I decided to give Okami a try after I hit a drought with Wii releases back in 2008 (IGN watermark on the cover FTW) and after all the small but vocal acclaim that the game received when it was released late in the PS2's life cycle.
Okami became one of my favorite games of all time thanks to its presentation, art direction, storyline, and unique gameplay. Zelda influences in the form of the overall adventure and dungeon/temple design can be found in the layout of the game and that's perfectly fine since I'm a big fan of the Zelda series. In many ways, Okami actually improved over the 3D Zelda formula by providing more seamless integration between overworld exploration, dungeons, and missions.
Graphically, this game will stand the test of time thanks to its cel-shaded roots and beautiful use of colors and effects that help with the immersion in this historical Japan setting. In many ways, this is a "feel good" game that allows the player to restore corrupted areas back to their original beauty in the form of blossoming colorful nature. Combat was good but not a major standout but I think I did that to myself since I stuck out with a style I felt comfortable with throughout the game but in reality, you have multiple beads that provide different types of combat and attacks. Use of the celestial brush is fun and clever for both combat and puzzle solving and the Wii version of this game was literally the perfect way to experience this unique feature of the game (not even sure how the other version make it work to be honest, the wiimote is just perfect for this application). Soundtrack is fantastic and very appropriate for this game.
The storyline is also very interesting and intriguing, citing Japanese folklore. The bond between Amaterasu and Issun (your traveling companion) has a rocky start but the connection between the two grows and culminates in a fantastic way along with the relationships you forged with other characters along your journey.
Simply put, Okami is a masterpiece and I'm just really glad I decided to give this game a shot back when the Wii version came out.
Okami became one of my favorite games of all time thanks to its presentation, art direction, storyline, and unique gameplay. Zelda influences in the form of the overall adventure and dungeon/temple design can be found in the layout of the game and that's perfectly fine since I'm a big fan of the Zelda series. In many ways, Okami actually improved over the 3D Zelda formula by providing more seamless integration between overworld exploration, dungeons, and missions.
Graphically, this game will stand the test of time thanks to its cel-shaded roots and beautiful use of colors and effects that help with the immersion in this historical Japan setting. In many ways, this is a "feel good" game that allows the player to restore corrupted areas back to their original beauty in the form of blossoming colorful nature. Combat was good but not a major standout but I think I did that to myself since I stuck out with a style I felt comfortable with throughout the game but in reality, you have multiple beads that provide different types of combat and attacks. Use of the celestial brush is fun and clever for both combat and puzzle solving and the Wii version of this game was literally the perfect way to experience this unique feature of the game (not even sure how the other version make it work to be honest, the wiimote is just perfect for this application). Soundtrack is fantastic and very appropriate for this game.
The storyline is also very interesting and intriguing, citing Japanese folklore. The bond between Amaterasu and Issun (your traveling companion) has a rocky start but the connection between the two grows and culminates in a fantastic way along with the relationships you forged with other characters along your journey.
Simply put, Okami is a masterpiece and I'm just really glad I decided to give this game a shot back when the Wii version came out.
LeonardoMF93
1 year ago