Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, allowed us to engage in an insightful two-hour interview with the creative minds behind the much-anticipated sequel to Okami. We delved deep into discussions with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared their vision for the sequel, the project's inception, and what fans can look forward to in this exciting continuation.
We thoroughly enjoyed conducting the interview, and we believe you'll find it equally engaging, whether you choose to watch or read it. You can access the full interview right here. For those who prefer a quick overview, we've summarized the key points that are likely to excite Okami enthusiasts.
The Okami Sequel is Being Developed Using RE Engine
The most significant revelation from our discussion is that the Okami sequel is being crafted with Capcom's advanced RE Engine. For more detailed insights, we've written an extensive article on this topic. Essentially, RE Engine was chosen for its ability to bring to life aspects of the original Okami vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. However, some Clover developers are new to this engine, which is where Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, plays a crucial role.
Mystery Ex-Platinum Developers Involved via Machine Head Works
Rumors have circulated about former PlatinumGames talent, including those close to Hideki Kamiya and contributors to the original Okami, joining the project. While our interviewees remained coy about specifics, Kamiya hinted at the involvement of some ex-Platinum and ex-Capcom developers through Machine Head Works. The exact team members are yet to be disclosed, adding an element of anticipation to the project.
Capcom Has Been Eager to Develop an Okami Sequel
Despite the initial commercial underperformance of the first Okami game, Capcom's interest in a sequel has been consistent, fueled by the game's growing sales across various platforms. As Yoshiaki Hirabayashi explains, the timing was crucial, requiring the alignment of key personnel, which has now been achieved with Kamiya and Machine Head Works on board. For more on this, check out our detailed article.
A Direct Sequel to the Original Okami
There's no ambiguity here: the upcoming game is a true sequel, directly continuing the story from where the original left off. Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed this during our interview, ensuring that the narrative will build upon the foundation laid by the first game. If you haven't experienced the original Okami yet, there's still time to catch up before diving into the sequel.
Amaterasu Confirmed in the Trailer
The iconic Amaterasu, revered as the origin of all that is good and the mother to us all, makes a triumphant return in the trailer for the sequel.
Acknowledging Okamiden
While Okamiden, the Nintendo DS follow-up, has its dedicated fanbase, Capcom recognizes that it didn't meet everyone's expectations. Hirabayashi acknowledges the mixed feedback and emphasizes that the new sequel will focus on continuing the story directly from the original Okami, aligning more closely with fan expectations.
Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots
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Hideki Kamiya Engages with Fan Feedback on Social Media
Known for his active social media presence, Hideki Kamiya revealed that he pays attention to fans' expectations for the Okami sequel. However, he also emphasized that their goal isn't to create a game based solely on fan requests but to craft an experience that aligns with the fun and excitement fans anticipate. Kamiya is committed to delivering the best possible game while considering fan expectations.
Rei Kondoh's Contribution to the Okami Sequel Trailer
Rei Kondoh, the acclaimed composer behind the music of games like Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, and the original Okami's iconic "Rising Sun" theme, has arranged the music featured in the Okami sequel trailer at The Game Awards. This suggests his potential return to work on the sequel's soundtrack, enhancing the game's immersive experience.
Early Stages of Development
The Okami sequel is still in its infancy, and the team announced it early due to their enthusiasm. Hirabayashi stressed the importance of quality over speed, asking fans for patience. Sakata echoed this sentiment, noting that it might be some time before further updates are shared, but reassured fans that the project is driven by a team deeply passionate about the Okami series, dedicated to meeting and exceeding fan expectations.
For a comprehensive look at our conversation with the leaders of the Okami sequel project, you can find the full interview right here.
