Twenty years after the original Ōkami's release, Amaterasu, the sun goddess and source of all good, makes a surprising return in a highly anticipated sequel. Revealed at last year's Game Awards, the project reunites director Hideki Kamiya, now heading his own studio, Clovers, with Capcom (publisher) and Machine Head Works (a studio comprised of Capcom veterans). This collaboration blends seasoned Ōkami developers with fresh talent, promising a stellar team dedicated to realizing their original vision.
While details remain scarce, IGN recently interviewed Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. The two-hour conversation shed light on the sequel's origins and development.
IGN's Q&A Highlights:
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Kamiya's Departure from PlatinumGames: Kamiya left PlatinumGames due to creative differences, seeking to create games uniquely his own. He emphasizes the importance of a game creator's personality in shaping the player experience. Clovers was formed to foster this creative environment.
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Defining a "Kamiya Game": Kamiya aims for unique and unforgettable player experiences rather than adhering to a specific "Kamiya style."
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Clovers and Clover Studio: The name "Clovers" is a nod to Kamiya's time at Clover Studio (Capcom's fourth development division), symbolized by the four-leaf clover and the "C" representing creativity.
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Capcom's Involvement: Capcom, always eager for an Ōkami sequel, initiated discussions with Kamiya upon his departure from PlatinumGames. The project reflects a long-held desire within Capcom to continue the Ōkami story.
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The Sequel's Genesis: Kamiya's personal desire to complete the Ōkami narrative, combined with Capcom's ongoing interest and the opportune timing, fueled the sequel's development. Casual discussions between Kamiya and Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi over the years ultimately led to the project's inception.
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Machine Head Works' Role: Machine Head Works acts as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, leveraging its experience with both entities and the RE Engine. The studio also includes veterans from the original Ōkami development team.
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RE Engine's Significance: The RE Engine is crucial for realizing Kamiya's artistic vision, enabling the team to achieve previously unattainable visual goals.
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Ōkami's Enduring Appeal: Despite initial perceptions of less-than-stellar sales, Ōkami boasts a dedicated fanbase and consistent sales over the years, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
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Team Composition: The sequel's team is considered stronger and more skilled than the original Ōkami team, benefiting from technological advancements and the addition of talented developers.
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Inspiration and Influences: Kamiya draws inspiration from Takarazuka stage shows, appreciating their creative problem-solving within stage limitations. Sakata enjoys the immediacy of smaller theater groups, while Hirabayashi cites the latest Gundam movie as a source of inspiration.
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The Sequel's Story: The sequel directly continues the original Ōkami's story, featuring Amaterasu. Ōkamiden's reception is acknowledged, but the sequel focuses on a direct continuation of the original game's narrative.
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Controls and Gameplay: The team plans to modernize the controls while retaining the essence of the original Ōkami experience.
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Early Announcement: The early announcement at the Game Awards served as a statement of intent, expressing excitement and solidifying the project's commitment.
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Success Metrics: Success is defined by the team's satisfaction, fan enjoyment, and the fulfillment of their creative vision.
The interview concludes with messages to fans, emphasizing the team's dedication and commitment to delivering a sequel that meets and exceeds expectations. The team's passion and collaborative spirit shine through, promising a truly special experience for Ōkami fans worldwide.
