Shi-Kin-Joh vs The Black Onyx
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Shi-Kin-Joh is a retro role‑playing game released in early 1991, offering players a blend of tactical battles and narrative exploration. Its pixel‑art visuals and turn‑based mechanics capture the charm of early 90s gaming while delivering a memorable quest. The game challenges players to manage a party of heroes, solve puzzles, and uncover a rich storyline set in a fantasy world. Despite its age, Shi‑Kin‑Joh remains a nostalgic experience for fans of classic JRPGs.
The Black Onyx is a retro role‑playing game originally developed by Bullet‑Proof Software in the early 1980s. It brings turn‑based combat and pixel‑art exploration to modern PC players, preserving the charm of its original SG‑1000 and MSX releases. Despite its age, the game offers a deep fantasy narrative and strategic gameplay that still appeals to fans of classic RPGs. Its single‑player focus lets you immerse yourself in a quest to uncover the secrets of the titular black onyx.
- Authentic retro graphics and sound
- Deep tactical combat system
- Multiple story outcomes
- Rich exploration and hidden content
- Authentic 1980s graphics and sound
- Deep turn‑based combat system
- Rich fantasy storyline
- Single‑player focus ensures immersive experience
- Limited modern quality‑of‑life features
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Restricted to single‑player mode
- Limited color palette compared to modern games
- No save‑anywhere feature; relies on old‑style checkpoints
- Sparse documentation for modern players
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic single‑player turn‑based RPGs, but Shi‑Kin‑Joh offers grid‑based tactical combat and multiple endings, while The Black Onyx provides a simpler top‑down experience with a single storyline.
Key differences
- •Combat system: Shi‑Kin‑Joh uses a grid for positioning; The Black Onyx uses generic turn‑based combat.
- •Story depth: Shi‑Kin‑Joh has branching outcomes; The Black Onyx follows a single quest line.
- •Visual era: Shi‑Kin‑Joh is 8‑bit (1991) with pixel art; The Black Onyx is 1980s graphics with a limited color palette.
- •Quality‑of‑life: Shi‑Kin‑Joh lacks modern QoL features; The Black Onyx adds an emulated save system but no save‑anywhere.
- •Release date: Shi‑Kin‑Joh (1991) is newer than The Black Onyx (1984).
Gameplay & fun factor
Shi‑Kin‑Joh’s grid combat and branching story add tactical depth and replay value.
Platform availability
The Black Onyx includes an emulated save system for modern OSes; Shi‑Kin‑Joh platform not specified.
Price & value
Both are paid one‑time purchases; no price differences given.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Multiple endings and hidden items in Shi‑Kin‑Joh boost replayability versus a single storyline in The Black Onyx.
Difficulty & accessibility
The Black Onyx’s simpler combat may be easier for newcomers; Shi‑Kin‑Joh has a steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
The Black Onyx’s emulated save system suggests better modern compatibility; Shi‑Kin‑Joh’s platform not specified.
Choose Shi-Kin-Joh if…
Players who want tactical combat, multiple story outcomes, and deep exploration.
Choose The Black Onyx if…
Players who prefer a straightforward classic RPG with modern save support.
Common questions
Do either games support modern save features?
The Black Onyx includes an emulated save system; Shi‑Kin‑Joh does not list any modern save features.
Which game offers more replay value?
Shi‑Kin‑Joh, thanks to its branching storyline and hidden content.
Are both games single‑player only?
Yes, both are listed as single‑player.