Okami E3 2005 Preshow Report

At Capcom's E3 2005 preshow press conference this morning, the company announced plans to publish Okami, a visually stunning 3D action adventure title, in North America. We got our first look at the game more than a year ago and pretty much fell in love with it straightaway. The inspired premise, featuring a mythical wolf-god called Amaterasu and her quest to restore ancient Japan to its former glory, literally by coloring it in, wasn't like anything we'd ever seen. And the game's art style, resembling traditional Japanese carvings and watercolors, looks stunning. Now, we can rest assured that Okami will eventually see the light of day on these shores. The game is being developed at Capcom's Clover Studio, best known for its work on the excellent Viewtiful Joe and the ambitious Steel Battalion.

Being a god, Amaterasu's power is tied to the faith of her believers. As such, part of the gameplay of Okami will revolve around Amaterasu traveling about a ruinous land, attempting to salvage the hearts and hopes of the people. Don't mistake Okami for some goody-two-shoes game, though. Amaterasu will be able to tear into her foes using claws, bites, and ramming attacks. She'll gradually grow in power, gaining new abilities.

Okami, whose title is a pun on the Japanese words for "god" and "wolf," is an unquestionably unique-looking game, so we can't wait to see more of it, as well as dive into its gameplay. Slated for release on the PlayStation 2, the game is certainly one of the most intriguing in Capcom's currently known lineup of forthcoming releases. Stay tuned for further updates on Okami, and be sure to take a look at some evocative new screens of the game.