Okami 2 Insights: Exclusive Creator Interview Reveals All

Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, allowed us to sit down with the creative minds behind the much-anticipated sequel to Okami. In a comprehensive two-hour interview, we delved into the details with Clover Studio's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom's producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works' producer Kiyohiko Sakata. They shared insights on the development process, the inception of the project, and what fans can anticipate from this exciting follow-up.

We thoroughly enjoyed conducting this interview and believe you'll find it equally engaging. You can experience the full interview by watching or reading it here. For those short on time, we've summarized the key points that Okami enthusiasts will find most compelling:

The Okami Sequel Utilizes Capcom's RE Engine

A significant revelation from our discussion is that the Okami sequel is being crafted using Capcom's advanced RE Engine. This choice was made to fulfill the creative vision that was beyond the reach of previous technology during the development of the original Okami. For a deeper dive into this topic, you can read our detailed article. However, not all at Clover Studio are familiar with this engine, which is where their partner, Machine Head Works, steps in to assist.

Collaboration with Ex-Platinum Developers via Machine Head Works

Rumors have circulated about the departure of key talent from PlatinumGames, including those closely associated with Hideki Kamiya and the original Okami team. When we inquired about the involvement of individuals like Shinji Mikami, Abebe Tinari, or Takahisa Taura, the team was cryptic but Kamiya hinted at the participation of some former Platinum and Capcom developers through Machine Head Works. The exact identities remain a mystery for now.

Capcom's Longstanding Interest in an Okami Sequel

Despite the initial commercial underperformance of Okami, Capcom's interest in a sequel has grown with the game's increased sales across various platforms. Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi explained that while Capcom has been considering a sequel for some time, "it took a bit of time for all of the stars to align." With Kamiya and Machine Head Works now involved, the project is finally moving forward. Explore our in-depth article for more on this topic.

A True Sequel to the Original Okami

In an era where sequels can sometimes be ambiguous, Capcom confirmed that this is indeed a direct continuation of the original Okami storyline. Both Hirabayashi and Kamiya assured us that the sequel picks up right where the first game concluded, leaving plenty of narrative room for expansion without spoiling the original's ending.

Confirmation of Amaterasu in the Trailer

Fans can rest assured that the beloved character Amaterasu will return, as confirmed by her appearance in the trailer.

Addressing the Okamiden Legacy

The Nintendo DS game Okamiden, while appreciated by some, did not meet everyone's expectations. Hirabayashi acknowledged the feedback, noting, "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, however, will directly follow the narrative of the original Okami.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

9 Images

Hideki Kamiya Engages with Fan Feedback

Hideki Kamiya, known for his active social media presence, confirmed that he reads fan posts to gauge expectations for the Okami sequel. However, he emphasized that the goal is not to create a game based solely on fan requests but to deliver an enjoyable experience that aligns with their anticipation. "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. "But we are working hard to achieve a game that achieves the fun that people are expecting of this Ōkami sequel."

Rei Kondoh's Contribution to the Sequel's Soundtrack

Rei Kondoh, a renowned composer known for his work on games like Bayonetta and Dragon's Dogma, contributed the arrangement of the iconic "Rising Sun" theme for the Okami sequel trailer shown at The Game Awards. This suggests his involvement in crafting the new soundtrack, adding to the excitement for fans of the original game's music.

Early Stages of Development

The team announced the Okami sequel early in its development, asking for patience from the fans. 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 he and Sakata indicated that updates might be sparse for a while, but reassured fans that the project is in the hands of a dedicated team passionate about the Okami series.

For a complete experience of our interview with the Okami sequel's creative leads, you can access it here.