Gaming has come a long way since it's inception in the early 1970s. Originality however seems to have been an unfortunate casualty during the past 30-or-so years.
With the increased costs of game development, developers have become less willing to take creative risks for fear of wasting money, and even when a good, original game is made, gamers pass it by for the same reason.
Why do I bring this up? Because Okami is a truly amazing game that many have overlooked, again for the same reason.
Okami takes it's inspiration from Japanese folklore and gameplay-wise makes several nods to the Zelda series, but rest assured, this could not possibly be anything further from a Zelda clone.
The first thing that must be mentioned is the graphical style. It's breathtaking, putting every other PS2 and even some current-gen games to shame. Based on sumi-e (East Asian wash painting), it gives the impression of a watercolour painting come to life, which draws you in right from the start as it tells it's story.
The game begins 100 years after the exploits of the legendary warrior Nagi and Shiranui, a mystical white wolf who is actually the incarnation of the Sun Goddess, who save Kamiki Village from the 8-headed serpent demon Orochi.
However, as the 100th year festival approaches, a lone figure anxious to disprove what he sees as a myth, removes the sword that sealed away Orochi, freeing it and unleashing a curse that threatens not only Kamiki, but all of Nippon.
As a response to this threat, the wood sprite and guardian of Kamiki, Sakuya revives Shiranui as Amaterasu who with the assistance of wandering artist Issun, sets out to save Nippon from the dark curse.
The greatest thing about this game is its purpose. I mean, think about it. How many games can you count that involve healing the world, instead of blasting away chunks of it to get to the monster flavour-of-the-moment? Chances are you could count the titles on a single hand. Okami not only makes it possible, but utterly compelling.
The key to this, and the focal point of the gameplay is the Celestial Brush. Holding R1 puts a parchment filter over the screen, and with a little stickwork, you can draw a symbol to activate one of 15 brush powers.
During your journey to restore Nippon, you'll find various constellations which unlock new abilities, some of which are optional while others can even be upgraded, allowing access to newer areas and new ways to help the inhabitants, and there's easily enough variety to stop this from being a chore. Tasks range from helping an old lady dry her laundry and assisting a chef in preparing a fish, to hunting down monsters at night, which brings us to the combat.
Fights initially consist of simply striking the enemy with your Divine Instrument of choice, but unlocking new brush powers and D.Is adds depth. Instruments can be equipped to a sub-slot to offer more options, from a shield, to projectiles and ink bullets and newer enemies require greater use of the Celestial Brush.
The best thing about the brush is its versatility, as the brush powers can be applied to every aspect of the game. Abilities such as Power Slash and Cherry Bomb can open new areas and damage enemies. Even Bloom, which is vital for restoring the Guardian Saplings, trees, and cursed ground, can be used to expose enemy weak points. Also using certain brush techniques after beating an enemy yields Demon Fangs which can be traded for unique items to further enhance Ammy.
The exploration is made a pleasure by the astonishing variety of locales, including villages, a city, caves, snow-capped mountains and even inside a sea dragon. There's plenty more besides but that would really spoil the surprise.
A superb selection of mini-games adds to the variety. There's a log that needs vine-catching, a Mr Driller-esqe tunneler that employs power-slashing, cherry bombing, galestorming etc. to guide someone to the bottom of a well, and a fishing game that is both simpler and more enjoyable than any full-price fishing title.
What really makes the story special is the strength of its characters. Settlements are brought to life with NPCs who are a world away from the dull nobodies of other games that don't have anything interesting, let alone relevant to say. Every character brings their own unique story and personality, which is strongly and succinctly told, especially the Onigiri Sensei (a brilliant nod to fellow Clover stalwart Viewtiful Joe), the creepy Mr and Mrs Cutter, and the inhabitants of Sasa Sanctuary.
But it's the main characters who truly stand out. Amaterasu, though a sun goddess incarnate comes across with a loyal, sometimes playful personality, akin to man's best friend, that's effortlessly charming. Issun meanwhile, is comparable to Zelda's Navi, both being small sprite figures who offer the occasional piece of advice, but the similarities end there. Navi seemingly exists solely to irritate the player, repeatedly shouting "hey!" and "listen!" and give advice that ceased to be useful several hours ago. Issun however, rarely repeats himself, and while vocal brings a refreshing sense of humour, and is varied enough to not be annoying, and like Ammy, goes through his own moving journey of self discovery.
The atmosphere is beautifully wrapped up in a soundtrack that perfectly compliments the locations and scenarios to convey a wide range of feelings, from elation, to bittersweetness, to nervous tension, wrapped up with one of the greatest ending themes ever composed.
Putting it simply, you owe it to yourself to play this game, and with DS sequel Okamiden landing on western shores next year, this is a great time to experience the masterpiece that started it all.
This is my first review, so any feedback would be appreciated. I'll also be posting this on GamesRadar.
With the increased costs of game development, developers have become less willing to take creative risks for fear of wasting money, and even when a good, original game is made, gamers pass it by for the same reason.
Why do I bring this up? Because Okami is a truly amazing game that many have overlooked, again for the same reason.
Okami takes it's inspiration from Japanese folklore and gameplay-wise makes several nods to the Zelda series, but rest assured, this could not possibly be anything further from a Zelda clone.
The first thing that must be mentioned is the graphical style. It's breathtaking, putting every other PS2 and even some current-gen games to shame. Based on sumi-e (East Asian wash painting), it gives the impression of a watercolour painting come to life, which draws you in right from the start as it tells it's story.
The game begins 100 years after the exploits of the legendary warrior Nagi and Shiranui, a mystical white wolf who is actually the incarnation of the Sun Goddess, who save Kamiki Village from the 8-headed serpent demon Orochi.
However, as the 100th year festival approaches, a lone figure anxious to disprove what he sees as a myth, removes the sword that sealed away Orochi, freeing it and unleashing a curse that threatens not only Kamiki, but all of Nippon.
As a response to this threat, the wood sprite and guardian of Kamiki, Sakuya revives Shiranui as Amaterasu who with the assistance of wandering artist Issun, sets out to save Nippon from the dark curse.
The greatest thing about this game is its purpose. I mean, think about it. How many games can you count that involve healing the world, instead of blasting away chunks of it to get to the monster flavour-of-the-moment? Chances are you could count the titles on a single hand. Okami not only makes it possible, but utterly compelling.
The key to this, and the focal point of the gameplay is the Celestial Brush. Holding R1 puts a parchment filter over the screen, and with a little stickwork, you can draw a symbol to activate one of 15 brush powers.
During your journey to restore Nippon, you'll find various constellations which unlock new abilities, some of which are optional while others can even be upgraded, allowing access to newer areas and new ways to help the inhabitants, and there's easily enough variety to stop this from being a chore. Tasks range from helping an old lady dry her laundry and assisting a chef in preparing a fish, to hunting down monsters at night, which brings us to the combat.
Fights initially consist of simply striking the enemy with your Divine Instrument of choice, but unlocking new brush powers and D.Is adds depth. Instruments can be equipped to a sub-slot to offer more options, from a shield, to projectiles and ink bullets and newer enemies require greater use of the Celestial Brush.
The best thing about the brush is its versatility, as the brush powers can be applied to every aspect of the game. Abilities such as Power Slash and Cherry Bomb can open new areas and damage enemies. Even Bloom, which is vital for restoring the Guardian Saplings, trees, and cursed ground, can be used to expose enemy weak points. Also using certain brush techniques after beating an enemy yields Demon Fangs which can be traded for unique items to further enhance Ammy.
The exploration is made a pleasure by the astonishing variety of locales, including villages, a city, caves, snow-capped mountains and even inside a sea dragon. There's plenty more besides but that would really spoil the surprise.
A superb selection of mini-games adds to the variety. There's a log that needs vine-catching, a Mr Driller-esqe tunneler that employs power-slashing, cherry bombing, galestorming etc. to guide someone to the bottom of a well, and a fishing game that is both simpler and more enjoyable than any full-price fishing title.
What really makes the story special is the strength of its characters. Settlements are brought to life with NPCs who are a world away from the dull nobodies of other games that don't have anything interesting, let alone relevant to say. Every character brings their own unique story and personality, which is strongly and succinctly told, especially the Onigiri Sensei (a brilliant nod to fellow Clover stalwart Viewtiful Joe), the creepy Mr and Mrs Cutter, and the inhabitants of Sasa Sanctuary.
But it's the main characters who truly stand out. Amaterasu, though a sun goddess incarnate comes across with a loyal, sometimes playful personality, akin to man's best friend, that's effortlessly charming. Issun meanwhile, is comparable to Zelda's Navi, both being small sprite figures who offer the occasional piece of advice, but the similarities end there. Navi seemingly exists solely to irritate the player, repeatedly shouting "hey!" and "listen!" and give advice that ceased to be useful several hours ago. Issun however, rarely repeats himself, and while vocal brings a refreshing sense of humour, and is varied enough to not be annoying, and like Ammy, goes through his own moving journey of self discovery.
The atmosphere is beautifully wrapped up in a soundtrack that perfectly compliments the locations and scenarios to convey a wide range of feelings, from elation, to bittersweetness, to nervous tension, wrapped up with one of the greatest ending themes ever composed.
Putting it simply, you owe it to yourself to play this game, and with DS sequel Okamiden landing on western shores next year, this is a great time to experience the masterpiece that started it all.
This is my first review, so any feedback would be appreciated. I'll also be posting this on GamesRadar.
