Quotes/Manual

This page is a re-formatted transcript of the Oni game manual for Windows, which differs slightly from the the Flash version of the manual available on Rockstar's site. The differences between the web site and printed manual are noted in the transcript below, except for the continual omission of the word "the" in front of "World Coalition Government" on the web site copy. The profiles on Muro and Dr. Kerr are found only on the web site; many other sections of the printed manual which are instructional in nature (controls, etc.) are omitted from the web site.

PRE-MISSION BRIEFING

[On the web site, this section is called MANIFESTO, which actually makes more sense. It also begins with an important note, below in italics, which confirms that this is material written by a rebel group which is not shown in the game.]

(excerpted from propaganda recovered at rebellion HQ - TCTF Crime File 67098)

It's 2032 and the world ain't what it used to be.

We have one government where there used to be hundreds.
Big Brother is alive and well.

Things are pretty good in the big cities if you don't mind the fact that the World Coalition Government tracks your every move. They claim they do it in the interest of the common good but it can make you feel insignificant and pretty damned helpless. No matter where you go "they" are watching you.

In the cities most people have enough money to live quite well by the standards of the old world. An average family can afford a nice place to live, a timeshare on a vehicle and a terminal that links them to the WorldNet. For most it's an acceptable payoff for a near total loss of privacy and systematic violations of our personal freedoms.

It's best not to think about life outside the cities. The powers that be would never admit it, but the air has gone bad. The forbidden zones they euphemistically call "Wilderness Preserves" are actually massive tracts of quarantined land.

The poor bastards ["wretches", web site] who can't afford to live in the cities get as close to the atmosphere processors as they can and eke out a miserable (and dangerous) existence working on the reclamation teams who beat back the corrosive stain of the wilderness.

From time to time someone tries to improve public awareness of the ecological nightmare but the World Coalition Government controls the media and silences them before any outcry can gain momentum. Despite this repression, there is a growing awareness that something has gone horribly wrong and that something has to be done [the clause "Despite this repression" is omitted by web site].
Something has to give. It's only a matter of time.

[Links to the sections below are listed on the web site under the phrase "LINKS TO REBELLION PROPAGANDA"; the sections are, in order, "TCTF (Technology Crimes Task Force)", "WCG (World Coalition Government)", and "The Syndicate", but below we continue with our transcription of the printed manual.]

THE WORLD COALITION GOVERNMENT

On January 12th, 2032 the newborn World Coalition Government annexed 80% of the countries of the world. The holdouts either reconsidered and signed treaties or were "dissolved" in a matter of months.

The leaders of the new regime gave us all kinds of rationalizations for their actions, ranging from endless border skirmishes between impoverished nations to environmental problems that they claimed could only be solved if all of the "citizens of earth" worked together.

If the truth were told, it was all about the money.

Years of boom markets and reckless spending finally took their toll, leaving small countries bankrupt and superpowers teetering on the brink of collapse. By uniting the economies of the world all of the old debt was erased and everyone got a clean slate. It was a real mess but at the time it seemed like the only way out.

At first the World Coalition Government gave a lot of lip service to representing the annexed governments. There was even an advisory council modeled on the United Nations. As the representatives began to enjoy the benefits of a global marketplace they fell silent. In a matter of years all traces of the old governments faded away. It was an economic coup on an unprecedented scale.

The World Coalition Government accomplished most of what they promised. They created "peacekeeping forces" capable of putting down any infighting and they turned around the economy.

What they don't tell you is that the poor stayed poor and there are more of them than ever before. Sure, we have bright and beautiful cities, but we pay for them by sacrificing our freedom and the well being of most of our population to the so-called "greater good".

It is a golden age for the privileged. Their ivory towers are everything we hoped the future would be.

THE TECHNOLOGY CRIMES TASK FORCE (TCTF)

One of the excuses the World Coalition Government used to grab the reins was the use of biological weapons by a few of the countries involved in border skirmishes at the time.

Biotech is to us what nukes were to our great grandparents - an emerging technology that scares the hell out of the ignorant. Everyone was terrified that some genetically engineered super virus would spread farther than its creators intended. Horror stories of weapons that made your bones melt and your eyes explode blinded the public to the less tangible threat of a totalitarian government.

Once the puppet masters behind the World Coalition Government had what they wanted they continued to exploit techno-phobia to keep them on top. They told us that abuse of technology was the enemy and that the Technology Crimes Task Force was our guardian. In the name of the common good they granted the TCTF blanket authority to investigate wherever and however they saw fit.

Sure, the TCTF does everything it is supposed to. They keep most of the "cyber drugs" and illegal weapons off the streets, but law enforcement is a smokescreen to excuse their actual purpose.

The World Coalition Government uses the TCTF to control the evolution and distribution of new technologies. They suppress anything that could be used to undermine their authority. Their investigations are also used to violate the rights of anyone deemed "dangerous" by the World Coalition Government.

The real abuse of technology begins and ends with the government and its TCTF enforcers.

THE SYNDICATE

In the shadows of the cities the Syndicate thrives by providing the desperate and the downtrodden with the opiates they need to distract themselves and the weapons they need to kill each other.

When you really think about the power the TCTF wields it makes you wonder how the Syndicate has survived. There are a lot of theories: some say the World Coalition Government lets the Syndicate slide because they keep the underclass down. Others claim a connection between the Syndicate and the remnants of the countries erased by the World Coalition Government's land grab.

No matter what the truth is behind the Syndicate's existence [or "power", web site] one thing is for sure – the growing power of the Syndicate is due to one man, Boss Muro ["one thing is for sure - you have to steer clear of Boss Muro", web site]. Muro came out of nowhere less than ten years ago and took out all of the old Bosses. He runs the whole show now. Since he became Boss things have gone from bad to worse. The TCTF doesn't like him. They have been at war with him for years but so far he has stayed one step ahead of the game.

YOU AND YOUR JOB

[Starting with this sub-section, the rest of the manual's BRIEFING section is omitted on the web site.]

You are Konoko, a specially trained agent of the Technology Crimes Task Force, charged with your first mission. Your instincts tell you that something insidious is afoot as you infiltrate the cold underworld of the Syndicate. Commander Griffin, Regional Commander of the TCTF, is your mentor, boss, and even father figure. Shinatama is your SLD assistant, confidante, companion, and friend, and the two of you share a special bond, one that is both neural and emotional.

TECH NOTE 1

The World Coalition Government realizes the extent of the ecological damage and has the ability to reverse a lot of it but has decided not to. It is in their best interest to maintain the centralization of wealth so the large population centers are preserved while "third world" regions are not. As a bonus the mounting death toll solves some of their overpopulation problems.

TECH NOTE 2

Shinatama is an SLD, or Simulated Life Doll. The SLDs were the first attempt to create an android - a manufactured organism whose systems and structures imitate human biology. An SLD breathes, eats, sweats and can feel pain. They aren't actually human so are more durable than their flesh and blood counterparts. The brain of an SLD is created from the patterns and engrams of a human brain, often forming a close bond or link between the SLD and its human "pattern."

SLDs are cutting edge technology and as such are closely monitored by the TCTF. There are very few of them and most are modeled after children because the smaller bodies are easier to create (and easier to control if they run amok). The TCTF is experimenting with using "adult" SLDs as field agents because of their exceptional strength and intelligence.

The Syndicate have also been experimenting with SLD technology, but their efforts have been progressing much more quickly without all the rigorous safeguards used by more respectable scientists. The Tankers are the result of this experimentation: super tough, super strong SLD warriors with a seriously bad attitude.

CHARACTER BIOS - FRIENDS AND FOES

Konoko

Bio Data: Orphaned at the age of 3, the woman now code-named Konoko has been raised as a ward of the World Coalition Government ever since. Her upbringing has been overseen by a legion of scientists and TCTF personnel, and she has been trained in the most advanced combat and counter-terrorism techniques. Strengths: Master of hand-to-hand combat, expert marksman. Special Moves: Rising Fury Punch, Devil Spin Kick, Twister Kick Weaknesses: Emotional attachment to the Shinatama SLD. Description: Konoko has been raised by the TCTF for as long as she can remember. She knows that she is somehow "different" from other people, but she is anxious to prove herself to Commander Griffin and the rest of the TCTF.

Shinatama

Bio Data: Shinatama is an SLD (simulated life doll) android, responsible for coordinating the entire regional communications spine at TCTF regional headquarters. Strengths: Extensive knowledge of TCTF operational data and security protocols. Special Moves: None Weaknesses: Non-combatant. Description: Shinatama is neurally linked to Konoko and can communicate with her at all times. The neural link gives Konoko full access to Shinatama's scanning technology and knowledge database.

Commander Griffin

Bio Data: Regional Commander of the Technology Crimes Task Force. Currently on reserved status in the TCTF Black Ops duty roster. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, master marksman. Special Moves: None Weaknesses: None Description: As a Regional Commader, Griffin enjoy total control of the personnel and equipment within his region. A cunning and dogged leader, Griffin's enemies know that he will stop at nothing to maintain order and civil control.

Dr. Kerr

A gifted doctor, Kerr is employed full time at the TCTF genetic engineering development lab, although it is rumored that Kerr has worked for both the WCG and the Syndicate in the past. The Rebellion has been unsuccessful in recovering specific data on Dr. Kerr's experiments.

Muro

The most feared boss of the Syndicate's storied existence. Since becoming Boss, he had become one of the TCTF's biggest enemies. His Project: Sturmanderung is to sabotage the atmosphere processors that keep the cities safe, reversing them so that they will spew polluted poison rather than artificially purified air. How Muro and his men expect to remain resistant to these pollutants remains a mystery.

TCTF - Tactical Trooper

Bio Data: Tac-Ops troopers form the bulk of the fighting forces of the TCTF. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Leaping Hammer Punch Weaknesses: Slow reaction speed. Weak Special Moves. Description: Well armored and well trained, the TCTF Tactical trooper is more than a match for his closest Syndicate counterpart, the Grunt Striker, but the TCTF Troopers are always outnumbered by their Syndicate adversaries.

TCTF - SWAT Trooper

Bio Data: TCTF SWAT Troopers are the elite agents of the TCTF. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman, powerful. Special Moves: Lion Axe, Lion Fist, Flying Cross. Weaknesses: Slow reaction speed. Description: Unlike contemporary SWAT troopers TCTF SWAT are often deployed alone or in concert with standard Tac-Ops troopers. Often just the sight of these armored giants is enough to make renegade lawbreakers surrender outright.

Black Ops - Tactical Trooper

Bio Data: Black Ops tactical troopers form a special unit promoted from the elite of the TCTF. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Leaping Hammer Punch Weaknesses: Fair reaction speed. Weak Special Moves. Description: Better trained and better armored than a TCTF Tactical trooper, and unfettered by conscience, the Black Ops Tactical Trooper is a deadly foe.

Black Ops - SWAT Trooper

Bio Data: Black Ops SWAT Troopers are the ultimate enforcers of the TCTF. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: None. Weaknesses: None. Description: Highly skilled in lethal close-combat techniques, the Black Ops SWAT Trooper is deadly and merciless. They are only unleashed against the toughest and most dangerous foes of the WCG.

Mercenary Sniper

Bio Data: Mercenary Snipers are long-ranged specialist assassins that sell their services to the highest bidder. Strengths: Trained in hand-to-hand combat, master marksman. Special Moves: None. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Mercenary Snipers are veterans of the Uprising War that left the World Coalition Government in control of the globe. The oppressive nature of the WCG has left the mercenaries with numerous opportunities to hone their skills equally on enemies of the state and high-ranking government officials.

Comm Trooper

Bio Data: Comm Troopers are the communications specialists for the Syndicate. Strengths: Trained in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Static Fist Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Comm Troopers maintain communications between Syndicate assault squads, and serve as field computer specialists.

Striker - Grunt Class (Green)

Bio Data: Strikers are the foot soldiers of the Syndicate criminal organization. Grunts are the lowest rank of Syndicate Strikers. Strengths: Trained in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman. Special Moves: None Weaknesses: Reaction speed is slow, combat repertoire is limited. Description: Though they are weak individually, Grunt Strikers often appear in numbers, augmenting their limited fighting and shooting skills.

Striker - Hoplite Class (Blue)

Bio Data: Strikers are the foot soldiers of the Syndicate criminal organization. Hoplites are the middle ranking Syndicate Strikers. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Striker Slam Punch Weaknesses: Favors high-risk combat maneuvers (jumping attacks). Limited range on their Special Move. Description: Hoplites are often deployed in support of weaker Syndicate troops. Hoplites earned their nickname through their flashy fighting style; they will often favor combat maneuvers that leave them vulnerable but can score high damage hits on their opponents.

Striker - Hussar Class (Red)

Bio Data: Strikers are the foot soldiers of the Syndicate criminal organization. Hussars are the highest-ranking Syndicate Strikers. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman, powerful Special Moves. Special Moves: Striker Slam Punch, Headbutt Dash. Weaknesses: Headbutt Dash Special Move leaves them vulnerable. Description: Hussars are the most powerful class of Strikers and only appear on missions of the utmost importance. They are suspected to have undergone extensive physical modification and wear heavily armored uniforms.

Ninja - Infiltrator Class (Green)

Bio Data: Ninjas are the spies and assassins of the Syndicate criminal organization. Infiltrators are the lowest-ranking Syndicate Ninjas. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman, powerful. Special Moves: Volt Stomp, Volt Suplex. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Syndicate Ninjas are trained to operate alone, each one as expert hand-to-hand fighter with a number of deadly Special Moves. Infiltrator class ninjas are dispatched primarily on missions of information gathering or observation.

Ninja - Eliminator Class (Blue)

Bio Data: Ninjas are the spies and assassins of the Syndicate criminal organization. Eliminators are the mid-ranking Syndicate Ninjas. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman, powerful. Special Moves: Volt Suplex, Skorp Kick. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Eliminators are the Syndicate assassins, often dispatched with Infiltrator class ninjas in support.

Ninja - Avenger Class (Red)

Bio Data: Ninjas are the spies and assassins of the Syndicate criminal organization. Avengers are the highest-ranking Syndicate Ninjas. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman, powerful. Special Moves: Volt Stomp, Volt Suplex, Skorp Kick, Lighting Driver. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Avenger class ninjas have been personally trained by Mukade, the Syndicate master assassin. Avengers are dispatched at his direction, often to eliminate the most powerful enemies of the Syndicate.

Fury - Harridan Class (Green)

Bio Data: The Furies are command-level Syndicate assault troops. Harridans are the lowest ranking Syndicate Furies. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Foot Stomp. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Furies are deployed as field commanders for large numbers of Syndicate assault troops. Harridans coordinate the activities of between 2 to 4 squads in the field.

Fury - Banshee Class (Blue)

Bio Data: The Furies are command-level Syndicate assault troops. Banshees are the mid-ranking Syndicate Furies. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Foot Stomp, Whirl Kick. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: Banshees oversee critical Syndicate operations, or act as personal aides and bodyguards to Syndicate senior staff.

Fury - Valkyrie Class (Red)

Bio Data: The Furies are command-level Syndicate assault troops. Valkyries are the highest-ranking Syndicate Furies. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, skilled marksman. Special Moves: Foot Stomp, Whirl Kick, Ten-Shadow Punch. Weaknesses: Physically weak. Description: The Valkyries are Muro's personal aides and bodyguards. Their presence always indicates his personal involvement in an operation.

Elite Striker - Ogre Class (Green)

Bio Data: Elite Strikers are the most powerful Syndicate troops. Ogres are the lowest class of Elite Strikers. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman, enhanced physical strength. Special Moves: Cannonball Roll. Weaknesses: Slow reaction speed. Cannonball Special Move leaves them vulnerable. Description: Elite Strikers provide tremendous combat power in support of Syndicate assault troops. Though they appear slow and lumbering, their fighting style makes the most of their great physical strength. Ogre class Elites are dispatched in support of smaller, weaker assault troops.

Elite Striker - Giant Class (Blue)

Bio Data: Elite Strikers are the most powerful Syndicate troops. Giants are the mid-ranking Elite Strikers. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman, enhanced physical strength. Special Moves: Cannonball Roll, Whirling Dervish. Weaknesses: Slow reaction speed. Cannonball Special Move leaves them vulnerable. Description: Giant class Elite Strikers function like living tanks: wading through battle while shaking off tremendous amounts of physical damage.

Elite Striker - Titan Class (Red)

Bio Data: Elite Strikers are the most powerful Syndicate troops. Titans are the highest-ranking Elite Strikers. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman, enhanced physical strength. Special Moves: Cannonball Roll, Whirling Dervish, Crucifix Punch. Weaknesses: Slow reaction speed. Cannonball Special Move leaves them vulnerable. Description: Titan class Elite Strikers are only rumored to exist. Though no living witnesses exist to confirm reports, it is said that the Titan class Elites can absorb incredible amounts of punishment and emerge alive.

Tanker - Skirmisher Class (Green)

Bio Data: Tankers are illegal SLD androids created by the Syndicate. Skirmishers are the lowest class of Tanker SLDs. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman, enhanced physical strength. Special Moves: Hover Kick. Weaknesses: Limited range on Hover Kick Special Move. Description: In defiance of WCG law the Syndicate has moved forward on the development of physically mature SLD androids. Tankers are based on the engram patterns of a particular obnoxious Syndicate commander with a penchant for professional wrestling. Skirmishers are the earliest models created by the Syndicate and so are the least refined.

Tanker - Brawler Class (Blue)

Bio Data: Brawlers are illegal SLD androids created by the Syndicate. Brawlers are the mid-level class of Tanker SLDs. Strengths: Skilled in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman, enhanced physical strength. Special Moves: Nuclear Tackle, Blockbuster. Weaknesses: Nuclear Tackle Special Move leaves them vulnerable and prone. Description: Brawlers are considerably more advanced than the previous Tanker models, and are better able to harness their artificial strength.

Tanker - Crusher Class (Red)

Bio Data: Crushers are illegal SLD androids created by the Syndicate. Crushers are the highest level class of Tanker SLDs. Strengths: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, trained marksman, enhanced physical strength. Special Moves: Nuclear Tackle, Blockbuster, Atomic Elbow Drop. Weaknesses: Nuclear Tackle Special Move leaves them vulnerable and prone. Description: The Crusher class of SLD is a very recent addition to the Syndicate forces. Faster and stronger than all of its predecessors, the Crusher class is the ultimate expression of SLD combat technology.

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