In a groundbreaking announcement at The Game Awards 2024, the highly anticipated Okami 2 was revealed, leaving fans and even host Geoff Keighley emotional. This surprise unveiling shed light on a sequel to the beloved PlayStation 2 classic, Okami, which had garnered a cult following since its release in 2006. Despite the excitement surrounding this sequel, many details about the game remained shrouded in mystery, including its official title. However, recent insights from director Hideki Kamiya and the development team have started to unveil the secrets of this long-awaited project.
Unveiling the Details of Okami 2
During a recent interview with IGN, Hideki Kamiya and his team shared what fans can expect from this sequel, which comes two decades after the original game captured the hearts of players. In Okami, gamers assumed the role of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, embodied in the form of a white wolf with unique ink abilities. Tasked with freeing a vibrant, painterly countryside from demonic curses, players experienced a gameplay experience unlike any other, inspired by the iconic Legend of Zelda series.
Despite the critical acclaim and a follow-up game titled Okamiden released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, Capcom had seemingly abandoned the franchise due to lackluster sales. The question arises: why revisit the enchanting world of Okami after all these years, especially when the gaming industry seems fixated on blockbuster titles with mass appeal? The answer to this burning question and other crucial details about the upcoming game were revealed in a recent feature by IGN.
Behind the Scenes Revelations
Capcom’s decision to resurrect Okami stemmed from a desire to bring back the beloved title while waiting for Hideki Kamiya’s availability. Having previously worked at Platinum Games until 2023, Kamiya’s return to helm Okami 2 signified a significant milestone for fans. Moreover, the development team opted to utilize the RE Engine, a cutting-edge technology employed in major Capcom titles, to bring Kamiya’s artistic vision to life in this project.
The sequel will serve as a direct continuation of the original game’s narrative, as Kamiya expressed his sentiment that the story was left unfinished. Despite the game being announced in December, development has only recently commenced, hinting at the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that fans can anticipate. In a bid to make the game accessible to a wider audience, Kamiya emphasized the importance of updating the control scheme to ensure that players of all ages can enjoy the experience, even if they are not seasoned gamers.
From a sales perspective, Okami has performed better than perceived, with sales across various platforms and the HD remaster totaling 4.6 million units. Moreover, the development team boasts a blend of seasoned veterans from the original game, with Kiyohiko Sakata from Capcom partner studio Heart Machine Games leading the charge on the HD port. While details about the game’s budget and launch remain scant, Capcom’s track record demonstrates that even smaller releases can deliver exceptional gaming experiences, akin to the critically acclaimed Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess released in 2024.
As fans eagerly await further revelations about Okami 2, the prospect of a return to the enchanting world of Amaterasu and her companions sparks a sense of nostalgia and excitement. While some may envision a sprawling open world akin to modern AAA titles, maintaining the sequel’s focus and charm from the original game could be the key to preserving the essence of Okami and delivering a memorable gaming experience to both new and seasoned players alike. The journey towards the release of Okami 2 promises to be an exciting one, filled with anticipation and hope for a sequel that lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.
