Capcom has officially announced that a sequel to its beloved action-adventure game Okami is in development. While the new entry in the series has not been given an official title, it was revealed during The Game Awards as the second-to-last major World Premiere, just before Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Fans were treated to a brief but visually striking one-minute teaser trailer for the Okami sequel accompanied by The Game Awards’ orchestra, evoking nostalgia for the original game’s signature paintbrush art style.
The teaser opens with a shadowy canine figure sprinting through a dense forest. As the creature emerges into the light, its appearance shifts to reveal Amaterasu’s iconic white wolf form adorned with fiery red markings. The reveal drew thunderous applause from the live audience, with many fans celebrating the return of the series’ protagonist. Capcom also confirmed that the original game’s director, Hideki Kamiya, will be returning to lead the Okami sequel. Given Kamiya’s track record with acclaimed titles like Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and The Wonderful 101, expectations are high for this sequel.
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Okami’s Sequel Could Take Advantage of Nintendo’s Next Console
With the video game industry on the cusp of a new console generation, the upcoming Okami sequel may arrive on Nintendo’s anticipated Switch successor. The original Okami made effective use of the Wii’s motion controls, allowing players to “paint” with the Wii Remote to activate Celestial Brush techniques. Similarly, the 2018 Okami HD remaster on Nintendo Switch utilized the Joy-Con controllers for motion-based input.
Given these precedents, it’s possible the developers will once again lean into unique control schemes for the next Nintendo console. If the rumored successor includes enhanced motion controls or upgraded haptic feedback, Okami could offer players an even more immersive way to interact with its world. Players might be able to draw brushstrokes with the new controllers, perhaps incorporating motion-sensing features or adaptive triggers to enhance the feel of brushwork. This approach could modernize Okami‘s signature unconventional gameplay while staying faithful to its roots.
Visuals and Art Style of the Okami Sequel Could See Bold Changes
The teaser trailer for the Okami sequel hinted at a potential evolution in the game’s art direction. While the original title was renowned for its cel-shaded, ink-wash style inspired by Japanese sumi-e painting, the sequel’s visuals appear to shift toward warmer, painter-esque brushstrokes with softer color gradients. This shift mirrors broader industry trends in which sequels refine and modernize their visual aesthetics while preserving the heart of the original design.
Fans of the first game will be watching closely to see if these stylistic changes impact gameplay. The original Okami used its art direction as a storytelling device, with the world transforming from a cursed, bleak landscape to a vibrant, colorful realm as players restored it. A more painter-esque art style could provide developers with new opportunities to showcase these transformations. The shift away from hard ink outlines may also allow for more natural transitions in color and shading, giving the world a more “hand-painted” feel. If the goal is to visually reflect the game’s themes of restoration and rebirth, this stylistic update could provide a wonderfully emotional storytelling experience.
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Gameplay Changes in the Okami Sequel Could Expand on Past Mechanics
While Capcom has not shared specific gameplay details, certain elements from past entries suggest potential directions for the sequel. Okami is known for its use of the Celestial Brush, allowing players to “draw” symbols on the screen to solve puzzles, attack enemies, and restore the world. The introduction of new brush techniques is a safe bet, with possible innovations tied to new hardware capabilities.
The return of Hideki Kamiya as director raises the likelihood of fresh ideas being introduced. Kamiya’s work on The Wonderful 101 demonstrates his interest in experimental control schemes and unique gameplay mechanics. Given this context, the Okami sequel might introduce more complex puzzles, multi-step brush combinations, or entirely new brush abilities that impact exploration, combat, or even storytelling. For instance, new brush techniques could allow players to manipulate the environment dynamically.
Another possibility is a more seamless open-world design. While Okami had a semi-open-world layout, modern hardware could allow for a more expansive, interconnected world with dynamic weather, time-of-day changes, and large, explorable regions. If Capcom draws inspiration from its success with Monster Hunter: Rise, the sequel could deliver larger zones filled with hidden secrets and Celestial Brush puzzles that make exploration more rewarding.
Okami Sequel Release Date and Platforms Still Unknown, Shows Great Promise
At present, no official release window or platforms have been confirmed for the Okami sequel. However, given the Okami sequel teaser’s debut during The Game Awards, it’s likely the game is still in early development. Fans should temper expectations for an imminent release. Given Capcom’s current strategy of optimizing releases for modern consoles and PC, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Okami sequel launched across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch successor, and PC.
Capcom’s decision to reunite with Hideki Kamiya for the Okami sequel project carries symbolic weight. It harkens back to the Clover Studio era, which ended following the original Okami‘s commercial underperformance. The decision to revive the franchise under Kamiya’s guidance could be seen as a form of redemption for Capcom, especially as modern reissues of Okami have proven successful on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. This show of faith in both the creator and the concept hints at a brighter future for Okami and Capcom’s willingness to revisit its most creative projects.
With a stunning teaser trailer, a renewed partnership with Hideki Kamiya, and the potential of new console technology, the Okami sequel stands poised to deliver an unforgettable adventure. Players can potentially expect fresh Celestial Brush mechanics, an evolved visual art style, and possible support for motion controls if the Nintendo Switch successor becomes one of its target platforms. Capcom’s renewed commitment to the series signals that the legacy of Okami is far from over.
Experience the critically acclaimed masterpiece with its renowned Sumi-e ink art style in breathtaking high resolution. Take on the role of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess who inhabits the form of a legendary white wolf, on a quest to defeat Orochi, an eight-headed demon and tyrannical monster responsible for turning the world of Nippon into a ruined wasteland.
Players will be able to choose between modern widescreen format or the original release’s 4:3 ratio. Interactive loading game screens from the original game are also included.
- Released
- September 19, 2006
- Developer(s)
- Capcom , Clover Studio
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty