Summary
A sequel to the cult classic 2006 action-adventure game,Okami, was finally announced at the 2024 Game Awards. It is far from the first sequel no one expected to happen, but the announcement is particularly noteworthy because it marks Hideki Kamiya’s return to Capcom.
His directing the game also gives gamers hope that the sequel will be a true successor to the unique predecessor. The sequel is still years away, though, so fans have plenty of time if they’re looking for somegames to play while waiting forOkami 2. Of course, now is as good a time as any to play the originalOkamifor those who have not done so, but there are also plenty of other great options available.
One surprising thing about revisitingOkamiis how interactive the world is. There are many little details and objects to toy around with that are not vital to the plot. These subtle systems are reminiscent ofthe open-world playground ofTears of the Kingdom, only on a smaller scale and not quite as physics-based.
PlayingTears of the Kingdomwill make one think that maybeOkami2will go for a similar ambition. The firstOkamiwas heavily influenced byZelda, so maybe the sequel will similarly be influenced by the newerZeldaformula.
If a dog or an animal is involved in the story, many automatically assume thatthe ending will make players cry. It would be wrong to spoil anything here, but it can still be confirmed thatNevais a great side-scrolling platformer with puzzles. The art is also gorgeous and unique, another facet that connects it toOkami.
The minimal hud makes every second look like a painting. The developer previously made a name for itself withGris, another title known for its stunning art and emotional narrative.
Viewtiful Joeis another game from Hideki Kamiya from the same generation. UnlikeOkami,Viewtiful Joeisa side-scrolling action game. The titular character is taken into movieland where he must save his girlfriend. He then transforms into a superhero thanks to the help of a V-Watch.
The cel-shaded art style is immediately appealing, and the combat is surprisingly challenging and diverse despite the 2D gameplay. LikeOkami, the game was not a huge success but reviewed well among critics.
Icowasa visual showcase early in the PS2’s life, and its art is still impressive today after all these years. The game mixes puzzle-solving and some light combat as players have to guide a princess out of the castle. The story is obtuse, but players will come to understand everything they need to.
The puzzles are not difficult, but they are just intense enough to make most players think for a second or two. It is fun to go through the game a second time and speed through it once one knows how to solve all the puzzles.
Though not directly related,Icotakes place in the same world asShadow of the ColossusandThe Last Guardian.
Bayonetta Originsis a bit of a curveball for the series. It is a puzzle-adventure game taking place centuries before the debut title.While the spin-off might sound like a strange turnforBayonettaand developer Platinum games, it is important to remember that this series shares the same DNA asOkami,having both come from the mind of Hideki Kamiya.
Even more than the puzzle-centered gameplay, the painterly art style will also remind players ofOkami.Bayonetta Originsis a completely different vibe from the main games, but it is a great game nonetheless.
Resident Evil 2is not so much worth playing because it is likeOkami. It is worth playing because it was also directed Hideki Kamiya.Comparing the spine-tingling terror of one of the most celebrated sequels of all time toOkamijust goes to show how varied the game designer’s output is.
A mark of a true artist is their ability to produce works in a variety of genres and tones within the medium.It is like David Lynchbeing able to jump fromBlue VelvettoThe Straight Story.
It is easy to see the influenceZeldahad onOkamiwhen playingOcarina of Time. The idea of a tool like the Ocarina changing the world in order to solve puzzles is a lot like the Celestial Brush mechanic fromOkami.
WhileOcarina of Timeis not really an open-world game, it does have open fields for exploring that encourage a sense of adventure. On top of the influential gameplay that helped set up the blueprint for 3D game design along withSuper Mario 64,the world itself is beautifully crafted and inspired many young gamers' imaginations.
Okamiis not the only game that features a drawing mechanic.Chicory: A ColorfulTaleis 2D, but it utilizes a painting mechanic as the main gameplay hook. The world is black-and-white, but players can paint it and slowly give it color.
There is more to the painting as the game progresses, as new abilities let players solve new puzzles. The game also features no combat, except for some skippable boss battles. This unique gameplay is wrapped up ina surprisingly touching narrative about art and artists.
