The Game Awards 2023 concluded with a truly unexpected reveal: a sequel to Capcom’s cult classic, Okami. After a dramatic introduction, a familiar art style appeared on screen, showcasing a mysterious creature traversing a vibrant landscape. The camera pulled back to reveal the Okami logo, confirming the long-awaited sequel, with director Hideki Kamiya returning to the project.
This surprise announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community. Going into 2024, expectations were modest, perhaps a next-gen remaster at best. A full sequel was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.
Originally released on PlayStation 2 in 2006 by Capcom and Clover Studio, Okami later found its way to Wii, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Despite critical acclaim, the game’s initial sales were underwhelming. However, positive word-of-mouth cultivated a dedicated fanbase over the years, ultimately leading to this sequel announcement.
Okami is steeped in Japanese folklore, casting players as the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Summoned by Sakuya, guardian of Kamiki Village, Amaterasu must restore the land after the eight-headed demon Orochi escapes imprisonment and curses the world. Taking the form of a white wolf, Amaterasu embarks on a journey to revitalize the land and confront the enigmatic Waka.
The game’s signature mechanic, the Celestial Brush, allows players to interact with the world in unique ways. By pausing the game and drawing on a canvas, players can restore elements, affect enemies, and even create objects. Drawing a bridge will manifest it in the game world, while slashes can attack opponents and circles can conjure powerful winds. Upgrades unlock additional abilities, such as wielding fire. However, ink is a finite resource, requiring careful management.
Okami’s distinctive sumi-e inspired art style, reminiscent of Japanese ink painting, has allowed the game to age gracefully. The sequel appears to embrace this aesthetic, promising a visual feast enhanced by the power of next-gen hardware. The Celestial Brush mechanic is also poised to benefit from the increased capabilities of platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X.
The original Okami’s core gameplay revolved around exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, all enhanced by the Celestial Brush. Players could use the brush to repair bridges, revive wilted plants, and defeat enemies.
This sequel announcement has reignited interest in the original Okami, prompting many to revisit the classic title or experience it for the first time. The anticipation for this new chapter in the Okami saga is palpable.
