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Oni: Difference between revisions
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-->{{ref|name="OBO Brent interview"|[http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/brent.html Bungie.org, "Interview with Brent Pease", 1999].}}<!-- | -->{{ref|name="OBO Brent interview"|[http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/brent.html Bungie.org, "Interview with Brent Pease", 1999].}}<!-- | ||
--> Pease and Evans had been programmers at Apple working on game-related technology, so their first step was to begin programming Oni's engine while gradually hiring employees to produce concept art and game content. "Oni" was meant to be a development code name that referenced the game's inspiration – Pease considered ''oni'''s meaning to be "ghost".{{ref|name="OBO Brent interview"}}<!-- | --> Pease and Evans had been programmers at Apple working on game-related technology, so their first step was to begin programming Oni's engine while gradually hiring employees to produce concept art and game content. "Oni" was meant to be a development code name that referenced the game's inspiration – Pease considered ''oni'''s meaning to be "ghost".{{ref|name="OBO Brent interview"}}<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|group=note|However Hardy LeBel, the writer of the story, indicated [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read{{=}}19851 here] and [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read{{=}}18292 here] that he understood "oni" to mean "demon" and had written the final story with that in mind. The final story incorporates many elements of the mythical oni, as explored in {{SectionLink|Oni (myth)|Connections to the game}}.}}<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|group=note|At one time during development, the name "Mnemonic Shadow" was considered according to the [https://marathon.bungie.org/story/newjan-feb01.html Marathon Story Page].}}<!-- | ||
--> The characters [[Konoko]] and [[Griffin|Commander Griffin]] of the Technology Crimes Task Force are analogous to [[wp:Motoko Kusanagi|Motoko Kusanagi]] and [[wp:List of Ghost in the Shell characters#Chief Daisuke Aramaki|Chief Aramaki]] of Section 9 in ''Ghost in the Shell''. Early development presented Konoko as a [[wp:Cyborg|cyborg]], furthering her resemblance to Motoko. | --> The characters [[Konoko]] and [[Griffin|Commander Griffin]] of the Technology Crimes Task Force are analogous to [[wp:Motoko Kusanagi|Motoko Kusanagi]] and [[wp:List of Ghost in the Shell characters#Chief Daisuke Aramaki|Chief Aramaki]] of Section 9 in ''Ghost in the Shell''. Early development presented Konoko as a [[wp:Cyborg|cyborg]], furthering her resemblance to Motoko. | ||
Oni's concept artist [[Alex Okita]] cited ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'', ''Akira'' and ''[[Trigun]]'' as influences in addition to ''Ghost in the Shell''.<!-- | Oni's concept artist [[Alex Okita]] cited ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'', ''Akira'' and ''[[Trigun]]'' as influences in addition to ''Ghost in the Shell''.<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|[https://web.archive.org/web/20170705124855/http://www.glixel.com/interviews/oni-bungies-classic-inspired-by-ghost-in-the-shell-w474297 Glixel, "Flashback: 'Oni', Bungie's Cult Classic Inspired by 'Ghost in the Shell'", Mar. 30, 2017].}}<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|[http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/alex.html Bungie.org, "Interview with Alex Okita", 1999].}}<!-- | ||
--> He particularly cited Kenichi Sonoda, character designer of ''Bubblegum Crisis'', as an influence on his work.<!-- | --> He particularly cited Kenichi Sonoda, character designer of ''Bubblegum Crisis'', as an influence on his work.<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|[http://web.archive.org/web/20010118230100/http://www.onicore.com/interviews/alexokita.html OniCore, Interview with Alex Okita, 1999].}}<!-- | ||
--> Later, [[Lorraine McLees]] also showed her familiarity with Sonoda and ''Ghost in the Shell'' creator Masamune Shirow in [[:Image:Konoko_Variants.jpg|a sketch]] showing Konoko in three different styles. In August of 1999, Hardy LeBel was brought in as Design Lead and revamped the story.<!-- | --> Later, [[Lorraine McLees]] also showed her familiarity with Sonoda and ''Ghost in the Shell'' creator Masamune Shirow in [[:Image:Konoko_Variants.jpg|a sketch]] showing Konoko in three different styles. In August of 1999, Hardy LeBel was brought in as Design Lead and revamped the story.<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|[http://web.archive.org/web/20010727151534/www.insidemacgames.com/features/00/lebel/ Inside Mac Games, "Interview: Oni's Hardy LeBel", 2000].}}<!-- | ||
--> He cited ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' as a personal influence when doing so.<!-- | --> He cited ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' as a personal influence when doing so.<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|name="conquer"|[https://web.archive.org/web/20041209033107/http://www.apple.com/games/articles/2001/02/oni/ Apple.com, "Conquering Demons: Bungie on Oni", Feb. 2001].}}<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|[http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read{{=}}4618 Oni Central Forum, "Re: The Analytical reasons behind Oni's influences", Sep. 2, 2000].}}<!-- | ||
--> The final version of Oni abandoned the cyborg nature of the heroine and introduced original concepts such as the [[Daodan Chrysalis]] and [[SLD]]s. | --> The final version of Oni abandoned the cyborg nature of the heroine and introduced original concepts such as the [[Daodan Chrysalis]] and [[SLD]]s. | ||
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[[Image:1999 trailer opening.jpg|250px|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZ2hJZvrmo|thumb|Click the image to watch the official trailer from 1999.]] | [[Image:1999 trailer opening.jpg|250px|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZ2hJZvrmo|thumb|Click the image to watch the official trailer from 1999.]] | ||
The earliest online hype came from the existing Bungie community.<!-- | The earliest online hype came from the existing Bungie community.<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|group=note|[https://marathon.bungie.org/story/newmay-june98.html Oni discussion] on the Marathon Story Page. Bungie fans first started talking about the newly-announced Oni (and the E3 1998 trailer) back in May-June 1998, unaware that it would not release for another two and a half years.}}<!-- | ||
--> As the Oni project gained popularity, a dedicated online community emerged in the form of Oni Central and the {{OCF}}. | --> As the Oni project gained popularity, a dedicated online community emerged in the form of Oni Central and the {{OCF}}. | ||
Bungie West [[:Image:Sell sheet - features.jpg|initially promised]] various ambitious features such as human-like AI, sophisticated melee combat, realistic level architecture, complex particle dynamics, battles with a large mech (the "Iron Demon") and multiplayer capability. Two trailers were made for Oni, one in 1998 and one in 1999, reflecting the visions for the game during its time in development. These trailers and various screenshots were analyzed eagerly for evidence of Oni's ground-breaking features. | Bungie West [[:Image:Sell sheet - features.jpg|initially promised]] various ambitious features such as human-like AI, sophisticated melee combat, realistic level architecture, complex particle dynamics, battles with a large mech (the "Iron Demon") and multiplayer capability. Two trailers were made for Oni, one in 1998 and one in 1999, reflecting the visions for the game during its time in development. These trailers and various screenshots were analyzed eagerly for evidence of Oni's ground-breaking features. | ||
After E3 1999, Oni received the Game Critics Award for "Best Action/Adventure Game".<ref | After E3 1999, Oni received the Game Critics Award for "Best Action/Adventure Game".<!-- | ||
-->{{ref|[[wp:Game Critics Awards#Best Action/Adventure Game|Wikipedia, "Game Critics Awards"]].}}<!-- | |||
--> This award is given to games exhibited at that year's E3, which are usually still in development and expected to release soon. | |||
After an initial onslaught of advertising which saw Konoko appear on [[:Category:Advertisements and magazine covers|many gaming magazine covers]], Oni's development stalled (as discussed below), and Bungie suspended the advertising of the game so as not to expend their marketing budget before Oni was even released.<!-- | After an initial onslaught of advertising which saw Konoko appear on [[:Category:Advertisements and magazine covers|many gaming magazine covers]], Oni's development stalled (as discussed below), and Bungie suspended the advertising of the game so as not to expend their marketing budget before Oni was even released.<!-- | ||
--> | -->{{ref|name="advert"|[http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read{{=}}4570 Oni Central Forum, "Re: Matt- could you address this?", Aug. 29, 2000].}}<!-- | ||
--> At the same time, Bungie's HQ in Chicago had their own game under development; previously known only by its code name "Blam!", in 1999 it came to be known as "Halo" and slowly drew attention away from the oft-delayed Oni as images and trailers for it began to appear. | --> At the same time, Bungie's HQ in Chicago had their own game under development; previously known only by its code name "Blam!", in 1999 it came to be known as "Halo" and slowly drew attention away from the oft-delayed Oni as images and trailers for it began to appear. | ||
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==Troubles== | ==Troubles== | ||
Oni was originally expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 1999, | Oni was originally expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 1999,{{ref|name="advert"}} but as that time approached, the release date was pushed back. This occurred repeatedly, until finally the rumored release date was as late as March 2001.<!-- | ||
--><ref group=note><cite class="note">Discussions on Oni Central Forum of: a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=2533 fall 1999] release date, a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=1129 summer 2000] release date, a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4084 fall 2000] release date, and finally a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4699 spring 2001] release date. These "release dates" were generally rumors, ephemeral dates used by online stores for pre-orders, or vague estimates by Bungie PR, not official statements. Nevertheless, it was clear that Oni was taking longer than planned to finish, which was a cause of some concern among Bungie fans.</cite></ref><!-- | --><ref group=note><cite class="note">Discussions on Oni Central Forum of: a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=2533 fall 1999] release date, a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=1129 summer 2000] release date, a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4084 fall 2000] release date, and finally a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4699 spring 2001] release date. These "release dates" were generally rumors, ephemeral dates used by online stores for pre-orders, or vague estimates by Bungie PR, not official statements. Nevertheless, it was clear that Oni was taking longer than planned to finish, which was a cause of some concern among Bungie fans.</cite></ref><!-- | ||
--> Some of the uncertainty came from Bungie's typical reluctance to announce or adhere to fixed release dates. | --> Some of the uncertainty came from Bungie's typical reluctance to announce or adhere to fixed release dates. | ||