Okami 2 Insights: Exclusive Creator Interview Reveals All

Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, was highlighted by an in-depth two-hour interview with the creative minds behind the upcoming Okami sequel. We had the privilege of speaking with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata about their ambitious plans for the project, its origins, and what fans can anticipate from this eagerly awaited sequel.

For those who are eager to dive into the full discussion, you can watch or read the entire interview here. However, if you're looking for a quick summary of the key takeaways, we've got you covered with the highlights that Okami enthusiasts will find most intriguing:

The Okami sequel is being crafted with the RE Engine

One of the most exciting revelations from our interview is that the Okami sequel is being developed using Capcom's cutting-edge RE Engine. This choice is driven by the engine's ability to bring to life aspects of the original Okami vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. While some at Clover are new to the RE Engine, Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, is stepping in to bridge the expertise gap. Speaking of which...

Mystery ex-Platinum developers are on board, thanks to Machine Head Works

Rumors have swirled about talent departing from PlatinumGames, including key figures from the original Okami team. When we pressed for details, Kamiya hinted at the involvement of some ex-Platinum and ex-Capcom developers through Machine Head Works, though he kept the specifics under wraps. We'll have to stay tuned to see who exactly is contributing to this project.

Capcom has been eager to revisit Okami for some time

Despite the initial commercial underperformance of the first Okami game, Capcom has been closely watching its growing sales across various platforms. This has sparked interest in a sequel for quite some time. As Hirabayashi explained, the right team needed to come together, and now, with Kamiya and Machine Head Works on board, the stars have aligned for this project to move forward.

This is a direct sequel to the original Okami

With the announcement of an "Okami sequel," there was some uncertainty about its nature. However, Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed that this is indeed a direct continuation of the original game's story, picking up right where it left off. This sequel promises to expand on the narrative without spoiling the original for newcomers.

Amaterasu returns in the trailer

The beloved protagonist, Amaterasu, makes a triumphant return in the trailer, reaffirming her central role in the Okami universe.

Okamiden's place in the Okami universe

The Nintendo DS follow-up, Okamiden, is acknowledged by Capcom, but it's clear that the new sequel aims to align more closely with the expectations set by the original Okami. Hirabayashi noted the mixed feedback on Okamiden's story and emphasized that the new sequel will continue directly from the original game's narrative.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya engages with fans on social media

It's no secret that Hideki Kamiya is active on social media, and he confirmed that he pays attention to fan feedback regarding Okami. While he values fans' expectations, Kamiya emphasized that the team's goal is to create a fun and engaging sequel, not just to meet specific requests.

Rei Kondoh's musical contribution to the Okami sequel

The talented composer Rei Kondoh, known for his work on games like Bayonetta and the original Okami, has crafted the arrangement of "Rising Sun" featured in the Okami sequel trailer at The Game Awards. This suggests his involvement in the new game's soundtrack, adding another layer of excitement for fans.

The Okami sequel is in the early stages of development

The team announced the Okami sequel early out of enthusiasm but urged fans to remain patient. Hirabayashi stressed that quality is their priority over speed, and while it may be some time before we hear more, the developers are deeply committed to creating a game that lives up to the Okami legacy.

You can delve into our comprehensive interview with the Okami sequel's lead developers right here.