I am always on the lookout for an interesting and different type of historical game. And when that game is solitaire and allows the player to experience and gain insight into the life of a tragic figure then I am very interested. A few months ago, I came across this very interesting looking solitaire game designed by Francisco Gradaille called Onoda from Salt & Pepper Games. Onoda follows the tragic life of Hiroo Onoda who was a Japanese soldier who wouldn’t believe that Japan lost World War II and stayed at his post on the island of Lubang in the Philippines from 1945-1974 when he finally surrendered after a visit from his commanding officer. I have played this one several times and can say the game is very interesting, educational and also gives the player an opportunity to learn and gain insight into the life of this person who is remembered as an insane criminal and a story of tragedy.

From the game page, we read the following:

Recreate the experiences and adventures of soldier Hiroo Onoda during his stay on Lubang Island. Thirty years of adventures, danger, comical situations and tragic moments, life and death and, above all, a demonstration of the resilience of human beings in adverse conditions.

During 6 rounds of variable duration, you have to obtain a number of resources that will allow you to finish the turn without suffering penalties.

In each round, you will also undertake a mission, earning honor points for it. During your adventures you will experience some of the events that the real-life Onoda had during his stay in Lubang.

If you manage to overcome the 6 rounds without going insane due to paranoia or dying due to ill-health, it will be time to see if you will be recognized a hero or fade into oblivion.

Onoda will get different results depending on the amount of honor you have accumulated solving missions, keeping your comrades alive or your squad in good shape.

We have had several pieces of content come out over the past week or so including a few videos including the following full playthrough video that you can watch at the following link:

I also did a full review video and you can watch that at the following link:

Also, in case you missed it, we published an interview with the designer Francisco Gradaille on the blog and you can read that at the following link: https://theplayersaid.com/2024/11/06/interview-with-francisco-gradaille-designer-of-onoda-from-salt-pepper-games-coming-to-gamefound-november-7th/

If you are interested in Onoda, you can back the game on the Gamefound page at the following link: https://gamefound.com/en/projects/saltandpepper/onoda

-Grant