Comm Trooper

File:Comguy Render.jpg

Communications officers, or Comguys, are Syndicate troops with computer training. Unlike the rest of Muro's troops ( Strikers and Tankers ) or the Ninja, they do not display color differentiation. They will sometimes wear goggles or tabi boots/greaves, as well as additional chest armor straps. They communicate using a radio device mounted in their right shoulderplate.

Alarm consoles and ambushes

In CHAPTER 01 . TRIAL RUN, a comguy runs to an alarm console when hit. In CHAPTER 02 . ENGINES OF EVIL and CHAPTER 05 . HOT PURSUIT, they start running as soon as they see Konoko. In CHAPTER 05 . HOT PURSUIT, an ambushed comguy with a VDG pistol guards a door-unlocking console. In CHAPTER 10 . CAT AND MOUSE, an ambushed comguy guards a hidden hypo spray.

Muro's right-hand comguy

Wears goggles. Drives away with Muro ( CHAPTER 03 . PUZZLE PIECES outro ), volunteers to kill Konoko, is asked to monitor her instead ( CHAPTER 05 . HOT PURSUIT outro ). Coordinates Barabas's raid on the TCTF HQ ( CHAPTER 06 . COUNTERATTACK ), resulting in the kidnapping of Shinatama. Stands by Muro's side during the torture ( CHAPTER 07 . A FRIEND IN NEED ) and is later seen escaping the ACC complex together with Muro ( CHAPTER 07 . A FRIEND IN NEED ). Is not seen since in the original Oni.

Bombers

Bombers have the same uniform as the comguys, with the difference of the helmet and the detonation harness (they also never wear tabi boots/greaves). It is not clear whether all of the bombers are "mad", i.e., whether their primary task is suicide bombing, or whether they're explosive experts assigned to demolition tasks, merely ready to use suicide as a last resort. Phrases like "We're all doomed" and "Happy to die?" are hardly ever heard ingame, so the extent of the bombers' nihilism is understated. Since Muro's Strikers are essentially maniacs, it is interesting to give an in-depth interpretation of the underlying philosophy (just what do they believe in?), and the bombers are an important piece of the puzzle.

Taunts and fighting style

None of the comguys faced ingame have ninja skills (despite the tabi boots and greaves); some of the comguys, however, are only seen in cutscenes. The fighting style is the same as that of all generic males, favoring leg sweeps and dodging. Apart from the simple punches and kicks, the comguys have a "super punch" technique, which unlike their generic counterparts has fancy particles and a "Static Fist!" voiceover. They don't have a crowd-clearing move and they hardly ever use their throwing skills. The basic taunt is "You're weak!", and an easter egg variant is "OK, OK, don't frog blast the vent core..." (the comguys were voiced by Doug Zartman, who also voiced the BOBs in Marathon)

Added value

One theory is that the comguys are affiliated with Mukade and the Ninja rather than with Muro and his Strikers. Thus they are expert hackers and/or assassins, and a technocratic elite, perhaps in the best position for Daodan Chrysalis implantation, along with a few "pets" of Muro's. Apart from their obvious supposed role among the Strikers, they coordinate the Ninja (a network of cooperative androids) on the battle field. Prominent comguys can act as Muro's confidents and advisors, not clearly working for Muro or Mukade. In the odd case that Mukade should "die", the comguys can provide a timely succession.