When Okami was initially released in 2006, it was somewhat of an oddity. Virtually no games that came before it had pulled off the Zelda archetype without being coined as a clone, but Okami took Nintendo’s true and tested formula and implemented it in a fully realised world that set it apart from the original.
The game drew its lore from Japanese myth and legend, giving it a depth unlike that of the Zelda series. This was reinforced by Okami’s alternative brushtroke style of art and stronger focus on characterisation. Surprisingly, the game did not sell well, neither inside, nor outside of Japan. Despite this, Okami was highly praised and drew enough of a following for it to spawn two remakes (on Wii and in HD on PS3) and an indirect sequel (Okamiden on the 3DS).
Best Bit
Okami’s fanbase can be attributed to its cohesive sense of self. Its presentation was above and beyond the expectations of the PlayStation 2, easily meeting the requirements of the following generation with its HD remake.
The initial release showed potential in its cel-shaded visuals, but they remained blurry, soiled by the generation’s inability to process them. The shift to 1080p in the HD release showed the graphics for what they originally aspired. After upscaling, the textures could have done with a touch-up, but the style as a whole allowed the blandness of individual textures to be forgiven.
Okami’s visuals were only a factor of its presentation; its music and sound effects, both of which used traditional Japanese instruments, added to its historical eastern atmosphere. Coupled with the sweeping landscapes and the flowering effect that appears behind the character as she runs, the game has the effect of a living piece of art. It was this sense of originality that set Okami apart from other Zelda-esque games, despite its strict adherence to the format.
Worst Bit
Although Zelda games have proven a hit over the years, Okami’s initial release highlighted the need for a revival of the genre. Its otherwise impressive length drew attention to how stale the format had become. The character will delve into dungeons, solve puzzles and make the world a better place by defeating one boss at a time. It is a format that works, and one that encourages the player to keep playing through the promise of continuous upgrades and new areas to explore. However, after the sixth, seventh or even eighth dungeon, it can begin to feel monotonous – and Okami does little in the way of deviating from this structure. The HD remake, despite the visual upscale, served only to act as a reminder of how the genre has failed to develop over the last decade.
To make it worse, Okami HD added little to the game in terms of modernisation. Trophies were added, as would be expected for a PS3 title, but there is no additional content within the game. Okami HD stays true to the original to the point of being nothing more than its name would imply: an HD remake.
Over 8 years have passed since the initial release of Okami, and the PS2 and PS3 have made way for the subsequent generations. Likewise, the Zelda series has had several new installments, most notably in the form of Skyward Sword and A Link Between Worlds. They succeeded in taking a small step away from the strict format of the genre, but room for originality within the Zelda archetype is quickly decreasing.
If the Okami series were to follow suit and have a fully-fledged sequel, the world of Okami HD would stand as a strong foundation for a leap in a new direction. With its poor sales record, the series may never get the opportunity for a sequel, but until we know, Okami HD is well worth a playthrough. It may not have redefined the genre, but Sony’s lone wolf stands proudly in a Nintendo heavy domain.
Kennykazey
Thanks for reminding me to go back and finish this game. It’s got a very likable atmosphere, and is very reminiscent of Twilight Princess’ wolf sections, but better. The confined fights, bringing back colour to the land, the spiritual gods, the imp-like helper, the dungeons, the large and fairly open overworld, the wolf…. Capcom should grow some balls and do a proper sequel on PS4.
Darksiders is also quite Zelda-esque. And a lot of fun.
salvodaze
On the same train, I need to go back and finish this. What a visual treat.
Blair Inglis
I played the first half an hour of this, then it didn’t save, and couldn’t be bothered watching the huge cutscene at the start again. I love Zelda though, and am really craving some more, so might go back now that I’ve got some time!
wonkey-willy
apart from the annoying beeping,squeaking sounds that were used for the speech,this game was out well before its time.
the art style in this game was beautiful and the innovation behind drawing with the pad would lend itself well to the move or even the ps4 touch pad,(vita version maybe?)
one of few hd remakes that i really enjoyed.
Kennykazey
I found it to be more playable without the move, honestly…
TSBonyman
Thanks for the reminder, i tried this on PS2 and could not get the drawing controls to work properly. I downloaded it again when it was free on plus, meaning to try it with Move but shamefully forgot about it again. I’ll charge up the Move this weekend and give it a go.
lambchop
I actually just had a go on this for the first time this week. By god its a hard slog to get to the bit where you actually get to play……
Steelhead
Bought this on sale several months ago. Really need to get round to it.
tonycawley
I didn’t get to play it. I turned it on, watched about an hour of insane gibberish and deleted it. Biggest waste of an hour of my entire life.
Sam Paterson
It seems that the voice effects annoy a lot of people. You should be able to speed the chatter up by holding triangle and can turn it down in the sound options (under sound effects, I think).
If you want to get your money’s worth, I’d say it’s worth slogging through the hour long tutorial again.