Hideki Kamiya's Passion for Okami 2 and Viewtiful Joe 3: A Conversation with Ikumi Nakamura
In a recent YouTube interview with Unseen's Ikumi Nakamura, Hideki Kamiya reignited fan hopes for sequels to Okami and Viewtiful Joe. Kamiya expressed strong feelings of responsibility regarding Okami's incomplete narrative, stating the story ended abruptly, leaving him with a sense of unfinished business. This sentiment was echoed by Nakamura, emphasizing their shared history with the game and their collective desire to see it continued. Kamiya even referenced a Capcom survey where Okami placed among the top seven games fans wanted to see receive a sequel.
Regarding Viewtiful Joe 3, Kamiya jokingly admitted that despite a smaller fanbase, the story also remains unresolved. He even humorously recounted submitting feedback for a sequel to the Capcom survey, only to see his input omitted from the final results.
This isn't Kamiya's first public expression of wanting an Okami sequel. A 2021 interview saw him discuss leaving Capcom and the unfinished aspects of Okami, highlighting his intention to address unresolved plot points and fan questions in a potential sequel. The subsequent release of Okami HD broadened the game's audience, further intensifying his desire to conclude the story.
The Unseen interview also highlighted the creative synergy between Kamiya and Nakamura, who collaborated on Okami and Bayonetta. Nakamura shared anecdotes illustrating her contributions to Bayonetta's design and art style, showcasing how her work complemented and enhanced Kamiya's vision. Kamiya praised her ability to understand and elevate his creative direction.
Despite leaving PlatinumGames last year, Kamiya remains dedicated to game development. Nakamura highlighted the unusual nature of seeing Kamiya in an independent role, underscoring his passion for creating memorable gaming experiences. The interview concluded with both expressing their hopes for future projects and their commitment to impacting the gaming industry.
The interview generated significant buzz among fans, eager for sequels to both Okami and Viewtiful Joe. Ultimately, the realization of these projects hinges on Capcom's collaboration. The gaming community awaits official announcements with bated breath.