Okami 2 Revelations: Exclusive Creator Interview

During our recent visit to Osaka, Japan, we had the privilege of conducting an in-depth two-hour interview with the creative minds behind the highly anticipated sequel to Okami. We spoke with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata about their vision for the upcoming game, its development process, and what fans can look forward to. The interview was both enlightening and exciting, and we've made it available for you to enjoy in full right here. For those eager to dive into the key takeaways, we've summarized the most significant points below, tailored specifically for Okami enthusiasts.

The Okami Sequel is Being Developed Using RE Engine

One of the most exciting revelations from our interview is that the Okami sequel is being crafted using Capcom's advanced RE Engine. For a deeper dive into this topic, you can read our comprehensive article here. Essentially, the RE Engine was chosen for its ability to bring to life elements of the original Okami's vision that were previously unattainable with older technology. However, some members of the Clover team are new to this engine, which is where their collaboration with Capcom partner Machine Head Works proves invaluable.

Mystery Ex-Platinum Developers Involved Through Machine Head Works

Rumors have circulated about talent moving away from PlatinumGames, including individuals closely associated with Hideki Kamiya and those who contributed to the first Okami. When we asked about the involvement of notable figures like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura, Kamiya hinted at the participation of former Platinum and Capcom developers through Machine Head Works, though specifics were not disclosed. The exact team composition remains a mystery we'll have to unravel as the project progresses.

Capcom's Long-Standing Interest in an Okami Sequel

Capcom's interest in creating a sequel to Okami has been simmering for some time. Despite the original game's modest sales upon release, its subsequent success across various platforms caught the publisher's attention. As Yoshiaki Hirabayashi explained, Capcom "needed to have certain key people in place" and "it took a bit of time for all of the stars to align." With Kamiya and Machine Head Works on board, it seems the right team is now in place to bring this vision to life.

A Direct Sequel to the Original

Amidst today's uncertain game titles and announcements, Capcom's confirmation of an "Okami sequel" raised questions about its nature. Our interview with Hirabayashi and Kamiya clarified that this is indeed a direct sequel, continuing the story from where the original Okami left off. This continuity ensures a seamless narrative progression for fans of the series.

Confirmation of Amaterasu in the Trailer

Fans were thrilled to see Amaterasu, the beloved protagonist, featured in the trailer, reaffirming her central role in the sequel.

Addressing Okamiden

The existence of Okamiden, the Nintendo DS follow-up, was acknowledged during our discussion. Hirabayashi noted, "We know that there are fans out there that like the game, of course. And we also know the feedback on the game out there, of how the story was taken and now how perhaps parts of the story weren’t aligning with what people were expecting." The new sequel aims to realign the narrative with the expectations set by the original Okami.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya's Engagement with Social Media

Hideki Kamiya, known for his active social media presence, shared that he monitors fan feedback on platforms like social media. However, he emphasized that the development team's goal isn't to simply fulfill fan requests but to create a game that aligns with their vision while still meeting fan expectations. "Our work, of course, is not to create the game that people request of us, to create the exact copy of what people want from us," Kamiya stated. "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. And I have no plans of throwing away the user's expectation of the games, but I always want to make the best game possible."

Rei Kondoh's Contribution to the Sequel's Soundtrack

The talented composer Rei Kondoh, known for his work on titles like Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, and the original Okami, has contributed to the sequel's trailer with an arrangement of the iconic "Rising Sun" theme. This suggests his possible involvement in the sequel's soundtrack, promising a musical experience that honors the original while introducing fresh elements.

Early Stages of Development

The Okami sequel is still in its very early stages of development. The team announced the project early due to their enthusiasm, but they also requested patience from fans. As Hirabayashi noted, "Faster isn't always the best. We will not give up quality for speed, but do know that we will not drag our feet for this title." Both Hirabayashi and Sakata emphasized that while updates might be sparse, the development team is deeply committed to the project, driven by their love for the series and dedication to meeting fan expectations.

For a comprehensive look at our discussion with the Okami sequel's leads, you can access the full interview here.