Okami Sequel: Everything We Know

Renowned Japanese video game developer Hideki Kamiya publicly begged Capcom to let him make a sequel to Okami back in July. His appeal worked, as Capcom recently announced Okami Sequel at The Game Awards 2024. It was a delightful surprise revealed with much pomp, with a drummer and a big orchestra. It is inarguably big news, considering how exceptional and popular Okami was, and the pomp was definitely worth it.

Okami Sequel is still in the earliest stages of development. Moreover, very little is known about the game’s features, its release date, and other crucial details. Nevertheless, we can make accurate speculations based on the information we have and what we know about the original game. Here is a preview of everything we know about Okami Sequel.

What is Okami Sequel?

Okami Sequel is the sequel to the popular game Okami. Notably, this is not the game’s official title, and many people have also dubbed it Okami 2.

The game’s announcement surprised many fans, most of whom didn’t expect a sequel to the cult classic. However, Capcom has been laying the groundwork for the sequel for some time now. The company recently polled fans earlier this year to see if they were interested in sequels for Okami and other games like Breath of Fire and Dead Rising.

Moreover, Hideki Kadiya, the director of Okami, has been appealing for a sequel. “Creators, I think, have a duty to create sequels fans want to see. Although I sound all high and mighty, it’s been a while since I moved on from Okami. But I still feel like I haven’t fulfilled my duty. So, Capcom, please, let’s do it together.,” said Kadiya in a public interview.

Story

The story in Okami Sequel is still a mystery. However, it will likely be connected to the original story based on the scenes in the trailer. The original story is about Amaterasu, a sun goddess in the form of a wolf, fighting against demons that have cursed the land. The story is quite engaging and complex. Moreover, it has a rather satisfying ending, with Amaterasu beating the demons, lifting the curses, and restoring the land’s beauty and productivity. As such, it will be interesting to see how the story evolves in Okami Sequel.

Gameplay

The gameplay for Okami Sequel will be based on the original gameplay. The gameplay in Okami involves exploration, adventure, puzzle-solving, and storytelling. Moreover, the gameplay mechanics involve the use of the Celestial Brush. This feature enables players to draw symbols on the screen to fight enemies, solve puzzles, restore the world, and do more.

Okami Sequel will likely leverage advances in gaming technology hardware and software to improve Celestial Brush mechanics. As such, it may feature multi-step brush combinations and entirely new brush features. More advanced brush mechanics can improve all other aspects of the overall gameplay, including exploration, combat, puzzles, and storytelling.

The new game also promises better exploration and adventure mechanics. The original game features a semi-open world layout. In contrast, Okami Sequel could feature a massive open world with interconnected regions that you can explore freely. It could also feature day-and-night cycles and dynamic weather. Interestingly, the world could feature environmental puzzles and hidden secrets that would make exploration more engaging and rewarding.

Scenes from the game’s official trailer also suggest that it could feature a better art style and more appealing visuals. Most notably, the game eliminates hard ink outlines, enabling more natural transitions in shading and color. Moreover, it features warmer and softer color gradients. The new visuals give the game’s world a more hand-painted appearance and feel. The improvement in visuals will also impact the storytelling experience, as the original Okami game used art direction to deliver its story.

The combat mechanics in Okami are unique, as they are based on Celestial Brush mechanics. Okami Sequel could feature better, more dynamic combat mechanics thanks to improved brush mechanics. It will also likely feature more complex and engaging puzzles.

Development

Hideki Kamiya will direct the development of Okami Sequel. Kamiya was also the director in the development of the original Okami, and his input went a long way in making the game so outstanding. He has also directed other famous games like Bayonetta and Resident Evil 2. The game is still in the earliest stages of development, considering that Kamiya’s public appeal to develop it was only six months ago.

In an interesting twist, while the original Okami game was developed by Clover, Okami Sequel will be developed by Clovers. Clover closed down shortly after Okami’s launch. Many of the staff members, including Hideki Kamiya, then formed a new studio called PlatinumGames.

However, Kamiya recently left PlatinumGames and will work with Clovers to develop Okami Sequel. Moreover, Clovers comprises many of the staff members from Clover. Notably, Clovers will also partner with Machine Head Woks Inc. and M-TWO Inc. in the development of Okami Sequel.

Trailer

The official trailer for Okami Sequel debuted at The Game Awards 2024 alongside its official announcement. It is a one-minute glimpse at the new game’s world and the beloved Amaterasu. The new world looks lighter and more vibrant, highlighting the improvements in visuals and art style. Moreover, it features one scene showcasing the Celestial Brush mechanics. Unfortunately, the trailer doesn’t showcase much of the gameplay mechanics or the world setting.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

The developers have not specified a release date for Okami Sequel. However, it will not be any time soon, as the game is still in its infancy.

It is also unclear which platforms will support Okami Sequel. However, it is likely that it will be compatible with the next Nintendo console and other next-gen gaming platforms. The next Nintendo console could feature enhanced motion controls, which could help with the game’s Celestial Brush techniques. It could also be compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

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