In the blood-steeped lands of feudal Japan exists a history rich with gruesome folklore of oni and yokai, creatures of our minds creation that lurk in the darkness and haunt mortals from beyond. Onikira - Demon Killer takes a bold step into the darker side of Japanese tradition and mythology, pitting you against the dark energies of hellish realms that threaten to creep into the world of the living and feast upon the souls of the unsuspecting.

The gritty, heavy visual style of the game and its usage of dark demonic imagery and lots of blood red hues gave me strong vibes of the PS2 era Shinobi and evokes that same kind of obscure attraction to the Japanese underworld felt from that series. The gameplay itself takes cues from only the greatest of action games with a grading system strongly resembling Devil May Cry's, insane almost endless aerial combos reminiscent of Bayonetta, and brightly colored red and blue orbs for replenishing your health or energy that fans of the Onimusha series will be familiar with. In the end, this is a developer who wears their influences on their sleeve, and some mighty fine influences these are.

The music is dark, heavy, and fitting. The percussions beat with the strength and power of a taiko drummer, the eerie and almost gothic sounding riffs of the guitar tearing in and out interspersedly. When I hear the evil and ominous melodies in Onikira with their Eastern overtones I am instantly reminded of some of the best music from Mortal Kombat, particularly of the 3 and 4 era, and this is a very good thing when it comes to the subject matter dealt with in such a game.

Currently Onikira features two very lengthy, sufficiently challenging (though a hard mode would be nice for the old schoolers!), and detailed levels and one outstanding boss battle. If the boss fight we're shown here is any indication, Onikira has some huge ambitions when it comes to monster designs and the bosses will hopefully continue this giant titan-like structure that gives the current boss such an epic feel. Aside from hacking and slashing your way through the first story based levels available currently. There's a combat arena facing you against waves of increasingly difficult enemies, and is the perfect place to hone and perfect your skills while testing your ability against the rest of the world with the included Leaderboards.

Just like these great hacknslash titles of the past, Onikira - Demon Killer has some of the sharpest and most responsive action around. You can slice your enemies with a barrage of normal attacks, toss them in the air with a heavy attack and continue your onslaught with a follow-up air combo. Freakish oni heads float above shooting lazers at you while you use the dash ability to dodge the beam and keep the combo meter going. Boss battles are already beyond exhilirating and show huge ambition in size, and the weapons you're given to slay these grotesque creatures with are already a serious blast to experiment with.

In the end, this is an already satisfying action slash 'em up with some incredible influences and only a few non-gamebreaking rough spots, and if you're as excited as I am about its future there's no better time to get involved than now.

7/10 EarlyAccess Rating!
"Very promising 2D combo slasher (for an Alpha)."
Onikira: Demon Killer is a 2D side-scroll combo hack'em'up. with a classical combo counter. It's Alpha build looks very promising & besides the *sometimes unsmooth feeling* - it's a quite progressed Alpha. Grab your samurai swords & slice'em...
Current Features: Campaign & Challenge Arena (leader boards)

Pros:
+ very good gameplay (response)
+ very good & own art style
+ good atmosphere
+ good graphics
+ good controls
+ good amount of moves/combos
+ nice sound&music
+ okay story
+ classical beat'em'up combo feeling
+ 4weapons, 50+ moves
+ full X360 controller support
=> Buy if U want to play & don't mind to be a tester.

Cons:
- auto save feature only for current session
- no difficulty option, yet
- no controls mapping, yet
- BUGS (suddenly no music, etc.)
- feels sometimes un-smooth (devs know that!)
=> Don't buy if U want gold-status!

Like to see:
# online&offline COOP
# more visual glory & atmosphere
# change/improve the stop(fight)&go principle

Don't confuse Mark of the Ninja with this title! It's much more like SF/MK & DmC with levels instead of stages.

Onikira - Demon Killer is a normal 2D side scroller where you hack and slash your enemies like any other, but what sets this one apart, from what I've played, is the smooth floaty simple animations, for your main character and enemies, and the art style is dark and bloody, you get a sense of evil and cruelty from it which is really nice, and let's not forget about the soundtrack which has a nice heavy scare and energetic sound to it.

What's also good about the game is the combat, that's really cool to see in action, especially when you time some of them where you see a unique attack depending on the weapon you're holding, and there's a variety of different types of weapons you get throughout your journey, and all of those weapons have their own unique attacks and most (didn't play with all of them) of the them change the way you jump and move too.

The story isn't anything specially, but is presented nicely with it's interesting setting, art direction, and good voice acting.

Obviously the game's is in alpha i.e in development, so there's bugs and unfinished content and UI (like missing KB/M icons) and no options menu, which will be hopefully added as it's nearing completion in it's development, but from when I've played so far is great and i want to play more of it and hopefully providing feedback. (i hope the jumping animation and timming get a bit better and longer)

Price is at 10 [but 5 bucks now!? heck go get it in my openion] and argubally i'd say it's worth it, now if you can deal with the bugs and have patience, or later like a week to three.

Planning on putting up a gameplay video as soon as some bugs are fixed.

Shamless link to original post.

Wow! A very promising game. The story-line is quite interesting and the gameplay is really smooth. Played quite awhile and never did i felt bored. It's hard to stop once you get into it. Everything in this game, artwork, text font, loading screen, everything has a feudal-Japan feel and not a lot of games has that feature. The game is still in Early Access but it's current state is already worth my while. It's a steal for 50% off or even at full price. I suggest you get your copy NOW!

Someone did early access right for a change. Would you look at that.

http://youtu.be/gmPwxocTZL0

The main mechanics of the game are here, and the beatem up still specifically with the variety of weapons is fun. It feels like a 2D form of devil may cry (with the combo letter meter thrown in), but the combat can get really engaging and make s a good core game. Is the game perfect, heck no. There's a bunch of bugs, but that's the thing, it's still fun while playing it.

The mixup of the early level introducing mechanics while playing is good, like running from fire or using them to your advantage is cool.

And the price decrease for early access is appreciated, because it shows good faith on the developers as they seem that they want your feedback.

I'm willing to support it, as the core game is fun.

For a game that is in early access it is very well made. The fighting system is fluent and fun. It almost reminds me of Guacemelee due to the art and combo system. The different weapons/styles of fighting gives this game a bit of depth as well. The controls are super responsive, it is easy to feel like a badass while playing this. I play it on my Xb1 controller and it runs very well. I haven't seen an early access game to put forth such a competent game. Keep your eye's on this one! I cannot wait untill the full game is released!

For an Early Access game this game is well put together and fun to play... Lots of beat em up action, and challenging bosses that will have you working on your fighting strategy... The action is fast and furious and fun. Definatly worth it!

Savage animations, and very cool art style. The weapons and fighting animations are slick, and there are many strategies to choose from with the weapon selection.

The SFX are pretty crisp and well fitting. I love the houndish effect on the first enemy!

The challenge is ramping up nicely, and I just keep hitting that retry button, which is a sign of a great game!

Plays a lot like Dust: An Elysian Tail. Controls are pretty tight and the art style is fresh. 10/10 for infinite bell combos.

Rated it a buy. That is seriously fun despite some Alpha bits.
http://youtu.be/mP5i70mdHcs

Felt to me like DmC combat with the look of an Onimusha game in 2D. And that's not a bad mix in the slightest. Definitely excited to get my hands on the full game.

I understand it's in alpha but I'll list my gripes should the developers have an ear to the ground.

1) The air dash with daggers seems pretty useless since I can double jump and use the dodge button to do a dash in the air with the katana equipped (I used this method on most jumps instead of equipping daggers)
2) The aerial launch attack (High Time, Duster, whatever you wanna call it) with the daggers seems slow for the weapon that is suppose to be quickest of the four. I found myself using the katana for all my launch attacks then following up with another weapon.
3) Switching weapons mid-combo seems to be a little awkward and breaks the combo sometimes.
4) Projectiles and grenades are difficult to see with all the action taking place on screen. The beams from the floating head things would also get washed out in the background sometimes.
5) Enemies look very similar making it difficult to distinguish which ones can throw grenades or shoot projectiles in the heat of battle, especially when multiple enemies spawn in at the same time.
6) I may or may not go to your studio and dish out high-fives if the final version includes a 2nd playable character ninja. High-tens if there is a co-op arena option with it.

...okay, the last one was just suggestion/wishful thinking.

I am one of those lucky gamers who got the honor to try the early access of this awesome game. At first i thought it's a good game for leisure time, but after i try it i found it more than a good game, it contain a very good story, great music and awesome gameplay with impressive graphics. Even though it's in early access stage, but it's provide a tons of fun to play. can't wait for the final release and till that time i'll enjoy killing demons, extremely recommend.

Early Access Review so far:
A lot of stuff that is taken for granted in a game is missing in this one. For example: you are not able to continue your saved game, ever.
This Game is like an actual demo with a few bugs at the moment.

While MARK OF THE NINJA is one of the best Stealth Platformers, this one is & will be the best in ACTION.
The fighting is satisfying and the moves are awesome. I already like this.
The few Hitbox issues and the DirectionChange problems during an attack add a little challenge to it. If your character is overlapping an enemy your attacks all whiff.

So far it's awesome. And the Devs are actually doing their work at the moment & trying to help.

Recommended for:
Platinum Games FANS
DMC 1 & 3 Fans
N.U.R. God of War players
Onimusha Fans

This ♥♥♥♥ will be Good!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfYJkhelQfs
DMC meets 2D
Onikira is a 2D side scrolling beat ‘em up or slash em up and takes some fighting style from games like Devil may cry and puts it into the 2D game universe. You are a samurai in Japan and the forces of evil are out and looking for a fight and its up to you to deal with them. Using your various weapons, a kattana, claws, club and a naginata you must side scroll your way through droves of enemies to fight the big bad bossman. Each of the weapons have various move sets and different damage values, as standard for this type of game you have your combo meter and you have got to go for those high combos or you can try button mashing your way through and get wrekt. As for your moves you have the launcher attack from the kattana, the standard slash, the smack em down and more and of course you have your dodge. During the fighting you will be overwhelmed by enemies be it melee or ranged there are a lot of them and you will have to dodge, launch, jump and slash to survive.

The controls work very well in my experience so far, the game has controller support as you will need one for this game. I personally use a ps3 controller emulated as an xbox controller, to change weapons you hold various buttons, either L1,L2 or L1 and R2. When you attack your moves are queued so the button mashers might have a hard time.

Onikira is a rather difficult game and I expect you to die, in its current state I have not ran into any healing items however I am playing this in alpha and things may change as the game is soon entering early access on steam and further through the development. As it is early access the game is incomplete and many changes and improvements may be implemented.

In its current state you will have access to the first 2 levels, various enemy types, all 4 weapons and a bossfight. The game currently doesn’t allow you to save and carry on later but this will be available later. Arena allows you to hone your skills doing various challenges such as getting your combo as high as possible without touching the ground.

problems I have encountered

the opening dialog seemed to be missing the ends of sentences and because of that made very little sense
1 crash so far
Once the game is fully complete it will include much much more.

8 levels
different enemy behavior and vulnerabilities and strengths
The music of the game are not something I took to much note of as I was to busy slashing up demons, the soundtrack is very well suited for the samurai as he fights his way through evil. the game is beautifully done with a very dark feel to it and yet it still looks lovely when you ignore the giant samarai with an eye for a bellybutton as look at the scenic backdrop of japan.

now you may be asking should I buy this for $9.99, £6.99 or €9.99 as it is early access and to this I say yes although the game has its bugs and there is a lot of missing content all of this will be sorted out as development continues and even in ts current state the game is very fun although I do recommend you play in windowed as I haven’t had any crashing problems like I did in fulscreen. The advantage to buying the game in early access is you can see how much the game improves and you get it for a lower price than if you wait but for people who prefer to just get the finished product then you can just wait until the game is finished and better than ever.

for those of you who want to wait the full release is planned for February next year.

now in the games current state I give it a 7.5/10 as it is early access and there is a fair bit still missing but the bones of the game are there, mainly the combat is fun and difficult to discourage button mashing, the art style is beautiful with the hand painted details, all we need is for the game to have all its levels finished and have any bugs sorted and this game could easily be a 9/10

In 1984 Kung-Fu Master was released, a game that started the whole side scrolling beat ‘em up genre. Now in 2014 Onikira Demon Killer takes that genre style to a whole new level. Players get immersed in a stunning world with awesome sword fights and weapon combos that will remind one of God of War. It is a challenge yet an extremely fun gaming experience; the epic storyline and music is the icing on the cake. 10/10

The spirit of DmC (and DMC in general) is strong with this one. Would like to see what it will turn out to be in the end. Need more "fighting" music. You know the kind that makes your blood boil and stuff.

Dust: An Elysian Tai + Samurai Jacks + DmC + Shanks = Demon Killer = HELL YEAH !!!!

Onimusha meets Dmc meets Ratchet & Clank platforming.Basically all my favorite games in one 2d goodness. 10/10
Don't dissapoint me devs.
P.S.:Yo devs,if you need some quality feedback,message me.

great game, real japanese atmosphere, anime like feeling (Afro Samurai style :) those were p+l+u+s+e+s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niefpvYutTk&feature=youtu.be
http://youtu.be/WmSXq3bxd3A
-the game doesnt save your progress ? wheres the continue or loading game ?
-they need to implement keys changing in the menu, because in the game the combos are listed kinda for console m-i-n-u-s
-I hooked the x360 controller and I am more in control
--after a full day, just got from gym, sorry for the gameplay, not been able to concentrate, but its more fun to play that I can show it, the game has potential - way way fun that you see at first
-one of the best 2d games I have ever played, the best in the last decade, for 5 bucs its a steal

"Onikira - Demon Killer" is pretty challenging as it stands with lots of different button combinations to memorize. It might seem easy in the beginning, but you'll be using more buttons as you unlock more weapons (each of which has its own style, strengths, and weaknesses). Audio sliders would be nice as well as an adjustable difficulty setting, but combat is fluid enough to be enjoyable. The art style is appealing and eye-catching. Well worth five bucks (down from ten until 11/21/14) even in its Early Access state.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48MI_vhIg4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNrsP-DDbYw