TAGGING is a game mechanic featured in OMORI. In the overworld, the player is able to tag different characters into the lead to overcome certain obstacles. This can be done by using an assigned button or simply through the menu.
The tagging menu as seen when pressing the assigned key to activate it in-game.
TAGGING is first introduced during the CAPTAIN OF THE SPACE PIRATES quest in the JUNKYARD. OMORI is instructed to tag one of his friends to remove or overcome an obstacle standing in their path. This mechanic gives players a chance of using a party member's unique ability depending on the scenario they're in.
In FARAWAY TOWN, the party can only TAG if they are in RECYCULTIST'S HQ on ONE DAY LEFT. All playable characters' TAG abilities are the same as OMORI's party but can only be used for certain segments.
In BLACK SPACE, TAGGING works rather differently there as most of them require a trigger point that prompts a TAG polaroid to appear onscreen. These are most prominently found within BLACK FOREST 1 via a special "polaroid hunt" event. Whenever one appears onscreen, most polaroids depicts OMORI standing near a BLACK SPACE NPC or slowly distorting into SUNNY in an ominous manner.[1]
One thing to note is that every time the party tags, a photograph sound will play and a polaroid showing interaction with the current leader and the new leader will block the screen to prevent the player from seeing the change.
While in the lead, OMORI can use his knife to cut down obstacles such as roots, traffic cones, and spider webs. OMORI is also able to collect the HANGMAN keys scattered across HEADSPACE, as well as interacting with certain creatures that only he can understand, such as the DEEPER WELL residents.
Exclusive to some BLACK SPACE segments, OMORI's tag option will be replaced with a STAB option. Doing so will transport OMORI back to the center hub. This can also be done in WHITE SPACE, which can allow the player to regain control of SUNNY in the real world.
As for SUNNY, he can slice through spider webs like OMORI but this can only be done at the start of the second night. In addition, SUNNY can cut down cones in RECYCULTIST'S HQ, which can only be accessed if the player has completed certain requirements to reach it. SUNNY also has the ability to stab himself if he is equipped with a STEAK KNIFE during a NEUTRAL ENDING or ONE DAY LEFT of the OMORI ROUTE.
While in the lead, AUBREY can use her bat to smash heavy obstacles such as metal blocks, barrels, or vases. Doing so will allow the party to gain further access to some areas, as well as obtaining CLAMS and ITEMS in the case of vases and barrels located within SWEETHEART'S CASTLE and DEEP WELL respectively (See TRIVIA for more info on item dropping). She is also the first character OMORI must tag to progress in the tutorial section covered in the JUNKYARD.
Tagging AUBREY is also necessary to gain a 20 JUICE boost in an event in FOREST PLAYGROUND where the group interacts with BERLY again after completing her sidequest. This ability is the same with her real world counterpart but only used when smashing a large piece of debris in RECYCULTIST'S HQ.
While in the lead, KEL can throw various balls when standing on a elevated platform. In SWEETHEART'S CASTLE, KEL additionally gains the ability to aim his ball in one of three directions. KEL is also the last character OMORI must tag to progress in the tutorial section covered in the JUNKYARD. This ability is the same with his real world counterpart but only used when throwing a ball to lower down a ladder in RECYCULTIST'S HQ.
While in the lead, HERO can charm characters with his charisma. HERO is the second character OMORI must tag to progress in the tutorial section covered in the JUNKYARD. He can also use it to gain discounts on MAILBOXES, and access to the first CLUB SANDWICH area. HERO also briefly uses a red whistle when summoning EMS to aid the party during the JUNKYARD tutorial section.
Tagging HERO is also necessary to gain a 20 ATTACK boost in an event in LAST RESORT's CLUB SANDWICH, where HERO must talk to MR. SCAREBRO a couple of times before taking up his offer to punch him.
This ability is the same with his real world counterpart but only used when persuading some RECYCULTISTS to join SUNNY's party in RECYCULTIST'S HQ, which is necessary to reach the RECYCLEPATH.
In the console versions, BASIL can only be tagged when doing the special BOSS RUSH event with only him and OMORI as the sole party members. This can be done after completing the simulation for the first time. Note that tagging BASIL is only available through the overworld, and that attempting to leave the area with BASIL as the leader will prompt him to ask OMORI if he needs to do anything else before taking on the challenge.
Unlike the other party members, BASIL does not possess any special tag ability. It is also noteworthy that BASIL cannot be taken to any other area as he is only playable via the aforementioned location. Upon completing the special BOSS RUSH event, BASIL can no longer be tagged anymore unless the player has a save file that reloads to a point before the initiating the event.
QUOTES
Mari Tag Intros (All Party Members)
If Omori is tagged:
MARI
Hi, OMORI! Cliff-faced as usual, I see. You should totally smile more! I've always liked your smile.
If Aubrey is tagged:
MARI
Well, hello there, AUBREY! Looking cute today. You always take such good care of your hair.
If Kel is tagged:
MARI
Yo KEL, what's up! You look like you've grown just a bit taller. Maybe one day you'll even be taller than HERO, hehe...
If Hero is tagged:
MARI
Hey there, handsome! Or maybe you prefer... What's cookin', good lookin'?
Hero Tag Interactions (All)
Hero Tag Interactions (Vast Forest)
Hot Diggity Dog (Train Station)
HOT DIGGITY DOG
Hot... diggity... dog! I don't believe my eyes! It's really you, HERO!
HOT DIGGITY DOG
I've been meaning to thank you for all of your volunteer work at the shelter. This is for you!
HOT DIGGITY DOG gave you a HOT DOG somehow.
HOT DIGGITY DOG
Go forth, HERO! Be the caregiver you were always meant to be!
Mountain (Train Station)
MOUNTAIN
Ah. HERO, it has been too long. I have not seen you since you single-handedly put out the great wildfire.
MOUNTAIN
I am honored to be in your presence once again. Please accept this meager offering.
MOUNTAIN opened its mouth and dropped a 4-LEAF CLOVER into your hands.
MOUNTAIN
Go forth, HERO! Be the protector you were always meant to be!
Goosey (Train Station)
GOOSEY
My, you're HERO, aren't you? Do you remember me? Some time ago, you saved my child from falling into a deep ravine!
GOOSEY
Now I can finally repay you for that.
GOOSEY reached under her wing and gave you 100 CLAMS.
GOOSEY
Go forth, HERO! Be the saint you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interactions (Otherworld)
Smol (Smol's House)
SMOL
Oh my goodness, HERO! I'm so happy to finally meet you again!
SMOL
You have done an immense service for my species by saving it from the brink of extinction! Please accept this gift as thanks.
SMOL gave you a handmade FRIENDSHIP BRACELET.
SMOL
Go forth, HERO! Be the defender you were always meant to be!
Lone Mole (Otherworld Outskirts)
LONE MOLE
Hey, what's the big id-
LONE MOLE
Wait, HERO!? Is that really you!? I haven't seen you since you carried me to safety after the great siege!
LONE MOLE
It feels like so long ago... but seeing how strong you are inspired me to be strong, too!
LONE MOLE
Take this gift. You've earned it.
LONE MOLE spit a DONUT into your hands.
LONE MOLE
Go forth, HERO! Be the defender you were always meant to be!
Batzy (Sprout Mole Colony)
BATZY
Oh hi, HERO! I almost didn't recognize you. It's just so dark in this cave.
BATZY
I've always wanted to thank you for the time that you fulfilled my request of escorting me through dangerous terrain. Here! Take this!
BATZY gave you a BUTT PEACH SODA.
BATZY
Go forth, HERO! Be the deliverer you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interaction (Pyrefly Forest)
Box Mole (Sprout Mole Village)
BOX MOLE
HERO... You came back! I've been a changed MOLE since you've shown me the meaning of Christmas. I have you to thank for my new life.
BOX MOLE
This is one of my most valued possessions, but you can have it.
BOX MOLE gave you a SNO-CONE.
BOX MOLE
Go forth, HERO! Be the guide you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interactions (Sweetheart's Castle)
Bones (Two Locations)
The Dungeon:
BONES
Ah... great HERO. You have returned once again. I have not seen you since you defeated the demon king all those years ago.
BONES
I have a reward I was saving for you. Reach into my right eye and you shall receive it.
You reached into BONES's right eye and found 300 CLAMS.
BONES
Go forth, HERO. Be the hero you were always meant to be.
Near the Torture Room:
BONES
Ah... great HERO. You have returned once again. I have not seen you since you defeated the reincarnation of the demon king not so long ago.
BONES
I have a reward I was saving for you. Reach into my left eye and you shall receive it.
You reached into BONES's left eye and found 301 CLAMS.
BONES
Go forth, HERO. Be the hero you were always meant to be.
Tiffany Darling (The Royal Gallery)
TIFFANY DARLING
Oh my! It's you, HERO! You've done a great favor for me. My life has completely changed since you drove the evil spirit out of my house!
TIFFANY DARLING
I am forever in your debt. Take this gift. It should be enough for now!
TIFFANY DARLING gave you a MANGO SMOOTHIE.
TIFFANY DARLING
Go forth, HERO! Be the angel you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interactions (Orange Oasis)
Mina (Rell's House)
MINA
Oh hey, HERO! It's been a while since you helped me gather ingredients for my unlimited cheesecake supply.
MINA
The cheesecake is all for me, though. But you can have this!
MINA gave you a WAFFLE.
MINA
Go forth, HERO! Be the forager you were always meant to be!
Ricoli Ravioli (Near Dino's Dig)
RICOLI RAVIOLI
My man, HERO! How many years has it been since you helped me discover my love of food? You helped me find my dream and I owe you my life for that!
RICOLI RAVIOLI
Take this and don't be shy about it! It's my favorite food and it's definitely enough to share with everyone!
RICOLI RAVIOLI gave you a CHEESE WHEEL.
RICOLI RAVIOLI
Go forth, HERO! Be the mentor you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interactions (Last Resort)
Basket Case (1st Floor)
BASKET CASE
Goodness... Is that really you HERO? You got me out of a huge rut when you helped me file all my taxes. I honestly don't know how I could have done that myself.
BASKET CASE
You truly saved my life! Take this gift. I owe it to you!
BASKET CASE gave you NERDY GLASSES.
BASKET CASE
Go forth, HERO! Be the accountant you were always meant to be!
Silker (1st Floor)
SILKER
Oh hey, HERO. Your presence has always made work so much more bearable.
SILKER
I always think about the time you covered my work shift when I had a last-minute emergency. You deserve some kindness your way, too. Take this!
SILKER opened his wallet and gave you 500 CLAMS.
SILKER
Oh, shoot... Sorry, my mistake. Gotta make sure to cover my taxes first.
SILKER took back the 500 CLAMS.
SILKER gave you 440 CLAMS.
SILKER
Really appreciate what you did for me, HERO. Be the friend you were always meant to be!
Krispy (1st Floor)
KRISPY
Yo, HERO! Thanks again for clearing me from all my debt from the big guy.
KRISPY
I don't wanna know what you had to say to him to get it to happen... but I do know you've really done me a solid.
KRISPY
Take this as thanks... and don't feel bad about it either. We gotta celebrate sometime!
KRISPY gave you CONFETTI.
KRISPY
Go forth, HERO! Be the philanthropist you were always meant to be!
Wolf (3rd Floor)
WOLF
Hey, wait a second... You're that boy who saved my marriage! HERO, was it? I never got the chance to thank you for that.
WOLF
Money's kinda tight right now, but this is all I can spare. Hope that's okay, man. You deserve it.
WOLF reached into his pocket and gave you 143 CLAMS.
WOLF
Go forth, HERO! Be the peacemaker you were always meant to be!
Shamboo (Concierge)
SHAMBOO
Ah... You are the boy who held me accountable for my actions. I have changed my ways since my past confrontation with you... perhaps for the better.
SHAMBOO
It is not much, but take this from me... Please, I insist.
SHAMBOO lifted up his hat and gave you DYNAMITE.
SHAMBOO
Go forth, HERO... Be the pacesetter you were always meant to be...
Touchdown (Concierge)
TOUCHDOWN
Wait just a sec! You're HERO, right? I remember you! Back when I was still a rookie, your training helped me awaken my true potential.
TOUCHDOWN
I don't got much on me right now, but I don't like owing people nothin' either. Take this and let's call it even.
TOUCHDOWN gave you WATERMELON JUICE.
TOUCHDOWN
Go forth, HERO! Be the influence you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interactions (Underwater Highway)
City Slicker (Deep Well)
CITY SLICKER
Well, I'll be! I didn't expect to see you again so soon, HERO!
CITY SLICKER
I've only just gotten out of the hospital since you helped me recover from my surgery. I stole this from the hospital, but don't tell anyone! It's for you!
CITY SLICKER reached into his jacket and gave you MILK.
CITY SLICKER
Go forth, HERO! Be the support you were always meant to be!
Jet Setter (Deep Well)
JET SETTER
Yo, yo, yo! Well if it isn't HERO! I've been looking to repay you since you found and returned my stolen bike!
JET SETTER
You're a cool guy, HERO. Seriously, the coolest. Here's a gift for cool people like you.
JET SETTER reached into his hair and gave you COOL GLASSES.
JET SETTER
Go forth, HERO! Be the justice you were always meant to be!
Skull Crusher (Deep Well)
SKULL CRUSHER
So, HERO! You've come to say hi to the crew, eh? I see the world a whole lot differently since you taught me how to read.
SKULL CRUSHER
Here's the book you used to teach me with. I've been through it tons of times already, so you can have it back.
SKULL CRUSHER reached into his pocket gave you a POETRY BOOK.
SKULL CRUSHER
Education... That's what's irreplaceable, man.
Brick (Deep Well)
BRICK
Wassup, HERO? I've been thinkin' about you every day since you helped me save my family's restaurant.
BRICK
Take this, my guy. It's my family's specialty... You gotta try it!
BRICK unwrapped his bandana and gave you a WHOLE CHICKEN.
BRICK
Go forth, HERO! Be the blessin' you were always meant to be!
Seacow (Seacow Barn)
SEACOW
HERO! I reckon I haven't seen you since you saved the farm!
SEACOW
I never got to thank you properly for that and it's been weighin' on my mind heavily... Nows my chance to return the favor. Take this, partner.
SEACOW gave you a COMBO MEAL somehow.
SEACOW
Go forth, HERO! Be the salami you were always meant to be!
Hero Tag Interaction (Club Sandwich)
Hoagie (Club Sandwich)
HOAGIE
Yo, HERO. I know you'll never bring this up yourself, but... me and REUBEN really owe our lives to you.
HOAGIE
When you said you were going to donate your organs to save REUBEN's life... I didn't think you would actually go through with it.
HOAGIE
You're one of a kind and I hope you know that, HERO. It's not much, but take this.
HOAGIE reached into his shirt and gave you 5000 CLAMS.
HOAGIE
Wishing you good vibes, HERO. Be the donor you were always meant to be!
Tag Tutorials
AUBREY TUTORIAL (JUNKYARD)
KEL
Awww, man! It looks like there's a big block of junk in the way!
HERO
You might even call it... a roadblock... get it?
AUBREY
Not to worry, everyone! This big ol' block is nothing compared to my swing!
AUBREY
Hey OMORI, you know how you can cut roots and traffic cones? Well, you're not the only one with a special ability around here!
AUBREY
I, for one, can smash large blocks out of the way!
AUBREY
KEL and HERO have their own special abilities, too... Although I'm not so sure about KEL... hehe...
AUBREY
Just make me the LEADER by selecting TAG in the PLAYER MENU or by holding tag! I'll get rid of this hunkajunk, easy-peasy!
KEL TUTORIAL (JUNKYARD)
KEL
Ow! What the-! What gives!?
KEL
Heh. Well, whaddya know? There's a weak point on its head! I can recognize one of those anywhere.
KEL
Let's try throwing something at it! I'm sure that'll work.
KEL
That platform there looks like a good place to throw from. TAG me! I got this!
HERO TUTORIAL (JUNKYARD)
KEL
Hey, MR. CONVEYOR-BOT! Switch up those conveyor belts for us already!
MR. CONVEYOR-BOT
Bzzt... Hmph... Rude person...
AUBREY
You can't just yell orders at people, KEL! Geez! Have some tact, will you?
If HERO is already tagged:
HERO
Now, now... There's no need to fuss. I'll handle this one!
If HERO is not tagged:
HERO
Now, now... There's no need to fuss. I'll handle this one! TAG me, OMORI!
Using HERO's tag ability:
HERO
Ahem... Greetings, Sir CONVEYOR-BOT. My companions and I require your assistance in changing the directions of your conveyors. Will you and your friends please help us?
MR. CONVEYOR-BOT
Bzzzzzt! Ahh... Hmm... Nice person... Okay...
KEL TUTORIAL #2 (SWEETHEART'S CASTLE)
KEL
Alright, SWEETHEART... You asked for this!
KEL
HI-YAHHHH!!
KEL
... Dang... I missed.
AUBREY
Oh, silly KEL! You're not going to knock out anything throwing like that!
AUBREY
Why don't you try aiming for once?
KEL
Huh? Aim? I can do that?
AUBREY
Of course! Even you can aim, KEL!
KEL
Alright! I'll give it my best shot!
Tagging Yourself (2018 Demo)
Tagging Omori if he's already tagged as the leader:
You awkwardly TAGGED yourself.
Tagging Aubrey if she's already tagged as the leader:
AUBREY
I can't TAG myself, silly!
Tagging Kel if he's already tagged as the leader:
KEL
TAG, I'M IT!!
KEL
Wait...
Tagging Hero if he's already tagged as the leader:
The HEADSPACE versions of AUBREY, KEL, and HERO were originally planned to have voice lines when being tagged. However, these voice clips were scrapped but still exist in the demo's coding.
In the demo, there was extra dialogue if a selected character decides to tag themselves (excluding OMORI). This was removed in the full game's release.
Early versions of both HEADSPACE and FARAWAY TAG photos had color backgrounds corresponding to a specific character's main color. This was removed for unknown reasons.
The TAG photos' background changes depending on OMORI's location in HEADSPACE. This isn't the same with the FARAWAY TAG photos, as none of the backgrounds change when tagging a party member.
KEL is only shown doing his tag animation facing front when used in-game. Although, the other tag animations do appear only through a debug map accessed through mods or hacking.
Unlike their HEADSPACE counterparts, AUBREY and KEL only face forward when doing their tag actions. This is due to both not having any other tag animations besides facing front.
There are varying chances of AUBREY obtaining a specific item depends on Common Events 81 and 82, both of which are found in the game's data code:
Common Event 81: When smashing a vase, AUBREY has a 1/3 chance of finding TOFU within THE DUNGEON in SWEETHEART'S CASTLE. For the other areas, it has a 20% chance for 2 CLAMS, 10 CLAMS, or 25 CLAMS. This also includes an approximate 10% chance for 30 CLAMS and 30% chance for 250 CLAMS.
DINO'S DIG was originally meant to have three tag backgrounds, matching the battle backgrounds exclusive to a certain floor. However, since the player cannot switch characters due to OMORI being only one using the SPOON, and tagging being available only within the LOBBY ROOM, two of the three backgrounds are unused.
Unlike the TAG polaroids used in HEADSPACE and FARAWAY TOWN, the ones used in BLACK SPACE lack any text despite being listed as "TAGATLAS_BS" in the game's files.
REFERENCES
↑The BLACK SPACE tag polaroid content is currently only available on the console versions of the game.