(Dispel your sadness, folks! Okamiden has been announced for the Nintendo DS! (Yes, I’m a bit slow to catch on to these things.)
I don’t know how they’re going to pull it off, what with the dissolution of Clover, but let’s hope Capcom let some of those people stick around…
Now, on to Part 2 of the Okami Review.)
Okami has been likened to a Zelda clone, an evaluation which, albeit high praise to some, I find dismissive and hollow as it lacks an appreciation for the remarkable spirit, craft, and artistry of the game.
Amataseru, the titular god of all gods reincarnated in wolf form, runs down the vibrant scroll of Shinto-infused Nippon towards a date with the horrible Orochi, revived from a 100-year slumber. With brighter colors on Wii but a more defined effects filter on PS2, you should choose the version that most appeals to your sensibilities; in either one, however, mythical Japan is a natural paradise, a painting where everything can be made to move and live—whether it’s cutting the wick of a candle, restoring a broken waterwheel, or bringing animals back to a land saved from the curse. (Keep in mind, the Wii’s motion controls are pretty well-implemented, and can provide a great kinesthetic attachment to the game). Traditional Asian instruments sing out a beatific audio accompaniment for you on your divine journey, which are easily the most pleasing orchestrations I’ve heard since FFX and Shadow of the Colossus.
In many much-less-ambitious games, it’s easy to spot the seams that join the underlying systems—disparate parts which have been roughly fit together, with lengthy load times in tow. Not so in Okami, where fleet-footed exploration, time-stopping calligraphy, Quick Time Events, riveting cage-style battles—and yes, even fishing—flow together, effortlessly, as one. Despite all appearances, it must have required huge technical innovation and a painstaking attention to detail to do it, but Clover ensured that there is not a moment in the game disjointed from any other.
(To be continued….)
problemgamer
2 Comments
Katie, I’m really going to start disliking you when you put up reviews of games I can’t afford. I hate being poor! I need to start some hi-tech video game smuggling cadre. Find me some people. I know you can.
Sorry! Maybe I’ll just stick to videos… of games you don’t have ^^;
At least you’ll know which ones are good, whenever you go to get a new game.