Random Video Game Review - Ōkami

 

Throughout this week, Steam have been having a Capcom sale. So to take advantage of the situation, I felt it would be appropriate to review at least one of their games. Now originally I planned to do a series review of the Devil May Cry games (with the exception of that one infamous entry that I have reviewed already), but I felt it would be more appropriate to look at one of Capcom's lost gems so to speak. During the era of the PS2 and later on the Wii, Capcom released this game, and it's an interesting one. Sure it has some enemies that need taking care of, much like Capcom's other games. But it is also just a pretty looking game that explores Japanese mythology and folklore with a cel-shaded feel in its visuals. I know there has been a sequel since this game came out, but as that is considered a spiritual successor (and due to it being a Nintendo DS exclusive that I will unlikely be able to play anytime soon without emulation), I'm going to skip that game (at least for the time being). So let's take a look at this beast of a game:

Players play as the titular Ōkami Amaterasu who, as the goddess of the sea, takes on a wolf form who traverses Nippon Japan in the wake of a major threat that she was once able to take care of. But the shenanigans of a non-believer proved her otherwise, and she sets out to bring this threat to an end once again. The game visually looks like a piece of art coming to life in well known Japanese styles of art. It's a multi-genre game that has elements of action, platform and puzzles and can be compared favourably to the Legend of Zelda series that occasional Capcom collaborator Nintendo own. As a matter of fact, the game's director actually wanted the game to be influenced by that series as a fan himself. You are guided by Amaterasu's guide Issun who offers assistance throughout various side quests and optional activities while allowing the player to play the game at their own pace. The main character earns praise for completing various tasks, which can be used to upgrade various things such as health and other things. All the fighting is done in a virtual arena where every enemy can be defeated with a mix of weapons, fighting techniques and Brush methods. As with most fights like that, rewards can be earned after every fight. Rewards can include money which can be used for well the usual upgrade type stuff in games like this. Plenty of other great things in this game too.

For what the game is and trying to be, it is pretty darn good. Beautiful visuals and good gameplay that again is reminiscent of Zelda, but with its own unique things too. It's also great that the game did eventually make it to the Wii because the brush style of things would work well for that console. Really happy to have played this game and I hope we do get more games like this. It may not be triple A like much of Capcom's other games, but it is what it is. 9/10