The Best Hideki Kamiya Games

Few personalities in the gaming industry match the charisma and originality exuded by Hideki Kamiya. This game designer has been working constantly from 1996 into the modern era. Other creatives in gaming have directed more games, but few offer such variety. His games span the horror, puzzle, and action-adventure genres.

Related

5 Capcom Franchises That Could Make A Comeback

Often sadly overlooked in favor of its temporaries, here are five Capcom franchise that could make a comeback.

To celebrate this unique talent, the list below ranks all of the games directed by Hideki Kamiya from worst to best. Fortunately, it is pretty hard to go wrong with any of these titles. Even the weakest of the bunch will provide plenty of entertainment. Despite three decades within the industry, we can still expect more games from him in the future.

7

Arthur To Astaroth No Nazomakaimura: Incredible Toons

A Puzzle Game With The Ghost ‘N Goblins Aesthetic

This game is the least known and the least celebrated among Hideki Kamiya’s work. There is not a lot to say about it. Arthut to Astaroth no Nazomka Nazomakaimura: Incredible Toons uses gameplay from The Incredible Machine series and puts a coat of paint inspired by Ghost ‘n Goblins on it.

Every stage is a puzzle where players have to place contraptions around the play area to essentially make a Rube Goldberg machine. It is an extremely difficult game, which is appropriate considering Ghost n’ Goblins is also a notoriously hard series.

6

The Wonderful 101

101 Characters Fighting As One

Released

August 23, 2013

ESRB

e

The Wonderful 101 started life as a Wii U exclusive. Instead of an action game starring one person, players control a group of heroes simultaneously through a top-down perspective. The gameplay takes advantage of the Wii U’s gamepad, with players drawing shapes on the controller’s screen to activate certain abilities.

Related

7 Underrated Wii U Games

These Wii U titles never got a fair chance to shine, despite the potential they held. Here’s which titles deserve a bit more love.

The unique concept and multiplayer alone make it worth playing, but it feels like something that could have been refined to perfection in a sequel. Unfortunately, the game did not sell well and was only remastered for other consoles through a successful Kickstarter campaign. While it was somewhat of a happy ending for this game to come out on more systems, it does not seem like a sequel will ever be made.

5

Devil May Cry

Created A New Genre

Released

October 16, 2001

ESRB

m

Developer(s)

Capcom Production Studio 4

Devil May Cry ushered in a new era of action games. From this point on, any game in the genre needed to be more complex than the brawlers and beat-em-ups many players were used to. Devil May Cry threw in elements from games like Resident Evil and Dino Crisis for a perfect blend of intense combat and exploration.

Even though the sequels further refined the combat, making it faster and smoother, there is still something charming about the debut entry’s first steps into what can ultimately be called a new genre. While its dated nature can be hard to go back to in some ways, the game is so short that it does not overstay its welcome on a single playthrough.

4

Viewtiful Joe

Kicking Butt In Movieland

Systems

Released

June 26, 2003

ESRB

t // Cartoon Violence, Suggestive Themes

Developer(s)

Clover Studio, Capcom

Publisher(s)

Clover Studio

Viewtiful Joe took a step back into the second dimension for its gameplay. This side-scrolling beat-em-up features gorgeous cel-shaded graphics and smooth controls to create a delightfully whimsical gameplay experience.

The aesthetic heavily draws from the fact it takes place in a parallel world called Movieland. The special meter is called a “VFX Gauge” and is lined by sprocket holes. Viewtiful Joe was not a huge commercial success, but it still spawned a sequel and spin-offs. However, Hideki Kamiya only directed the debut entry.

3

Okami

Like Living In A Painting

Released

September 19, 2006

ESRB

T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Developer(s)

Capcom, Clover Studio

Visual fidelity should be one of the least important standards in judging a game’s graphics. Just look at Okami. It came out on the PS2 in 2006, and it is still one of the most gorgeous video games out there.

Players control a wolf goddess, Amaterasu, as she battles the forces of evil in ancient Japan. Unlike many games on this list, combat is just a fraction of the adventure and probably the least interesting part. Players solve puzzles and interact with the world using the Celestial Brush. They paint certain patterns to activate different techniques. The colorful world is brimming with personality, especially from the many odd characters Amaterasu encounters along her journey.

2

Bayonetta

The Smoothest Action And The Most Personality

Released

October 29, 2009

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes

Bayonetta is one of the best character action games around and cemented developer Platinum Games as the kings of intricate but intuitive combat systems. It is a relatively short ride, but it does not let up from its opening moments right up until the credits roll.

Related

7 Hardest Games By PlatinumGames, Ranked

From Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance to Bayonetta 2, we’ve ranked the most difficult games PlatinumGames has made to date.

The encounters with angels are intertwined with giant set pieces and creative boss encounters. The combat is complimented by a story that oozes style and humor. The sexualized design of the titular character is a constant topic of debate, but she is always cool, confident, and tough.

1

Resident Evil 2

One Of The Best Survival Horror Games Ever Made

Released

January 21, 1998

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Violence

The original Resident Evil 2 is often cited as one of the best survival horror games ever made. It is easy to understand why. Just one trek through the adventure is enough to justify the purchase, but its unique structure offers incredible replay value.

The game came on two discs, each with a distinct campaign for Claire and Leon. After beating the game once, players save their game and play through the campaign again with a new character, and the previous run-through affects the new playthrough. With this system, players would have to beat the game four times to see everything. The Racoon City Police Department is also one of the most iconic settings in gaming, cementing this title as Hideki Kamiya’s finest work.

More

8 Capcom Games That Surpassed Expectations

Despite the doubts and worries, these Capcom titles managed to blow away fan expectations when they were finally released.