In 2016, the anime world welcomed an adaptation of the Japanese game 'Onigiri' (also known as '鬼斬'), based on the online game of the same name. Our editorial team had the chance to watch all 13 episodes. Despite good intentions in presenting Japanese mythology mixed with fantasy, the result was less impressive than expected. This article explores why Onigiri is an anime that missed its chance to make a name.
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
Onigiri is set in ancient Japan filled with mythical creatures. The protagonist is 'Oichi', a girl with the power of an oni (demon), who must team up with legendary characters like Yoshitsune, Benkei, Kiyohime, and others to fight 'Kamikui', a threat spreading evil across the land. Each episode introduces a new enemy, and characters gradually reveal secrets from their past. However, the story progresses slowly and lacks interesting twists, making watching it a task that requires considerable patience.
Voice Acting and Characters
Although main voice actors like Aina Suzuki (静御前), Suzuko Mimori (茨木童子), and Izumi Kitta (辉夜) have outstanding work elsewhere, in Onigiri the dialogue feels shallow and repetitive. Each character has a clear personality but lacks memorable development. For example, Yoshitsune, who should be a skilled warrior, is overused as comic relief. Oichi herself is a bland protagonist with unclear motivation, making it hard for viewers to connect with her.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Technically, Onigiri uses CGI mixed with 2D, which in 2016 was not as smooth as it should be. Some fight scenes look stiff and lack continuity. However, character designs and backgrounds inspired by Japanese mythology are beautiful. The soundtrack, especially the opening theme 'Maware! Setsugetsuka' sung by the voice actor group, is catchy and adds some emotion to the series. But overall, the visuals and music are not outstanding enough to compensate for the story's weaknesses.
Editorial Analysis
Onigiri is an example of an unsuccessful game adaptation. The main problem is cramming game elements into the series without considering narrative flow. Characters that should be charming become mere tools to promote the game. Additionally, the slow and directionless pacing bores viewers. The editorial team believes that while game fans might enjoy seeing familiar characters in anime form, for general viewers, Onigiri does not provide a satisfying experience.
Verdict
Onigiri is an anime suitable only for hardcore game fans. If you expect a deep story or engaging progression, you may be disappointed. However, if you appreciate character designs and music, you might enjoy the visuals somewhat. Overall, this series is not recommended for your time.
👍 Pros
- +Beautiful character designs inspired by Japanese mythology
- +Catchy opening and background music
- +Famous voice actors in the cast
👎 Cons
- −Slow and repetitive story progression
- −Characters lack development and depth
- −CGI in fight scenes is not smooth
Top Cast
FAQ
Onigiri is adapted from the Japanese online game of the same name, an MMORPG where players take on the role of an oni (demon) and team up with legendary characters to fight evil.
Onigiri has 13 episodes in a single season, aired in 2016.
It is suitable for fans of the Onigiri game who want to see characters in anime form, or those who enjoy Japanese mythology fantasy. However, it is not recommended for those seeking a deep story or good character development.
