The announcement of an Okami sequel with Hideki Kamiya as director and the revival of Clover Studio is monumental news for fans of this beloved franchise. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
Okami Sequel – Key Details
- Announcement: Officially revealed at The Game Awards 2024.
- Development Team:
- Directed by Hideki Kamiya, who led the original Okami.
- A revived Clover Studio collaborating with Capcom.
- Art Style: Retains the iconic cel-shaded visuals of the original, which drew heavy inspiration from traditional Japanese sumi-e (ink wash) painting.
- Protagonist: Amaterasu, the white wolf deity from the original game, returns as the central character.
- Mechanics: The Celestial Brush, a defining gameplay feature, is confirmed to make a comeback.
What is the Celestial Brush?
The Celestial Brush is a unique mechanic that allows players to draw symbols or shapes to solve puzzles, manipulate the environment, and engage in combat. While the original Wii version used motion controls for this feature, the sequel is expected to primarily rely on analog stick inputs, as seen in most ports of the original game.
Potential Gameplay Influences
- Zelda Comparisons:
- The original Okami was often likened to The Legend of Zelda for its mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and action.
- With Zelda having evolved significantly through titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it will be interesting to see whether the Okami sequel adopts an open-world format or sticks to a more traditional, structured approach akin to older Zelda games.
- Modern Enhancements:
- Improved pacing could address one of the main criticisms of the original: the excessive dialogue.
- Expanded mechanics for the Celestial Brush could introduce new layers of interactivity, taking advantage of modern hardware capabilities.
Why This Matters
- Clover Studio’s Revival: Clover Studio was behind cult classics like Viewtiful Joe, God Hand, and Okami. Its closure in 2007 was a loss to the gaming world, and its revival for this project is a surprising but welcome move.
- Hideki Kamiya’s Role: After leaving PlatinumGames in late 2023, Kamiya’s involvement in this sequel signals a return to his roots and a focus on delivering a passion project.
What Fans Are Hoping For
- Expanded World:
- Fans are speculating about a larger, more dynamic world, possibly inspired by Breath of the Wild.
- Refined Gameplay:
- Enhanced brush mechanics, better pacing, and new puzzle-solving innovations are high on wishlists.
- A Respectful Evolution:
- While innovation is important, fans hope the sequel stays true to the original’s charm, including its art style, music, and folklore-inspired storytelling.
Why Now?
Capcom’s recent track record of revitalizing beloved franchises (Resident Evil, Street Fighter) suggests they are keen on leveraging nostalgia while updating classics for modern audiences. Given Okami’s enduring popularity and the success of the Okami HD remaster, this sequel feels like a natural step.
Conclusion
The return of Okami with Hideki Kamiya and Clover Studio at the helm is a dream come true for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Whether it leans into open-world design or remains a tightly crafted action-adventure, this sequel has the potential to be a masterpiece.
What are you most excited about for the Okami sequel? Would you prefer a more traditional approach, or are you hoping for an open-world evolution?