Overview of the Upcoming Okami Sequel
- Hideki Kamiya is at the helm of the new Okami project alongside a revitalized Clover Studio.
- The game will retain its iconic cel-shaded art style and reintroduce the Celestial Brush mechanic.
- This sequel marks a significant return for the franchise, which has been dormant since 2010.
Capcom recently confirmed the long-awaited development of a sequel to the critically acclaimed Okami, with the renowned Hideki Kamiya taking the director’s chair. The original title, celebrated as one of the greatest games on the PS2, has seen resounding appreciation through later adaptations on the Wii and various modern platforms. However, fans faced nearly 20 years of uncertainty regarding the franchise’s future, especially after the closure of Clover Studio and the lack of a new title since Okamiden in 2010.
Following the dissolution of Clover Studio, many of its talent, including Kamiya, transitioned to form PlatinumGames—a studio that has since become a powerhouse in the gaming industry, known for its innovative titles like Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101. In a surprising twist, Kamiya stepped away from PlatinumGames in late 2023, which leads to the thrilling announcement of his involvement in the Okami sequel.
During The Game Awards 2024, it was revealed that Kamiya, alongside a resurrected Clover Studio, is collaborating with Capcom on the upcoming Okami sequel. Although the teaser trailer was brief and omitted gameplay footage, it provided tantalizing hints about the sequel’s design. Fans can expect the return of Amaterasu, the iconic white wolf, and the distinctive cel-shaded art style that defined the original game, alongside the beloved Celestial Brush mechanic.
Official Teaser Trailer for Okami Sequel
Watch the Teaser Trailer
For those unfamiliar with Okami, the Celestial Brush allows players to draw on the screen to interact with the environment—repairing objects, maneuvering elements, and engaging in combat. This feature has been pivotal to the gameplay experience, making its return in the sequel highly anticipated. While the original Wii version utilized motion controls for this mechanic, expectations suggest that the sequel might revert to the analog stick controls prevalent in most iterations of the game.
The legacy of Clover Studio is also noteworthy, having created influential games like Viewtiful Joe and God Hand.
As Okami is often likened to Nintendo’s renowned Legend of Zelda series, it’s reasonable to speculate that the sequel might draw inspiration from Zelda’s evolution over recent years. With Nintendo’s innovative new titles like Breath of the Wild pushing the boundaries of open-world design, it would be fascinating to see how the Okami sequel adapts these influences. Additionally, addressing feedback on excessive dialogue from the original title could enhance the overall gameplay experience. As development progresses, excitement builds around the prospect of a new chapter for the beloved Okami franchise.
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