Hideki Kamiya, the brilliant mind behind the much-loved action-adventure game Okami, has a few words of advice for fans eager to experience this gem: skip the Wii version. Instead, he champions the HD remaster, suggesting it’s the best way to dive into Okami’s beautifully crafted world. This preferred version is a modern take by Capcom, bringing the original PlayStation 2 magic to today’s audience with crisp visuals.
Kamiya stands tall in the gaming universe, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to iconic titles like Resident Evil 2 and the legendary Devil May Cry series, which set a new bar for action-packed gameplay. After his stint at Capcom, he went on to establish PlatinumGames, the studio behind other successful games like Nier: Automata and the Bayonetta series, both of which have been met with critical acclaim and fan devotion.
Recently, Kamiya took to Twitter to clarify a point of confusion regarding the game’s various versions. When a fan posed a question about the ideal starting point for Okami, mistakenly referring to the Wii edition as the original, Kamiya promptly stepped in. He gently corrected the fan, reminding them of the game’s PlayStation 2 roots, and expressed his lack of involvement in the Wii version, crafted by Ready at Dawn. His advice? Stick with Capcom’s official remaster for the true Okami experience.
The seasoned developer didn’t dive into specifics about his reservations with the Wii port, but it seems they stem from the addition of motion controls, a departure from the original gameplay mechanics. While the Wii version was well-received upon release, it faced some criticism over its controls, which required players to wield the Wii remote to manipulate Okami’s celestial brush. Although this feature fits the game’s design, many argue it feels outdated, especially given the smoother experience offered by the HD port. Nintendo didn’t stop there, as they also expanded Okami’s influence onto the DS with its spiritual successor, Okamiden, which took advantage of the touch screen.
In an exciting development, Kamiya recently found himself back in the spotlight with Capcom’s announcement at The Game Awards 2024. A sequel to Okami is officially on its way, something players have been longing for since its initial 2006 release. With Kamiya again taking the helm as director and Capcom in control of development, there’s high hope for a follow-up that remains true to the spirit of its predecessor.
For gamers seeking a visually stunning and immersive experience, the HD remaster of Okami is the way to go. It lets players step into the paws of Amaterasu, the divine sun goddess in the form of a majestic white wolf, tasked with vanquishing the monstrous Orochi and restoring the land of Nippon. Delight in the game’s exquisite Sumi-e ink art style, now in high resolution, either in modern widescreen or the nostalgic 4:3 ratio, complete with interactive loading screens from the original.
Released back in 2006, Okami has built a legacy with its exquisite storytelling and beautifully designed world. Developed by Capcom and Clover Studio with a proprietary engine, the game holds a ‘Mighty’ rating, lauded for its artful depiction of Japanese mythology, despite its T for Teen ESRB rating for themes like blood, gore, and suggestive content. Whether you’re revisiting the magic or discovering it anew, Okami remains a masterpiece worth every moment.
