
Therell even be a monster that looks like a humanoid dog.
Meanwhile, youll be able to play the game in High-Speed mode.
This can range between fast-forwarding 2x or 16x the normal pace.
Itll doubtlessly increase the difficulty of escaping theAo Onicreatures chasing after you at such high speeds.
But also add more chaos and fun.
The new game will add an online ranking feature.
This will rank your high scores against those of other online players every time you complete a game.
Youll solve challenging puzzles via retro-style visuals that enhance the games dark, eerie atmosphere.
Both LiTMUS and Game Studio operate from Tokyo.
They have developed multiple cutting-edge multiplayer games using the Unity engine.
It features a haunted mansion where you attempt to escape relentless Oni monsters in a bone-chilling survival horror adventure.
In fact, you could argue the gameplay from the port and the upcoming game are nearly identical.
Youll still be exploring a haunted building, solving puzzles while unraveling an engaging story.
From the trailer, you might see both old and new characters.
Information on editions, if any, is unconfirmed at this time.
Feel free, though, to keep track of any updates via theofficial social handle here.
Evans I. Karanja is a freelance writer who loves to write about anything technology.
When not writing, he can be found playing video games or watching F1.
