We recently had the opportunity to visit Osaka, Japan, where we conducted an in-depth two-hour interview with the creative minds behind the eagerly awaited sequel to Okami. We sat down with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata to discuss their vision for the sequel, the project's origins, and what fans can anticipate.
The interview was a delight to conduct, and we're confident you'll find it engaging whether you choose to watch or read it. You can access the full interview right here. For those seeking the key takeaways, we've summarized the significant points below, which are sure to pique the interest of Okami enthusiasts:
The Okami sequel is being developed using the RE Engine
The most exciting revelation from our interview is that the Okami sequel is being crafted with Capcom's proprietary RE Engine. For a detailed analysis, check out our dedicated article. In essence, the RE Engine is chosen for its ability to bring to life aspects of the original Okami vision that were previously unattainable due to technological constraints. However, some Clover team members are new to this engine, which is where Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, steps in to assist.
Mystery ex-Platinum developers are contributing via Machine Head Works
Rumors have circulated about talent leaving PlatinumGames, including developers closely associated with Hideki Kamiya and those who worked on the original Okami. When we inquired about specific individuals like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura joining the project, the team remained coy. However, Kamiya hinted at the involvement of some former Platinum and Capcom staff through Machine Head Works, leaving us eagerly awaiting further details.
Capcom has long desired to create an Okami sequel
Despite the initial underwhelming sales of the original Okami, Capcom's interest in a sequel has grown with each subsequent platform release. For a deeper dive into this topic, refer to our comprehensive article. As producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi explained, "Capcom needed to have certain key people in place, and it took a bit of time for all of the stars to align." With Kamiya and Machine Head Works now on board, the project is finally taking shape.
This is a direct sequel
Given the ambiguity surrounding the term "sequel," it was crucial to clarify that this project continues directly from where the original Okami left off. Both Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed this during our interview, ensuring fans that the new game will build upon the existing narrative without spoiling the original's ending.
Amaterasu is indeed featured in the trailer
The iconic character Amaterasu, the origin of all that is good and mother to us all, was confirmed to appear in the trailer, much to the delight of fans.
Okamiden's place in the series
The Nintendo DS game Okamiden has its dedicated fanbase, but Capcom acknowledges it didn't meet everyone's expectations. Hirabayashi noted, "We know that there are fans out there that like the game, of course. And we also know the feedback on the game out there, of how the story was taken and now how perhaps parts of the story weren’t aligning with what people were expecting." The new sequel will focus on continuing the story from the original Okami.
Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots
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Hideki Kamiya engages with fans on social media
Hideki Kamiya is known for his active social media presence, and he confirmed that he pays attention to fans' expectations for the sequel. However, he emphasized, "Our work, of course, is not to create the game that people request of us, to create the exact copy of what people want from us. But we are working hard to achieve a game that achieves the fun that people are expecting of this Ōkami sequel. I have an idea of what I want to create. And I have no plans of throwing away the user's expectation of the games, but I always want to make the best game possible."
Rei Kondoh composed the song for the Okami sequel trailer at TGAs
Rei Kondoh, the acclaimed composer behind tracks for games like Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, Resident Evil, and Fire Emblem, crafted the arrangement of the iconic "Rising Sun" theme from the original Okami for the trailer at The Game Awards. This suggests his potential involvement in the sequel's soundtrack.
The Okami sequel is still in the early stages of development
The developers announced the sequel early due to enthusiasm but urged fans to remain patient. Hirabayashi remarked, "Faster isn't always the best. We will not give up quality for speed, but do know that we will not drag our feet for this title. It's something that we will put our efforts into." Both Hirabayashi and Sakata indicated that it might be some time before more news emerges, but reassured fans that the project is driven by a team passionate about the series.
For the complete interview with the leaders behind the Ōkami sequel, click here to delve deeper into their insights and plans.
