Lecture on Ao Oni - A Japanese RPG Maker Horror Game

Overview

• Ao Oni ("Blue Demon" in English) is a Japanese RPG Maker horror game.
• Released in 2008.
• Contributed significantly to the popularity of RPG Maker engines.
• Inspired modern horror game developers.
• Adaptations include anime, light novels, manga, and two live-action movies.
• Known for its effective horror elements despite being a pixel game.

Story Summary

• Main Characters: Hiroshi (protagonist), Takashi, Takuro, Mika.
• Setting: An abandoned mansion rumored to house a monster.
• Plot:
  • The students enter the mansion, seeking thrill and adventure.
  • Hiroshi hears a noise and finds a shattered plate in the kitchen.
  • Upon returning, Hiroshi finds his friends missing.
  • As he explores, he encounters the blue demon (Oni).
  • Hiroshi finds Takashi, who is too terrified to explain what happened.
  • Finds keys and clues to unlock additional parts of the mansion.
  • Encounters the Oni several times, narrowly escaping.

Key Events

• Initial Exploration:
  • Hiroshi explores bedrooms, bathrooms, finds keys and clues.
  • Finds Takashi in a room, shivering and unresponsive.
  • Hiroshi continues to search for other friends.
• Encounters with Oni:
  • Oni first appears in the library.
  • Hiroshi hides in a cabinet, narrowly avoiding the Oni.
  • Continues to find keys and solve puzzles scattered around.
  • Encounters Takuro, plans to split up to cover more ground.
  • Finds Mika hiding, instructs her to stay put.
• Further Exploration and Plot Twists:
  • Oni appears again in a tatami room.
  • Discovers secret doors and a basement.
  • Encounters Mika's apparent death.
  • Encounters transformed Oni resembling Mika and Takashi.

Climax and Conclusion

• Final Escape:
  • Hiroshi finds a rope ladder escape route blocked by the Oni.
  • Witnesses Takuro being caught by the Oni.
  • Returns to an annex building for a final key.
  • Navigates through church-like room and underground cavern with cells.
  • Confronts the Oni one last time and escapes through a final door.
• Ending:
  • Hiroshi escapes and returns to town.
  • Story ends with a scene of another man trapped in the mansion.
  • Speculative ending suggests a cycle of horror or continuation of events.

Themes and Interpretations

• Speculative Storyline:
  • Straightforward story: kids in a haunted building hunted by a creature.
  • Lacks concrete lore or detailed dialogue.
  • Emphasis on horror atmosphere and personal interpretation of visuals.

Additional Notes

• Game is available for free online.
• Encourages exploration of more indie horror games.