Oniken plays much like a classic NES-era platformer. It’s got the retro graphics and chiptune soundtrack to prove it.

Not only does it have retro graphics and music, but its also got that insane difficulty popular during the era. It takes quite some time to complete a level if you don’t know what your’e doing (like me!). The game’s controls are smooth and responsive, allowing for maximum carnage. You also have the choice of using the d-pad or the analog stick, a nice addition.

The gameplay makes use of some sword and grenade-throwing action, among other goodies, like power-ups. The platforming is alright, but I wouldn’t have deemed that the focus of the game anyways, which is clearly the game’s action, not its platforming. There were some parts, however, where I died due to the platforming (usually falling into a death trap of some sort). A lot of the game’s enemies were really hard, especially the ones with a ranged attack. It was very difficult to get these guys because I had to be right next to them in order to kill.

I haven’t played a game like Oniken in a long time. I think the last I played somewhat similar to it would be the original Metroid. It’s nice to see such a game on Steam, and I hope to see more like it in the future!