Onryo
Onryo is a Japanese-themed survival horror game that immerses players in an abandoned house cursed by a vengeful spirit. Drawing inspiration from traditional ghost folklore, this game presents a tense, puzzle-driven experience where your only options are to flee, hide, or perish.
Confronting the Wrath of the Dead
The gameplay in Onryo begins with players entering a house for what seems like a standard investigation. However, once the doors shut behind you, escape becomes an elusive goal. The titular Onryo—a ghost filled with rage—emerges as the central antagonist. Her presence is announced by audio distortions, shifting objects, and flickering lights. Once she appears, players must either run or conceal themselves, as direct confrontation is not possible.
As players explore the house, they’ll uncover broken relics, scattered documents, and locked compartments. These must be pieced together to uncover the truth behind the haunting and to open the final path to safety. Progression is nonlinear; players often have to backtrack, interact with new triggers, or revisit earlier rooms under altered conditions.
Gameplay Challenges and Paranormal Encounters
Onryo challenges players with limited visibility, narrow field of view, and claustrophobic spaces. Flashlight management is critical—it helps reveal puzzles and ghosts alike, but drains battery. Sudden ghost appearances and cursed objects can disrupt progress unless players stay alert and minimize risky movement.
The game includes:
- Dynamic enemy AI that doesn’t follow fixed patrol routes
- Puzzles based on Japanese folklore involving incense, ofuda, and ceremonial objects
- Environmental interactions such as sliding doors, floorboards, and ancient mechanisms
New gameplay elements appear throughout, such as cursed dolls that must be found and exorcised in a specific order or puzzles involving candlelight and reflection. The difficulty ramps up subtly, testing the player’s memory and attention to detail.
Exploration, Lore, and Multiple Outcomes
Players often ask if Onryo contains multiple endings—and yes, it does. The number of rituals completed, the order of puzzle solutions, and even the number of times you encounter the ghost all affect your outcome. Completing optional side objectives reveals tragic details about the Onryo’s origin and may even shift the ending from fatal to redemptive.
Survival tips include:
- Use audio to track the Onryo’s location—movement often precedes visual contact
- Don’t ignore ambient items—paper scraps or old photographs may serve as keys
- Conserve flashlight power by navigating lit areas before dark ones
Onryo blends traditional Japanese horror with tense exploration, creating a game that rewards careful observation, courage, and respect for the unknown. Every creaking door and ghostly moan adds to the atmosphere in this tight, focused horror experience.
