
Okami 2 Announced Nearly Two Decades After Original Game's Release | Image Source: kotaku.com
LOS ANGELES, December 13, 2024 – After almost two decades of anticipation, a sequel to the acclaimed Okami game was officially announced at this year’s Game Awards. This announcement, accompanied by an impressive musical medley, confirmed the return of Hideki Kamiya, the original director, to double the project under Capcom’s new studio, Covers. This new brand marks an important moment for fans who have long celebrated the original Okami as a masterpiece, despite their initial commercial performance.
Okami’s legacy
Published in 2006, Okami is a star title of PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii. As Kotaku said, the game won a wide critical acclaim and even guaranteed the title of the game of the year. However, their sales did not match the brilliant critics, making them a classic cult rather than a general success. The innovative game mechanics, inspired by traditional Japanese folklore, and its unique “Space brush” characteristic of captivated players, offering an artistic and innovative gaming experience.
The players used brushes to solve the puzzle and defeat the enemies, a mechanic who put Okami apart from other action-adventure games of his time. The visual style, deeply rooted in traditional Japanese ink painting, has consolidated its heritage as an artistic achievement in the history of the game. According to fans and critics, there has been nothing like this since, until now.
Hideki Kamiya returns to Capcom
The announcement Okami 2 comes with another surprising development: the return of Hideki Kamiya to Capcom. Kamiya, who directed Okami under Clover Studio, is a famous figure in the game world, having previously directed iconic titles such as Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. After Okami’s release, he left Capcom and co-founded PlatinumGames, where he created the Bayonetta series and other successful action games.
In a previous interview with IGN, Kamiya explained his decision to leave PlatinumGames, pointing out that he had no immediate plan or specific collaboration in mind. He shared, “When I left PlatinumGames, I really had no other aligned plan. After quitting smoking, I spent some time watching movies and television shows. But when I started thinking about it, I found that I already had a clear idea of a game I’d like to do.” His return to Capcom to lead Covers Studio indicates his willingness to bring these ideas to life with the long-awaited follow-up of Okami.
The announcement in the reward game
During the Game Awards, host Geoff Keighley released the first titles of Okami 2. While the details about the game remain rare, the revelation generated a huge emotion among fans. The announcement was accompanied by a musical performance that paid tribute to the band’s beloved of the original game, further refining the anticipation of what will happen. Although development seems to be in its early stages, the news has been enough to revive the passion of Okami’s fan base.
According to Kotaku, the new Covers Studio under Capcom will lead the project, with Kamiya at the helm. This development represents a complete moment for the director, while he returns to the company where his journey with Okami began almost 20 years ago.
Okami’s permanent call
Since its initial release, Okami has seen several versions, including a remaster HD available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. In addition, a spiritual successor called Kamiden was launched in the Nintendo DS, introducing a new generation of players into the game world. These releases and adaptations helped maintain the relevance of the game and ensured that its unique charm continues to resonate with the old and new audience.
Despite its limited commercial success, the critical reception of the original game and the sustained support of fans kept the possibility of a live suite. Fans waited patiently, knowing that a sequel should meet the legacy of his predecessor. Okami’s announcement 2 finally met its long-standing hopes, promising a new chapter of franchise that could redefine the kind of action – adventure once again.
What to expect from Okami 2
While the details of Okami 2 remain at stake, their connection to the original suggests that it will continue to attract Japanese folklore and mythology. Fans can probably expect the return of the celestial Cepillo mechanic, possibly with new and innovative features to enjoy modern gaming technology. The participation of Kamiya and the creative team of Covers Studio further increases the expectations of a suite that remains true to the spirit of the original because it pushes the limits of what an Okami game can achieve.
According to Kotaku, the announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the Okami franchise. Although no launch date has been confirmed, fans seem ready to wait, confident that the rest is worth it.
Okami’s return through his long-awaited sequel is a testament to the lasting impact of the original game. With Hideki Kamiya again on the stand, this project has the potential to offer an experience that honours the original while forging new paths in the game. For fans, the announcement is not only the rebirth of a beloved franchise but a celebration of the artist and the timeless innovation that Okami represents.