Okami 2 Revelations: Exclusive Creator Interview Insights

Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, provided us with an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the development of the much-anticipated sequel to Okami. In a comprehensive two-hour interview, we engaged with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared their vision, the project's origins, and what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter in the Okami saga.

The full interview is available for you to watch or read, offering an in-depth look at the sequel. For those short on time, we've distilled the key highlights that Okami enthusiasts will find most intriguing:

The Okami Sequel Utilizes RE Engine

A significant revelation from our interview is that the upcoming Okami sequel is being developed using Capcom's advanced RE Engine. This choice was made because the engine can bring to life aspects of the original Okami's vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. While some at Clover are new to this engine, Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, is lending their expertise to bridge this gap.

Ex-Platinum Developers Join Via Machine Head Works

Rumors have swirled about talent leaving PlatinumGames, including key figures who contributed to the original Okami. While our questions about specific individuals like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura were met with a coy response, Kamiya hinted at the involvement of former Platinum and Capcom staff through Machine Head Works. The exact identities of these contributors remain a mystery for now.

Capcom's Longstanding Interest in an Okami Sequel

Contrary to popular belief, Capcom has not been dismissive of Okami's potential. Despite its initial underwhelming sales, the game's growing popularity across different platforms caught the publisher's attention. Hirabayashi noted that Capcom had been contemplating a sequel for some time, but it required the alignment of key personnel, a condition now met with Kamiya and Machine Head Works on board.

A Direct Sequel to Okami

To clarify any ambiguity, the sequel is indeed a direct continuation of the original Okami story. Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed that the narrative picks up right where the first game concluded, promising to expand on the rich universe fans have come to love.

Amaterasu Confirmed in the Trailer

The beloved protagonist, Amaterasu, makes her return in the sequel, as confirmed by the trailer.

Acknowledging Okamiden

The existence of Okamiden, the Nintendo DS follow-up, is acknowledged by Capcom. While it has its fans, Hirabayashi recognizes that it didn't meet everyone's expectations. The new sequel aims to align more closely with the original Okami's storyline and fan expectations.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya Engages with Fan Feedback on Social Media

Kamiya, known for his active social media presence, revealed that he monitors fan feedback to gauge expectations for the sequel. However, he emphasized that the team's goal is not to create a game based solely on fan demands but to craft an enjoyable experience that aligns with their vision while respecting fan anticipation.

Rei Kondoh Composes for the Okami Sequel Trailer

The talented Rei Kondoh, known for his work on titles like Bayonetta and Dragon's Dogma, composed the music for the Okami sequel trailer showcased at The Game Awards. This suggests his potential involvement in the sequel's soundtrack, continuing his legacy with the franchise.

Early Stages of Development

The Okami sequel is still in its infancy, with the team choosing to announce it early to gauge fan interest. Hirabayashi stressed that quality would not be sacrificed for speed, asking fans for patience. Sakata echoed this sentiment, noting that while it may be some time before we hear more, the team's passion for the series drives their commitment to creating a sequel that meets fan expectations.

You can delve deeper into our full interview with the leads of the Okami sequel right here.