Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, was nothing short of exhilarating, especially as we had the chance to sit down with the masterminds behind the upcoming sequel to the beloved game, Okami. In a comprehensive two-hour interview, we delved into the depths of the project with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared insights into their vision for the sequel, its origins, and what fans can look forward to.

The interview was both informative and engaging, and we believe you'll enjoy it as much as we did. Whether you prefer to watch or read the full discussion, you can access it right here. For those short on time, we've also summarized the key takeaways that are particularly exciting for Okami enthusiasts.

The Okami Sequel is Being Developed in RE Engine

One of the most significant revelations from our interview was the confirmation that the Okami sequel is utilizing Capcom's advanced RE Engine. This choice stems from the engine's ability to bring to life elements of the original vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. While some at Clover are new to RE Engine, the collaboration with Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, promises to bridge this gap. Speaking of which...

Mystery Ex-Platinum Developers Join via Machine Head Works

Rumors have circulated about key talent departing from PlatinumGames, including those close to Hideki Kamiya and involved with the original Okami. When pressed, Kamiya hinted at the involvement of former Platinum and Capcom staff through Machine Head Works, though specifics remained under wraps. The anticipation of who these mystery developers might be adds another layer of excitement to the project.

Capcom's Longstanding Interest in an Okami Sequel

Despite Okami's initial commercial underperformance, Capcom's interest in a sequel has been growing, fueled by the game's increasing sales across various platforms. Yoshiaki Hirabayashi noted that the project required the alignment of key personnel, a process that took time but has now culminated in a promising collaboration with Kamiya and Machine Head Works.

A Direct Sequel to the Original Okami

In today's gaming world, where the term "sequel" can be loosely interpreted, Capcom has clarified that this sequel will directly continue the narrative from the original Okami. Both Hirabayashi and Kamiya emphasized that the story will pick up right where the first game left off, ensuring a seamless continuation for fans.

Amaterasu Returns in the Trailer

The iconic character Amaterasu, known as the origin of all that is good and the mother to us all, makes a triumphant return in the sequel's trailer, much to the delight of fans.

Addressing Okamiden's Legacy

The conversation also touched on Okamiden, the Nintendo DS follow-up to Okami. While acknowledging its dedicated fanbase, Hirabayashi admitted that the game's story did not meet all expectations. The new sequel, however, will focus on continuing the story directly from the original Okami, aiming to align more closely with fan desires.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya Engages with Fan Feedback

It's no surprise that Hideki Kamiya, known for his active social media presence, keeps an eye on fan feedback regarding Okami. He clarified that while the team does not aim to create a game based solely on fan requests, they are committed to delivering a sequel that captures the fun and essence that fans expect.

Rei Kondoh Composes for the Okami Sequel Trailer

The talented Rei Kondoh, who has composed for games like Bayonetta and Dragon's Dogma, and contributed to the original Okami's soundtrack, is behind the arrangement of "Rising Sun" featured in the trailer at The Game Awards. This suggests his involvement in crafting the sequel's musical landscape.

Early Development Stages of the Okami Sequel

The developers announced the Okami sequel early due to their enthusiasm for the project, but they also urged fans to be patient. Hirabayashi emphasized that speed would not compromise quality, while Sakata hinted that substantial updates might take some time. Both reassured fans that the team, driven by their love for the series, is dedicated to meeting expectations.

For a deeper dive into our conversation with the creative leads behind the Okami sequel, you can access the full interview right here.