Pure Onyx: Unveiling The Gritty Beat 'Em Up That Fought For Its Life

Clarissa Swaniawski III 22 Jun 2025

In the often tumultuous world of indie game development, where passion battles against practicalities, the story of Pure Onyx stands as a testament to resilience and a clear understanding of what players truly desire. It emerged from a period of significant challenge for its creators, a beacon of "fun and sexy content" when their community was craving exactly that. This article delves deep into the essence of Pure Onyx, exploring its origins, gameplay, the world it inhabits, and why it has captivated a dedicated fanbase.

For many game studios, especially those navigating complex technical hurdles with flagship titles, maintaining community engagement can be an uphill battle. The journey of Pure Onyx is a prime example of how a smaller, more focused project can reignite interest and deliver immediate gratification, proving that sometimes, going back to basics with a fresh twist is the most effective strategy to keep the creative fires burning and the community thriving.

The Genesis of Pure Onyx: A Tale of Resilience
- From Fumes to Fun: The Side Project's Spark
Diving Deep into New Babylon: Pure Onyx's Dystopian World
- Heroine Onyx: A Fighter in a Fractured City
Gameplay Mechanics: Classic Beat 'Em Up Meets Modern RPG
Technical Prowess: Smooth Performance, Impressive Detail
The Malise and the Machine Universe: A Shared Legacy
Community Engagement and Updates: Listening to the Fans
- The Bilibili Buzz: Player Recommendations and Videos
The Road Ahead: What's Next for Pure Onyx?
- Expanding the World: Stages and Branching Elements
Why Pure Onyx Matters: A Testament to Indie Development

The Genesis of Pure Onyx: A Tale of Resilience

The creation of Pure Onyx is not just the story of a game, but a narrative of a development team facing adversity head-on. Before its inception, the studio was grappling with the monumental task of wrangling a custom 3D pipeline for their flagship title, "Malise and the Machine" (MatM). This was a period characterized by updates that were "less fun/sexy and more technical," leading to a decline in monthly supporters and dwindling funds. Many fans, tired of the lack of engaging content, had already moved on, leaving the project "on fumes."

From Fumes to Fun: The Side Project's Spark

It was out of this challenging environment that the idea for Pure Onyx was born. Conceived as a 2D side project, its primary goal was to deliver the "fun and sexy content" that fans had been missing. This strategic pivot allowed the team to channel their creativity into a more manageable format, providing immediate gratification to their community while continuing to tackle the complex 3D pipeline for MatM in the background. It was a lifeline, a way to keep the community engaged and the lights on, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and a deep understanding of their audience's needs.

Diving Deep into New Babylon: Pure Onyx's Dystopian World

Pure Onyx plunges players into the grim, dystopian streets of New Babylon, a city teetering on the brink of collapse. The game's narrative paints a vivid picture of a future world steeped in corruption, where social order has crumbled, and crime reigns supreme. The streets are overrun with various criminal factions, from ruthless gangs to intricate crime syndicates, and even a corrupt police force, all vying for control in this fractured society. This setting is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in Onyx's journey, shaping the challenges she faces and the enemies she encounters.

Heroine Onyx: A Fighter in a Fractured City

At the heart of this chaotic world is the game's protagonist, the eponymous heroine Onyx. As she brawls her way through New Babylon, Onyx is confronted by the city's most formidable threats: the aforementioned gangs, crime syndicates, and the omnipresent, nefarious Babel Corporation. This corporation is not just a corporate entity but a creator of dangerous, engineered creatures that add another layer of peril to Onyx's fight for survival. Her journey is one of relentless combat and discovery, as she uncovers the dark underbelly of New Babylon and confronts the forces that seek to control it. The character of Onyx embodies resilience, making her a compelling figure for players to embody in this challenging environment.

Gameplay Mechanics: Classic Beat 'Em Up Meets Modern RPG

Pure Onyx is described as a "classic beat 'em up with RPG elements," a genre blend that promises both nostalgic brawling action and the depth of character progression. For fans of traditional side-scrolling fighters, the game delivers satisfying combat, allowing players to unleash a variety of punches, kicks, and special moves against hordes of enemies. The core beat 'em up mechanics are intuitive and engaging, providing that immediate "fun" factor the developers aimed for.

What elevates Pure Onyx beyond a simple brawler are its modern RPG elements. While the exact details of these elements are not fully elaborated in the provided data, in a typical beat 'em up with RPG elements, this would likely involve:

Character Progression: Gaining experience points (XP) from defeating enemies, leveling up Onyx, and allocating skill points to improve her stats (e.g., strength, defense, agility) or unlock new abilities and combos.
Equipment System: Finding or purchasing new gear (weapons, armor, accessories) that can enhance Onyx's combat effectiveness or provide unique buffs.
Customization: Allowing players to tailor Onyx's fighting style or appearance to their preferences.
Mission Structure: Potentially offering side quests or branching paths that provide additional challenges and rewards, adding replayability.

This combination ensures that while players enjoy the visceral thrill of combat, they also have a sense of growth and strategic choice, making each playthrough feel unique and rewarding. The "sidescroller beat 'em up with modern rpg elements" description highlights a design philosophy that respects the genre's roots while incorporating contemporary gameplay depth.

Technical Prowess: Smooth Performance, Impressive Detail

Despite being an indie title, Pure Onyx has garnered praise for its technical execution. The game "runs smoothly on most systems," which is a crucial factor for player enjoyment and accessibility, especially for a fast-paced beat 'em up. This optimization suggests a development team that prioritizes performance, ensuring that players can focus on the action without being hampered by technical glitches or low frame rates.

Beyond performance, the "level of detail in the environments and character models is impressive for an indie title." This attention to detail speaks volumes about the artistic vision and dedication of the developers. In a dystopian setting like New Babylon, intricate environmental design can significantly enhance immersion, making the dilapidated streets, neon-lit alleys, and crumbling infrastructure feel truly alive and dangerous. Similarly, well-designed character models for Onyx, her allies, and the myriad of enemies she faces contribute to the overall visual appeal and convey the gritty atmosphere of the game. This blend of smooth performance and high visual fidelity positions Pure Onyx as a standout in the indie gaming landscape, proving that quality doesn't always require a AAA budget.

The Malise and the Machine Universe: A Shared Legacy

One of the most intriguing aspects of Pure Onyx is its connection to the developers' flagship title, "Malise and the Machine" (MatM). Pure Onyx is "set in the world of our flagship title, Malise and the Machine." This shared universe approach enriches the lore of both games, providing a broader context for Onyx's struggles in New Babylon. While MatM was the ambitious 3D project that presented significant technical challenges, Pure Onyx offers a different perspective on the same overarching world, potentially exploring its history, side stories, or even parallel events.

This connection is a clever way to leverage existing intellectual property and build a more expansive narrative. For players of MatM, Pure Onyx offers familiar lore and perhaps even recognizable factions or characters, albeit in a different gameplay style. For new players, Pure Onyx serves as an accessible entry point into this rich universe, potentially piquing their interest in MatM. It's a strategic move that enhances brand recognition and provides a cohesive experience across different game formats, demonstrating a long-term vision for their creative output.

Community Engagement and Updates: Listening to the Fans

The journey of Pure Onyx is deeply intertwined with its community. The very genesis of the game was a direct response to fan feedback and a desire to deliver content that resonated with them. This commitment to the player base is evident in the continuous updates and the way the developers communicate their progress. Updates are not just about adding new features but also about refining the experience based on player input.

For instance, a significant update mentioned in the data includes the addition of "汉化" (Chinese localization), new scenes, and actions. This demonstrates a clear effort to expand accessibility and provide fresh content, directly addressing community desires. The phrase "且玩且珍惜了属于是" (play it while you can, cherish it while it lasts) from a Chinese update note hints at the value placed on these updates and the anticipation surrounding them, underscoring the dynamic relationship between the developers and their audience.

The Bilibili Buzz: Player Recommendations and Videos

A strong indicator of Pure Onyx's community impact comes from its presence on platforms like Bilibili, a popular Chinese video-sharing website. The data provides specific metrics for Pure Onyx videos, showcasing significant engagement:

Video 1 (by XIzayoiX):
- Views: 16,559
- Likes: 352
- Coins (similar to tips/donations): 352
- Collections (saves): 397
- Shares: 26
Video 2 (December latest version):
- Views: 4,063 (and another instance with 4,034 views)
- Likes: 12
- Coins: 8
- Collections: 15
- Shares: 1
- Player Recommendations: 12

These numbers, particularly for an indie title that started as a side project, indicate a healthy and active community. The "player recommendations" are especially telling, as they represent direct endorsements from players to others, fostering organic growth and trust. The consistent update of "实用攻略教学 (practical strategy tutorials), 爆笑沙雕集锦 (hilarious funny compilations), 你所不知道的游戏知识 (game knowledge you didn't know)" on Bilibili further solidifies the game's presence and the ongoing engagement it inspires. This strong community presence on Bilibili underscores the game's appeal, particularly in the Chinese market, and highlights the effectiveness of continuous content updates and community interaction.

The Road Ahead: What's Next for Pure Onyx?

Even as Pure Onyx continues to evolve, the developers are clearly looking to the future. The game is "currently in development," suggesting that what players have experienced so far is just a glimpse of its full potential. This ongoing development cycle is crucial for indie titles, allowing them to grow and adapt based on player feedback and creative vision. The commitment to continuous improvement is a strong signal of the team's dedication to the project and its community.

Expanding the World: Stages and Branching Elements

A tantalizing detail about the future of Pure Onyx is the developers' intention to work on "at least 6 large stages with branching elements." This indicates a significant expansion of the game's content and complexity. Large stages suggest more extensive environments to explore and fight through, while "branching elements" imply non-linear progression, multiple pathways, or even different narrative outcomes based on player choices. This feature would significantly enhance the game's replayability and depth, encouraging players to revisit New Babylon to discover all its secrets and experience different facets of Onyx's journey. Such ambitious plans for an indie side project further highlight the team's dedication and the strong foundation they've built with Pure Onyx.

Why Pure Onyx Matters: A Testament to Indie Development

Pure Onyx is more than just a game; it's a powerful case study in the resilience and adaptability required in indie game development. It demonstrates how a studio, facing significant challenges with a larger project, can pivot and create a smaller, more focused title that not only revitalizes their community but also showcases their core strengths. The game's success, evident in its technical polish, engaging gameplay, and strong community metrics, is a testament to the developers' ability to listen to their audience and deliver on their promises.

For aspiring game developers, Pure Onyx offers valuable lessons in project management, community engagement, and the importance of delivering "fun" content. For gamers, it's a shining example of an indie title that punches above its weight, offering a compelling beat 'em up experience with meaningful RPG elements set in a rich, dystopian world. The journey of Pure Onyx underscores the vibrant and innovative spirit of the indie gaming scene, where passion and creativity can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Conclusion

From its origins as a side project born out of necessity, Pure Onyx has grown into a highly anticipated beat 'em up, offering a compelling blend of classic action and modern RPG depth within the expansive universe of "Malise and the Machine." Its journey through the dystopian streets of New Babylon, led by the tenacious heroine Onyx, is a testament to engaging storytelling and satisfying gameplay. The game's smooth performance, impressive visual detail, and strong community support, particularly highlighted by its active presence on platforms like Bilibili, solidify its position as a noteworthy indie title.

As development continues, with promises of more stages and branching elements, the future of Pure Onyx looks bright. It serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, responsiveness to community feedback, and a clear vision can lead to success even in the face of initial setbacks. If you're a fan of classic beat 'em ups, immersive dystopian worlds, or simply appreciate the triumphs of indie game development, Pure Onyx is a title worth exploring. Dive into New Babylon, join Onyx in her fight, and experience a game that truly embodies the spirit of resilience and fun. What are your thoughts on the blend of beat 'em up and RPG elements? Share your insights in the comments below!

Pure Onyx - Game Promo Art by Eromancer : Fitmoe

Pure Onyx - release date, videos, screenshots, reviews on RAWG

Pure Onyx Download | GameFabrique

RealTime Reports