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. Announced at last year's Game Awards, the project reunites director Hideki Kamiya (newly independent from PlatinumGames and leading his new studio, Clovers) with Capcom (publisher) and Machine Head Works (a Capcom veteran-staffed studio). This collaboration blends seasoned Ōkami developers with fresh talent, promising a stellar team dedicated to realizing their original vision.
While details remain scarce, IGN recently interviewed Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. This extensive Q&A sheds light on the sequel's origins and development.
The interview reveals Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames stemmed from a creative divergence. He sought to create games uniquely his own, emphasizing the creator's personality's impact on the player experience. He defines a "Hideki Kamiya game" not by a specific formula, but by its unique and unforgettable gameplay.
Clovers' name is a nod to Kamiya's time at Clover Studio (Capcom's fourth development division), with the four-leaf clover symbolizing creativity. The close Capcom relationship predates this sequel, fueled by a shared desire to continue the Ōkami story. The opportunity arose when Kamiya left PlatinumGames, reigniting discussions about a sequel.
Machine Head Works, a relatively new studio with deep Capcom roots, acts as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, leveraging its experience with the RE Engine (chosen for its expressive capabilities) and Ōkami's original team members.
Capcom's continued interest in Ōkami stems from its enduring popularity and a loyal fanbase, despite its initial commercial performance. The team acknowledges the game's enduring appeal, citing consistent sales and ongoing fan engagement. The Game Awards announcement served as a confirmation of the project's reality and a promise to fans.
The sequel promises a continuation of the original Ōkami story, featuring Amaterasu. While specific details remain under wraps, the team aims to improve upon the original, acknowledging potential control scheme updates for modern audiences while retaining the essence of the original. The development is early, with the announcement at the Game Awards driven by excitement and a desire to share the news.
The team acknowledges Ōkamiden's existence and its reception, but clarifies the sequel directly continues the original Ōkami's narrative. Success is defined by both critical and commercial achievements, but most importantly, by creating a game that the team and the fans can enjoy. The studios' long-term vision focuses on fostering collaborative environments and creating engaging games, with the possibility of future collaborations with Capcom and the development of original IPs. The interview concludes with heartfelt messages of gratitude to fans and a promise to deliver a sequel worthy of the Ōkami legacy.
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