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 The Game Awards, this new Ōkami is under development at Clovers, Hideki Kamiya's new studio, with Capcom publishing and Machine Head Works providing support. The team boasts a blend of seasoned Ōkami veterans and fresh talent, promising a stellar collaboration.
While details remain scarce, IGN secured a revealing interview with director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. The discussion covered the sequel's genesis, the studio partnerships, and the developers' visions.
IGN's Q&A Highlights:
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Kamiya's Vision: Kamiya emphasizes creating unique gaming experiences, prioritizing originality over adhering to a specific "Kamiya-style." He established Clovers to foster a creative environment aligned with his development philosophy.
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The Clovers Connection: The studio name is a nod to Clover Studio, Kamiya's previous studio, and the four-leaf clover symbolizes creativity.
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Capcom's Involvement: Capcom's desire to create an Ōkami sequel, driven by the enduring popularity of the IP, spurred the project's inception. Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames presented the opportune moment.
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The Sequel's Story: The sequel directly continues the original Ōkami's narrative. The Game Awards trailer confirmed Amaterasu's presence. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Kamiya hints at exploring themes left underdeveloped in the original.
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Machine Head Works' Role: This relatively new studio, comprised of Capcom veterans, acts as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, leveraging its experience with the RE Engine and Ōkami's development history.
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RE Engine's Significance: The RE Engine's capabilities are crucial for realizing Kamiya's artistic vision, enabling features previously unattainable.
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Ōkamiden's Status: While acknowledging Ōkamiden's existence and its fanbase, the sequel will directly follow the original Ōkami's storyline.
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Gameplay and Controls: The team intends to modernize the control scheme while respecting the original's essence. Balancing innovation with fan expectations is a key consideration.
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Early Development and Early Announcement: The sequel is in its early stages, launched this year. The early announcement aimed to confirm the project's viability and generate excitement.
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Future Plans: The studios aim for long-term sustainability, focusing on fostering collaborative environments and creating enjoyable experiences. While a continued partnership with Capcom is likely, the possibility of developing original IP remains open.
The interview concludes with heartfelt messages to fans, emphasizing the team's dedication and commitment to delivering a sequel that surpasses expectations.
