Okami is a beautiful masterpiece that gives one of the most unique, entertaining, and epic experiences in a videogame.
Publisher: Campcom
Developer: Clover Studio
System: PlayStation 2
Genre: I consider Okami to be an Adventure game, with a mix of Platforming and RPG elements.
Release Date: September 19, 2006
~Gameplay 10/10~
I always wanted Okami when I first heard about it, but I just wasn't sure how good it could possibly be. It's always compared to Zelda, and I constantly thought "What could ever even stand a chance against Zelda?" To me, it seems like adventure games are rare because Zelda just drives them out and gets rid of the competition. However, Okami not only lives up to Zelda, but it's easily debatable that Okami has an even better formula and overall style than Zelda. Basically, if you like Zelda, then you'll love Okami as you go through Amaterasu's epic journey.
The wolf that you often see in Okami images has many names. You play as this wolf, as you meet many new and old friends through a lengthy adventure. Your full name is Okami Amaterasu, but you rarely hear that at all, not until the very end is when it's more common. You usually are just called Amaterasu, but Issun calls you Ammy. Now, Issun is a very unique character. He's the reason why there is so much humor in Okami. Issun is about the size of a bug, and just bounces up and down on your head, but whenever he's there, a comfortable atmosphere is always present. There are all kinds of humor in Okami, and there are plenty of times where you'll be laughing out loud, or at least make a smirk here and there. All of this leads to the creative character design. I have not really seen a game where each character is distinctly different than the other. This is true even for minor characters that you only see once during the game. It shows the large amount of effort put into this game, and that the character design is some of the best I have ever seen.
The start of the story is basically explained in the opening movie, so if you would like to know all about it, just scroll up and watch. So, you are the Sun God and are just trying to defeat the evil 8 headed monster Orochi and restore peace to the land, since most of it is cursed at the beginning. Sounds basic and simple, right? Well, that's how it seems, until you really get into it. Then, the story starts to branch off and starts to become something even bigger and more complex with memorable moments along the way. It's strange that a game like Okami focuses this much on story. I found it to have an amazing and original story that definitely lives up to one of an RPG. So this leads to the question of, what is Okami? Well, that's hard to say, since there are so many games that combine genres nowadays. Mostly, it's like Zelda, so it has an adventure style. However, it has more platforming elements to it and also some RPG parts as well.
Okami is known for the Celestial Brush techniques, but what exactly does this mean? Well, to explain simply, the Celestial Brush allows you to stop time, and draw on whatever you like. You can rotate the picture completely with the right analog stick, which is very helpful. This has never been done before (at least, not that I know of), and it's completely original. Also, this doesn't mean you can just keep using this as many times as you want. You have a limit that uses ink pots and they get used up as you use ink. These refill automatically, so you can quickly gain your power to use the Celestial Brush again and again. It's simple to see why it's so fun. Who doesn't want to slice their enemy in half by just drawing a line through them? There are 13 Celestial Brush techniques, one for each God. At first, they seem different and creative, but later you can predict what some of them will be and see similarities. These also work on bosses, but you usually need to expose them of their weakness until you can do damage. Still, you can do what you want, if you want to draw a bomb to just see some fireworks, go ahead. Who's to say that you are the only one that can do this though? It makes sense that other Gods or God-like beings have these techniques as well. So, don't think it'll be too easy for bosses since you have this power.
So what RPG attributes does Okami have? Well, for starters, it's just as long as the average RPG game, but more on that in the value section. What I found strange about Okami is that is has an RPG style format, to some extent. You have different weapons and accessories to equip. You go from town to down, through fields of monsters. There is an amazing storyline behind the game, and there are battles as well. Yes, imagine if in Zelda, every time you saw a monster, that was actually a battle in itself. Well, that's how it is in Okami, and I was put down by it, but now I am happy the way it is. Just like the rest of the game, you get attached to it. So with all these RPG similarities, Okami can be called an adventure/RPG/platforming game, which is very unique. Although, it took me a long time to realize this.
The difficulty is another complaint that many had about Okami. Once again, this doesn't bother me, and it shouldn't. Okami is toward the easy side. You should definitely be able to beat the game without ever getting a game over. It provided a little bit of challenge though, but the way the system is, it's just hard to "lose". You have something called an Astral Pouch, and you fill this up with food as you find some. Once this is full, when you "die", you are automatically revived. You may also upgrade yourself so that you can have more than one of these. So, it's easy to have 3 extra chances. I can see where these complaints come in, but as long as it's enjoyable, I don't think it should matter. Just because you won't find a challenge, doesn't mean you won't take pleasure in battles and such.
A huge plus for Okami is its epic feel. Everything in this game is insanely epic, and always gave me a huge grin on my face. Whether it's the story, the concept, or the boss battles, Okami has an epic feel throughout the whole game. Boss battles are just amazing, and words can't describe them. You just need to experience them for yourselves. Even watching a video still isn't the same. Once you do your first boss battle in Okami (which actually takes a while to get to) you'll know what I mean.
Something that I thoroughly enjoyed was Okami's presentation and interfaces. Everything is creative, and shown with effort. For example, the bestiary isn't just the usual, show what the enemy looks like and give a description. No, in Okami they have a giant scroll and have each enemy hand drawn with such details that you can't help but be amazed. Not only are the bestiary drawings impressive, but the enemy design is as well. There are duplicates just like any other game, but for the most part, the enemies are very creative, and you haven't seen things like them around before (a samurai fish is just one example).
A very hard task for a game to do would be to flow nicely. Okami does this perfectly. The beginning seems to take a while for it to really get started, but once it does, it doesn't stop. The story just keeps on going, and gets more interesting along the way. It's very easy to get sucked into Okami, and not even know you're playing it at all. It's just an amazing experience as you explore the immersive and lovely atmosphere of the world of Okami. The best part about the flow of the game is that it's unpredictable. You have no idea where the game will take you next and it is not the typical dungeon to dungeon formula. Actually, dungeons seem to be rare in Okami, since most of it is just different areas that you travel to and you're never in the same place for too long. This makes the whole game more enjoyable, since nothing is long and drawn-out. This is one of the reasons why I like the flow of the gameplay much more than Zelda, but that is completely my opinion.
Lastly, there are the controls. Even though Okami is now on the Wii, I don't see as that version being "better" as far as the control scheme goes. On this PS2 version, I found the controls to be very polished, and to perfection. Controlling the Celestial Brush is not too sensitive, but just enough to allow you do perform with ease. Everything about the controls in Okami is just flawless, and there's nothing wrong with them. This is really convenient, as it adds to the ease of battling those boss battles and making them look even more awe-inspiring.
~Graphics 10/10~
Visually, Okami is absolutely breathtaking. Not only does it have a unique Japanese water color style, but it also has some of the best graphics I have ever seen on the PS2. There really isn't anything quite like Okami's visual style out there. There are a lot of graphics effects as well, such as grass appearing wherever you go, and cherry blossoms soaring through the air. There are many more, and all of these little things just add to the spectacular experience. Not to mention the character designs. They are very diverse and detailed, as I mentioned before.
I also love the perspective of the graphics. There's nothing more amazing in Okami than looking over a cliff to see a vast area filled with detail. There is so much art used throughout the game, even when it isn't noticeable. There are usually detailed and impressive pictures to explain various story sequences. Okami is definitely one of the most artistic videogames ever created so far.
~Music and Sound 10/10~
Before I played Okami, it was very tough to think it having some decent music. I just figured a game like Okami would have pretty average in music. Then, I played it, and found out how wrong I was. The soundtrack of Okami is literally, one of the best I have heard in a very long time. Like its visuals, the music has a Japanese feel to them, which fits the style of course. One of the reasons as to why this game is so epic is because of the music. During boss battles, it gets your adrenaline going, and just makes the whole experience more exciting. Every style is how it should be. When you see a sad scene, the music fits the tone. The same occurs when you see a funny scene or any other style. Okami has a beautiful orchestrated soundtrack that will blow your mind away, as it did for me. Below is a picture of the complete 5 disc set with 218 tracks!
If you're in for the music, then Okami will not disappoint, but what about everything else you hear? Well, the sounds are pretty much the same as any other game. Amaterasu's victory howl after a boss battle is a nice plus as well. So now comes the big criticism that I have heard about Okami, and this is the voice acting. Actually, there is no voice acting at all, just mumbles for each character. Now, this bothered many people, but definitely not me. It may seem awkward at first, and a little annoying, but eventually you'll get attached to the mumbling characters. I just can't see Okami with voice acting. It just wouldn't work out, and I think part of that uniqueness of Okami would disappear. Also, it isn't just one mumble you keep hearing over and over. Each character has their own kind, with some duplicates for minor characters.
~Value 10/10~
Normally, most games of Okami's genre have about 15-30 hours under their belt. However, what makes Okami so worthwhile is its length. Most gamers will not finish Okami in less than 30 hours. For the average gamer, 40 hours is probably reasonable. The best part about this is that it stays fresh throughout the whole game. I didn't find a dull moment at all, excluding some of the beginning, but that's just because it needed to get started. Also, what makes a game full of value? Yes, that's right, sidequests. There are endless sidequests in Okami, and it's easy to double your playtime while doing them. What I found about Okami's sidequests, is that they are a lot of fun, which is rare to find. After you beat the game, you can start the game over again, with all of your stats (except for some equipment) and some extras which add even more value to this insanely packed game.
~Fun Factor 10/10~
Most of the time, an epic game gives you loads of fun. This is true for Okami as well, and since it's vastly epic, there's plenty of fun to have during this experience. It flows so nicely, that it's easy to lose track of time, and it just sucks you in from beginning to end. The gameplay is fun, the story is enjoyable, and even the sidequests are pleasurable. There's nothing that one should find irritating in Okami. I would have to say the parts that were the most entertaining for me, are the epic boss battles. Nothing beats fast paced action against a powerful foe, especially the way it's executed in Okami.
~The Good, The Bad, and Buy It?~
The Good: amazing and impressive artistic style, interesting and complex story, intense and enjoyable boss battles, original design and concept that works, lovely orchestrated soundtrack, lengthy quest with plenty of sidequests, great cast of characters along with their creative designs, flows very nicely and never slows down
The Bad: mumbling may annoy some people toward the beginning, takes a while for the story and gameplay to get going, highly unrecognized
Buy It?: Yes, and I am aiming that answer to everyone. Okami is one of those games that every person needs to get. It doesn't matter what you like, everyone should find Okami thoroughly enjoyable. What bothers me though is that the greatness isn't seen by all people. There are people out there who just flat out hate Okami, and I think that's a shame. Trust me on this one; you will not regret the purchase. Just make sure to play through the whole thing. Nothing frustrates me more, than when someone highly criticizes a game that they didn't finish, or even play. Okami will give you a memorable experience that you will not want to pass up. Send me a message if you have any questions or are still unsure.
~Overall 10/10~
Okami gives an amazing experience and satisfying adventure that no one should miss out on. If you find some major flaws in Okami, then you are thinking too hard.
Gameplay-10
Graphics-10
Music and Sound-10
Value-10
Fun Factor-10
Overall-10 A Memorable and Epic Masterpiece
If you have any questions feel free to send me a message.
Thank you for reading,
~Vari