Reviewed on: Xbox One
2006 was the release year of this great, phenomenal game, “Okami”. With a jaw-dropping art direction that sought to represent the strokes of ancient Japanese paintings, the game strongly carried many characteristics of Eastern culture and its myths. Already released on PS2, Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3, it is now the current generation’s turn to get its HD version for PS4, Xbox One and PC.
Story
When the eight-headed demon Orochi launched a powerful attack on the world, a hero emerged. Nagi was a samurai and, accompanied by a wolf named Shiranui, the duo was able to defeat this deadly enemy. However, 100 years later, something disturbed the order and peace, causing Orochi to return. The new incarnation is this time the wolf Amaterasu and Nagi’s heir, Susano. But everyone must already know the excellent story of this incredible game. The game offers a long journey, which at times may demand a bit of patience from the player, but nothing that makes you put the game aside.
Humor is also part of Okami’s charm, and this is visible in the great personality of the characters you meet along the way. Not only is the design inspired and varied, but everyone benefits from fluid and funny animations.
The gameplay
Okami involves exploration, combat and puzzles, with the celestial brush at the center of the experience. And it remains as simple as ever, with easy gameplay. The celestial brush, which is still used, leaves it to the player to draw the correct shapes to use each power. The shapes drawn are very simple, like straight lines or circles, and, depending on where they are used, can activate different powers, and are easy to perform. The brush is also used during battles, helping to defeat enemies. Even those who have never played pick up the game’s feel easily. The combat system in Okami is quite simple, but it allows the use of different weapons and powers so that it doesn’t become monotonous. The enemies are Youkai, creatures from Japanese folklore, and each type has a unique and efficient method of being defeated. Discovering what those methods are is part of what makes the game interesting. However, once discovered, combat becomes practically unnecessary, except for bosses. More specifically regarding combat, you can stop time to perform actions with the brush. This lets you draw bombs, activate slashing attacks, and use seeds to stun enemies. This is in addition to Amaterasu’s more traditional attacks with her weapons, used to fire ink bullets and strike opponents.
Even 11 years after its release, the game is still a beauty to behold in its new HD versions. Its soundtrack remains sensational, conveying the music of Eastern folklore very well, especially through its rhythm and composition. Every moment of the soundtrack was very well chosen so as not to become cloying and to be in total harmony with what is on screen. Originally released in 2006 on PS2 and later on Wii, Okami later got a high-definition format for PS3, X360 and Windows. It now arrives on PS4 and Xbox One (in 4K for the premium versions of the consoles). The game still makes you stop to admire the excellent “paintings”; being colorful and vivid, it always catches you standing still observing the scenery.
We must not forget that it is a game from 2 generations ago, brought to the current generation. Graphically, there are some limitations, but there are other problems too. The original game required manual saves, and this continues in this version. It is a choice of the original design that they opted to keep, but it is something that could already have been an auto-save. The camera isn’t the best either, and can become problematic during some sections, especially when crossing the higher platforms. These are problems mostly tied to the game’s age, but they aren’t enough to spoil the magical experience that is here. Another positive point, for those who have played the game countless times, is that it now has the option to SKIP cutscenes.
In short, it is a game that should be played by everyone who likes a good game; it remains a beautiful and pleasant game to pass the time. There are some problems, due to age, but nothing that will get in the way of your great experience. Recommended for those who have played it and even for those who never came near this work.
Narrative: 7
Audiovisual: 9
Gameplay: 8
Xbox One version
Max Xavier
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