​Omensight Review

By Kevin Mitchell  |  Posted: June 18, 2018

It has been a couple of years since Spearhead Games released the branching path fantasy narrative title Stories: The Path of Destinies, and it is only fitting that Omensight takes the groundwork from that game and expands upon it (the developers have billed it as a spiritual successor). War rages between the nations of Pygaria and Rodentia, but the murder of the Godless Priestess Vera triggers a chain of events that leads to the world's annihilation at the hands of the massive evil god known as Voden. You see, all hope rested on Priestess Vera for peace, but now, the fate of the world rests on your shoulders, after the Witch safely transports you to a hub-like area outside of the now destroyed world. Your task: solve the mystery surrounding the murder by any means necessary to ensure that Voden never returns.

In Omensight, you are the Harbinger, a being that exists between time, not grounded to reality, whose arrival indicates the end of the world. A silent yet strong protagonist, you must relive the final day of Urralia, following four different characters from both sides of the war. With the information gathered from clues, you begin to piece together the mystery of who and why, using your sword along the way. As you relive the same day and events over and over, you'll be revisiting corresponding locations multiple times, but depending upon your choices, you may explore new paths, fight different enemies, and more. In fact, even if you start your day over by following the same character, you can use your omensight (clues) to persuade them to take a new approach. If you reach a pivotal moment in the narrative, you don't have to worry about making the wrong decision. Just choosing the same companion again will present you with the option of skipping the opening sequences and taking you directly to the critical decision moment. Of course, if you want, you can replay it entirely to gain experience.

For example, Draga is a very loyal general serving under the emperor, but showing her a particular vision of Priestess Vera being harmed makes her question her actions. Instead of following her previous plans of facing the enemies of the crown in the Imperial prison, she leads you to the area from the vision, further advancing your investigation. You'll then use the gathered clues to journey with another companion, and so on. Once you've shown each of the characters the visions you've learned, you can once again follow them directly, with the possibility of gaining their trust and ability to open the colored seals you'll encounter.

The combat in Omensight flows smoothly for most encounters, utilizing mechanics similar to the Arkham games. I would say that it does tone down the need for precision and is undoubtedly button-masher friendly, using light and heavy attacks to pull off combos and satisfying deadly strikes. As you are unable to block attacks, you'll need to use your dodge liberally to escape your foes. As you gain levels, you'll learn new abilities to supplement your basic attacks. From dashing through enemies to freezing time around you, Omensight provides some very satisfying skills at your disposal. Amber shards that you collect can be used to boost your health, attack power, and more. Your companions can also perform handy area-of-effect attacks, best used to take out large groups of enemies.

Although the narrative is quite engrossing and beautifully crafted, the visuals in Omensight steal the show with its unique anthropomorphic characters, dazzling environments, and colorful art style. The smooth animations accentuate the game's excellent use of art and design.

Simply Put

Omensight is the ideal title for someone looking to solve a murder mystery wrapped in an enjoyable action-packed adventure. Although you are frequently outnumbered, you always feel in control thanks to the satisfying combat mechanics. There is one particular section in the game that is beyond frustrating, but outside of that, the game's difficulty is well balanced.