Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, allowed us the unique opportunity to sit down with the creative minds behind the highly anticipated sequel to Okami. In a comprehensive two-hour interview, we delved deep into discussions with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared insights into the development process, the inception of the project, and what fans can anticipate from this sequel.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time conducting the interview and believe you will find it equally engaging, whether you choose to watch or read the full transcript available here. For those interested in the key takeaways, we've summarized the major highlights below that are particularly relevant for Okami enthusiasts.
The Okami Sequel is Utilizing the RE Engine
One of the most significant revelations from our interview is that the Okami sequel will be developed using Capcom's proprietary RE Engine. For a deeper dive into this topic, you can read our detailed article here. Essentially, the RE Engine was chosen for its ability to bring to life aspects of the original Okami's vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. However, not all at Clover are familiar with the RE Engine, which is where the expertise of Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, becomes crucial.
Ex-Platinum Developers Involved Through Machine Head Works
Rumors have circulated about the departure of key talent from PlatinumGames, including individuals closely associated with Hideki Kamiya and some who contributed to the original Okami. When we inquired about potential involvement from notable figures like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura, the team remained coy. However, Kamiya hinted at the participation of former Platinum and Capcom developers through Machine Head Works, leaving us eager to discover their identities.
Capcom's Longstanding Interest in an Okami Sequel
For more on this topic, check out our in-depth article here. Despite the initial underwhelming sales of the original game, Capcom took note of the growing sales with each new platform release. As a result, the idea of a sequel has been on their radar for some time. Yoshiaki Hirabayashi noted that "certain key people needed to be in place," and it took time for everything to fall into alignment. With Kamiya and Machine Head Works now involved, the project is finally moving forward.
A Direct Sequel to Okami
Given the ambiguity surrounding sequel announcements these days, it was reassuring to hear from Hirabayashi and Kamiya that this new project is indeed a direct continuation of the original Okami story. Without spoiling the ending for those yet to play, the sequel picks up right where the first game concluded, leaving ample room for further narrative exploration.
Amaterasu Returns in the Trailer
The beloved protagonist, Amaterasu, makes a confirmed appearance in the trailer, reaffirming her role as the origin of all that is good and the mother to us all.
Acknowledging Okamiden
The Nintendo DS follow-up, Okamiden, certainly has its place and fans. However, Capcom is aware that it didn't meet everyone's expectations. Hirabayashi acknowledged, "We know that there are fans out there that like the game... and we also know the feedback... With that, we also have the sequel now that, as we explained before, is a continuation from the story of the original base Ōkami."
Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots
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Hideki Kamiya Engages with Fan Feedback on Social Media
Known for his active social media presence, Hideki Kamiya confirmed that he pays attention to fan expectations and feedback. However, he emphasized that their goal isn't to create a game that merely meets fan demands. "Our work, of course, is not to create the game that people request of us... but we are working hard to achieve a game that achieves the fun that people are expecting of this Ōkami sequel. I have an idea of what I want to create... but I always want to make the best game possible," he stated.
Rei Kondoh's Contribution to the Sequel's Trailer
The talented composer Rei Kondoh, known for his work on games like Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, and the original Okami, including the iconic "Rising Sun" final boss theme, has created the arrangement heard in the Okami sequel trailer at The Game Awards. This suggests a potential return to compose the new soundtrack.
Early Stages of Development
The team announced the Okami sequel early out of enthusiasm but urged fans to remain patient. "Faster isn't always the best," Hirabayashi stated. "We will not give up quality for speed... It's something that we will put our efforts into." Both he and Sakata hinted that significant updates might take some time, emphasizing the dedication of the team to crafting a sequel that aligns with fan expectations.
For the complete experience, you can revisit our full interview with the leads of the Ōkami sequel here.
