Twenty years after the original Ōkami's release, Amaterasu, the sun goddess and source of all goodness, makes a surprising return in a highly anticipated sequel. Revealed at The Game Awards, this new Ōkami is under development at Clovers, Hideki Kamiya's new studio, with Capcom publishing and Machine Head Works providing support. This collaboration unites original Ōkami veterans with fresh talent, promising a stellar team dedicated to realizing their vision.
While details remain scarce, IGN secured a revealing interview with director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. The discussion covered the sequel's origins, the studio partnerships, and the developers' individual inspirations.
Kamiya discussed his departure from PlatinumGames, explaining his desire to create games uniquely his own. He emphasized the importance of the developer's personality in shaping the player experience. The name "Clovers," he revealed, is a nod to his time at Clover Studio, with the four-leaf clover symbolizing Capcom's fourth development division and representing creativity.
Hirabayashi explained Capcom's long-held desire for an Ōkami sequel, driven by the enduring love for the IP and the opportunity presented by Kamiya's departure. Kamiya himself confirmed his own persistent wish to complete the original Ōkami's story. Sakata detailed Machine Head Works' role as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, leveraging their experience with the RE Engine and the original Ōkami team members.
The choice of the RE Engine was justified by its ability to realize Kamiya's artistic vision. The enduring popularity of Ōkami, despite initial sales expectations, was highlighted, emphasizing its lasting appeal to fans. The team discussed the involvement of original Ōkami staff through Machine Head Works and the strengthened development team compared to the original game's creation.
The developers reflected on the original Ōkami's strengths, emphasizing the blend of nature's beauty and inherent darkness within the story. They acknowledged the potential challenges of updating the control scheme for a modern audience while respecting the original's feel. The early announcement at the Game Awards was attributed to their excitement and desire to share their vision. The team addressed potential fan concerns about development time, promising dedication to quality without sacrificing speed. They confirmed Amaterasu's presence in the sequel and addressed Ōkamiden, clarifying the sequel's position as a direct continuation of the original Ōkami's story.
Finally, the developers shared their current inspirations, ranging from Takarazuka stage shows (Kamiya), Gekidan Shiki theatre (Sakata), and the Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie (Hirabayashi). They concluded by expressing gratitude to the fans and their commitment to delivering a sequel that meets and exceeds expectations.
