"Okami 2 Insights: Exclusive Creator Interview"

Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, allowed us the exciting opportunity to sit down with the developers behind the much-anticipated sequel to Okami. In a comprehensive two-hour interview, we delved deep with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom's producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works' producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared their vision for the Okami sequel, the project's origins, and what fans can look forward to.

Whether you choose to watch or read our full interview, which is available right here, we've also summarized the key highlights below for Okami enthusiasts eager to get the latest updates on this sequel.

The Okami sequel is being developed in RE Engine

One of the most significant revelations from our interview is that the Okami sequel is being crafted using Capcom's advanced RE Engine. For those interested in the technical aspects, we've covered this in greater detail in another article. Essentially, the RE Engine enables the team to bring to life aspects of their original vision for Okami that were previously unattainable with older technology. However, not everyone at Clovers is familiar with this engine, which is where Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, plays a crucial role.

Mystery ex-Platinum developers are involved, through Machine Head Works

Rumors have been circulating about talent departing from PlatinumGames, including key figures who worked on the original Okami. When asked directly about potential involvement from individuals like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura, the team remained coy. However, Kamiya hinted at the involvement of some ex-Platinum and ex-Capcom developers through Machine Head Works. We'll need to wait for further announcements to confirm who these mystery contributors are.

Capcom has been keen on an Okami sequel for some time

Despite the initial poor sales of the original game, Okami's growing popularity across various platforms has caught Capcom's attention. Our in-depth article explores this further, but in essence, Capcom has been contemplating a sequel for quite some time. As Yoshiaki Hirabayashi explains, "We needed to have certain key people in place," and it took time for everything to come together. With Kamiya and Machine Head Works now involved, the project is finally moving forward.

This is a direct sequel

There was some ambiguity about whether this project would be a true sequel or something different, given it wasn't titled "Okami 2." However, Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed that this sequel directly continues the story from the original Okami, leaving ample room for further narrative development.

Amaterasu is indeed featured in the trailer

The beloved character Amaterasu, known as the origin of all that is good and the mother to us all, makes a return in the sequel's trailer.

Okamiden... exists

Regarding the Nintendo DS follow-up, Okamiden, Capcom acknowledges its existence and its fanbase. However, Hirabayashi notes, "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 sequel, they emphasized, will continue directly from the original Okami's storyline.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya reads your social media posts about Okami

It's no surprise that Hideki Kamiya, an active social media user, keeps an eye on fan feedback about Okami. In our interview, he acknowledged looking at social media to gauge expectations for the sequel but emphasized that their goal is not to create a game that merely meets fan requests. "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," he stated. Instead, they aim to deliver a fun and engaging sequel that aligns with their creative vision.

Rei Kondoh composed the song for the Okami sequel trailer at TGAs

Rei Kondoh, a renowned composer with credits in games like Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, and Resident Evil, contributed to the original Okami soundtrack, including the iconic "Rising Sun" final boss theme. It's now confirmed that he composed the arrangement of "Rising Sun" featured in the Okami sequel trailer at The Game Awards, hinting at his possible involvement in the new game's soundtrack.

The Okami sequel is very early in development

The team announced the Okami sequel in its early stages, asking fans to remain patient. As Hirabayashi stated, "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 he and Sakata hinted that it might be some time before more news is available, but reassured fans that the project is in the hands of a dedicated team passionate about the Okami series.

For the full scoop on our interview with the leaders of the Okami sequel, check it out right here.