FromSoftware’s Xbox Exclusive RPG Is a Fantastic Game That No One’s Played

FromSoftware is a name that needs no introduction. Dark Souls and Elden Ring are some of the most praised games despite their difficulty. While it is a well-known fact that the inspiration for these series came from another game, King’s Field, there exists a separate game that had a huge influence on not just FromSoftware, but other developers’ soulslike games. Sadly, this game has largely been forgotten and remains forgotten in the Xbox era of gaming. It never received the recognition it deserved, and I’m convinced that if it had, it would have led to an incredible series that could rival FromSoftware’s best.

Few players would recognize the name Otogi: Myth of Demons, which is sad considering its exciting combat, gorgeous dark Japanese fantasy aesthetic, and mechanics that would lead to the creation of the soulslike genre. Yet, for all this, it failed commercially and was abandoned by FromSoftware without giving it a second chance.

The Forgotten FromSoftware Game: Otogi: Myth of Demons

Otogi: Myth of Demons was an Xbox exclusive released in 2002, predating Dark Souls. Its release came at a time when the original Xbox was struggling against the PlayStation 2. FromSoftware’s bold experiment, unfortunately, could not shift the Western focus, which was on shooters like Halo: Combat Evolved. The choice of Japanese mythology, otherworldly visuals, and a combat system that felt like hack-and-slash was just not what Xbox gamers wanted at the time.

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This is a shame, because Otogi: Myth of Demons is such an interesting and underrated game. Players star as Raikoh, a resurrected assassin tasked with battling demons and sealing the rift between worlds. The combat was fast and fluid, but still showed early signs of Dark Souls DNA in its movements and enemy design. Levels were sprawling with destructible elements and offered a unique art style.

Otogi and its sequel, Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors, ultimately failed despite the atmospheric world and rewarding gameplay loop. The games themselves were not to blame, but rather the market and time of release. If FromSoftware had released on the PlayStation 2, a console much friendlier to Japanese RPGs, things could have been different. Sadly, the series was shelved after two releases, though players can purchase Otogi: Myth of Demons on Xbox for PC.

What Otogi Could Have Been

It’s easy to imagine an alternate timeline in which Otogi succeeded and became a flagship title for FromSoftware and Xbox. Its striking visuals, unique setting, ethereal soundtrack, and fluid combat allowed the game to stand beside other iconic action RPGs of the 2000s. It could even have become the studio’s breakout hit over Dark Souls if the release conditions were more favorable.

Despite the consensus, fans still call for a remake or revival of the series. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see FromSoftware return to Otogi, but for the time being, it seems focused on Elden Ring and its spin-off, along with new titles like The Duskbloods. But it does have the makings of a modern underdog return story thanks to its innovative mechanics and mysterious world. Only time will tell if it gets a second chance or remains a treasured memory and cult classic.

A Bridge to FromSoftware’s Modern Masterpieces

Otogi: Myth of Demons’ influence can be seen across the action genre, especially in soulslike games. One can’t help but think of this Xbox title when looking at Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game is set in Japanese folklore and shares similar supernatural enemies and characters. Seeing the success this title has, including an anime adaptation of Sekiro, brings to mind the sad tale of Otogi.

Its influence on Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice can also be seen in the aerial combat and high mobility. These are both relatively absent in FromSoftware’s soulslike games outside of Sekiro, showing how the studio may have looked back to Otogi. Outside of FromSoftware, one of the mechanics in Otogi is revisiting previous areas with a flipped appearance, something that can be seen in Lords of the Fallen’s Umbral world.

Seeing all this makes Otogi feel like a testing ground for mechanics that FromSoftware would enhance over the years. That said, it is perfect for revisiting for veterans or for a first-time play by those who missed it. It may feel a bit clunky today, but when it launched, it was a fresh and innovative title. Perhaps if there is enough fan demand, FromSoftware will look at the series again and give fans a third game or the highly-requested remake.

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