Ao Oni Genre: Survival Horror RPG Maker Classic

Ao Oni (青鬼, "Blue Demon") is a freeware survival horror puzzle game made in RPG Maker XP by noprops (2008). It spawned a massive Japanese indie horror subculture.

Core Gameplay

• Exploration: Navigate a locked mansion, solve lock/key puzzles, read notes.
• Chase Sequences: The Oni (blue, deformed humanoid) pursues instantly on sight. No combat — only run, hide (closets, under tables), or use items to stun briefly.
• Permadeath / Save Points: Limited saves (or none in early versions). Death = restart.
• Atmosphere: Minimalist graphics, unsettling sound design, sudden loud chases, psychological tension.

Legacy & Versions

• Original v1–6 (Japanese), English fan translations.
• Ao Oni Ver. 3.0 / 6.23 most played.
• Remakes: Ao Oni (2015, 3DS/Steam/Switch) official 3D remake; Ao Oni Online (multiplayer).
• Countless fangames / "Ao Oni style" RPGMaker horror games (Ib, The Witch's House, Mad Father, Misao, Paranoiac).

It defines the "RPG Maker horror" genre: helplessness, puzzle-gated progression, monster AI patrol/chase.