Game of the Month - October 2006
Okami
Capcom’s Clover Studio hit the road running with Viewtiful Joe, but then it got bogged down in sequels. Only now, two years later, are we seeing its next major work. Okami, a pun that can mean either “wolf” or “great god” in Japanese, is an epic action-adventure that takes after any of the recent Zelda games. But like Viewtiful Joe, Okami is anything but a clone—in fact, in many ways it outdoes Zelda. No kidding.
The wolf from the title is you—the earthly incarnation of Amate-rasu, a Shinto sun goddess. She’s back on the scene to save the game’s mythical rendition of Japan from the recently awakened demon Orochi. Typical plotting, yes, but it scarcely hints at the wonderful surprises in store.
The striking graphics are the first thing you’ll notice. A successful experiment in stylized cel-shading, Okami’s visuals are made to resemble ancient Japanese ink drawings. Paper-like textures adorn every surface, while edges are drawn with the thick, black lines of a brush. Wonderful colors and great location design complete the look, making Okami one of the most beautiful games yet.
This hand-drawn appearance belies the presence of Okami’s most creative gameplay idea. Holding the R1 button freezes the scene and brings out the Celestial Brush, with which you draw and doodle on the screen. Different shapes evoke different powers from Amaterasu’s bag of tricks. You might draw a bridge to fill in a gap, or a sun in the sky to bring about an early daybreak. Far from a gimmick, the brush system is an integral part of Okami’s gameplay and brings about lots of fresh, interesting puzzles and action sequences.
In true Zelda style, Amaterasu starts with only modest abilities, earning more as her adventure continues. Most areas are under a curse when you first visit them; after figuring out how to dispel it, you can explore the breathtaking countryside and help those you encounter, powering-up through their belief in your divinity. Throughout its dozens of hours of gameplay, Okami’s pacing is nearly flawless, and you’ll never lack something to do—be it exploring a dungeon, discovering secrets, or just fishing. Even the action bits compare favorably to Nintendo’s classics—the combat’s fast and fun.
Okami is that rarest of beasts: a game without any obvious flaws. Clover’s creativity and attention to detail are on full display here. Shame on any gamer who passes up this divine adventure.
—Benjamin Turner
- Available: Now
- Publisher: Capcom
- System: PlayStation 2
- Rating: T (Teen)