Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, allowed us to sit down for an exclusive two-hour interview with the creative minds behind the eagerly anticipated sequel to Okami. We delved into the project's details with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared insights on their vision for the game, its origins, and what fans can look forward to.
We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and believe you will too, whether you choose to watch or read the full interview here. For those short on time, we've highlighted the key points that Okami enthusiasts will find most intriguing:
The Okami Sequel is Being Made in RE Engine
One of the most significant announcements from our discussion is that the Okami sequel will utilize Capcom's advanced RE Engine. This choice was made to bring to life aspects of the original Okami vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. Although some Clover team members are new to this engine, Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, is stepping in to bridge this gap.
Some Mystery Ex-Platinum Developers Are Working on the Game, via Machine Head Works
Rumors have circulated about talent departing from PlatinumGames, including developers closely associated with Hideki Kamiya and those who contributed to the original Okami. While specific names weren't confirmed, Kamiya hinted that former Platinum and Capcom employees are now part of the project through Machine Head Works. We eagerly await more details on this.
Capcom's Wanted to Make an Okami Sequel for a While
Despite the initial poor sales of Okami, its growing success with each new platform release has kept it on Capcom's radar. As Hirabayashi explained, the right team needed to be assembled, and it has taken time for everything to come together. Now, with Kamiya and Machine Head Works involved, the stage is set for a sequel.
This *Is* a Direct Sequel
Clarifying any ambiguity, Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed that this is indeed a direct continuation of the original Okami story. Without spoiling the ending for newcomers, rest assured the narrative leaves ample room for expansion.
And Yes, That *Is* Amaterasu in the Trailer
The beloved character Amaterasu, the origin of all that is good and mother to us all, is making a return in the trailer.
Okamiden... Exists
The Nintendo DS follow-up, Okamiden, is acknowledged by Capcom, but it didn't meet everyone's expectations. Hirabayashi noted that while Okamiden has its fans, feedback on its story has been mixed. The upcoming sequel will directly continue the original Okami's storyline, aligning more closely with fan expectations.
Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots
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Hideki Kamiya Reads Your Social Media Posts About Okami
It's no surprise that Hideki Kamiya is active on social media, and he uses it to gauge fan expectations for the sequel. However, he emphasized that their goal isn't to create exactly what fans request but to craft a game that fulfills the fun and excitement fans anticipate while staying true to their creative vision.
Rei Kondoh Composed the Song for the Okami Sequel Trailer at TGAs
Renowned composer Rei Kondoh, known for his work on Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, and the original Okami's iconic "Rising Sun," has confirmed his involvement in arranging the song for the Okami sequel trailer at The Game Awards. This suggests his potential return for the full soundtrack.
The Okami Sequel is Very, Very Early in Development Still
The team announced the sequel early out of enthusiasm but urged fans to remain patient. Hirabayashi stressed that quality will not be sacrificed for speed, and Sakata added that the project is driven by a team passionate about the series. They're working diligently to meet fan expectations, but it may be some time before we receive further updates.
You can dive into our comprehensive interview with the Okami sequel's lead developers here.
