Why I’m Excited for Okami 2 After 17 Years: A Guide to Playing the Original Okami

The highly anticipated sequel to Okami has finally been unveiled, marking a significant moment for fans who have long hoped for a continuation of this beloved franchise. After years of speculation surrounding its development, Capcom made the exciting announcement during The Game Awards 2024, showcasing a captivating cinematic trailer. The trailer features a wolf navigating through shadowy woods, and upon emerging into sunlight, the iconic Divine Retribution reflector of Amaterasu appears on its back.

In a delightful homage to the original game, we witness the wolf’s journey through a vibrant field, where flowers bloom in its wake, resonating with the enchanting experiences of the first Okami. The cinematic concludes with a mesmerizing paintbrush drawing a circle around the burgeoning flowers, prompting them to bloom, directly referencing Amaterasu’s signature Bloom technique enabled by the Celestial Brush. Ultimately, the announcement reaffirms that the sequel will be directed by Hideki Kamiya, the visionary behind the original title. This confirmation has created immense excitement among fans, making it the standout announcement from The Game Awards 2024.

A Welcome Surprise for Hopeful Fans

Kamiya’s Return as Director Brings Comfort

While the sequel to Okami has not yet been officially titled nor assigned a specific release window, its announcement has ignited excitement among gamers, particularly given the return of Kamiya. The original release in 2006 captured players’ imaginations with its stunning artwork and storytelling, crafting an experience that was considered a masterpiece. Although the first installment concluded its narrative, the artistry and world-building left players yearning for more. The demise of Clover Studio in 2007 seemed to extinguish any hope for a sequel.

In 2020, optimism was rekindled when former Clover Studio artist Ikumi Nakamura expressed that the chances for an Okami 2 were “pretty high,”hoping that Kamiya would reprise his role to maintain the sequel’s artistic vision. Despite a favorable Easter egg featuring Amaterasu in Monster Hunter Rise in 2021, the notion of a new title felt almost like a distant dream. as Okami holds a special place in my heart, the surprise announcement at TGA 2024 left me overwhelmed with joy at the prospect of once again controlling Amaterasu and exploring the reimagined Nippon.

Nearly two decades have passed since the original game’s launch, and I believe that with Kamiya’s extensive experience—gained from working on acclaimed titles like Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta—this sequel has the potential to surpass the original. Even though the cancellation of Scalebound was disappointing, Kamiya’s impressive track record suggests he is poised to deliver another high-quality game experience.

Okami: A Benchmark in Creative Game Design

Even After 20 Years, It Sets New Standards

Despite its age, Okami remains relevant and compelling, especially with its HD re-release for modern consoles. The game was groundbreaking upon its release due to its unique art style, which combined ink-wash painting techniques with cel-shaded graphics. Playing Okami is akin to stepping into a living traditional art piece from the Muromachi period. The integration of the Celestial Brush into gameplay allowed players to engage actively with the artistic themes, offering a fresh perspective on interactive storytelling.

Gameplay innovations, including using the Celestial Brush for unlocking abilities and solving puzzles, showcased the ingenuity and creativity developers can achieve within a high-budget project. The game’s design ensured a seamless learning curve for players, as they discovered new Celestial Brush techniques through challenges and engaged in exciting boss fights. While the combat may seem simplified at first, Amaterasu’s diverse weapon types add complexity and foster personalized gameplay, significantly enhancing the game’s replayability.

Beyond gameplay mechanics, Okami adopts a refreshingly unique narrative approach, exploring Japanese mythology, particularly Shintoism, rather than the conventional samurai tropes prevalent in many games. My early fascination with various mythologies was heightened by Okami. It motivated me to delve into research on Shinto beliefs and the folklore that informed the game’s characters and storylines.

Through its captivating rendition of Japan—referred to as Nippon in the game—Okami broadened my understanding of the region’s history and cultural richness. As an Asian American, the game deepened my appreciation of my heritage and spurred a desire to learn more. The exquisite soundtrack accompanying Okami further enriches the experience, beautifully complementing each profound narrative moment.

With such fond reminiscences of the original Okami, my anticipation for its sequel is palpable. For those yet to experience the joy of basking in Amaterasu’s sunlight, I highly recommend diving into the original, which continues to shine as a masterpiece nearly two decades later. For those who have shared this journey, I eagerly await our next adventure together in Okami‘s sequel.

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