I think we’re all tired of Capcom re-releasing (and re-re-releasing) their old games, but when the game in question is Okami, there’s not much to complain about.
Okami was originally released for the PS2 in 2006, and while it was never much of a sales blockbuster, it has cultivated a pretty dedicated fan following in the years since. The game’s unique sumi-e inspired art style was jaw-droppingly gorgeous back in ’06, and if the HD trailer above is any indication, it still manages to impress even now, six years later.
This new HD version of Clover’s masterpiece features upscaled 1080p visuals with 16:9 support, as well as a new, optional control scheme that uses the Playstation Move’s motion controls for Amaterasu’s ink powers. In addition to that, the game now has a full set of trophies, and all you trophy-whores out there will be glad to know that the game offers a much coveted platinum trophy.
While Okami is probably best remembered for its beautiful art, I think it’s Okami’s gameplay that makes it such a beloved classic. Okami’s blended Zelda’s action adventure formula with some unique drawing based powers (you could draw on the world to fill in missing objects or use special “ink” powers,) and some light RPG elements, and the resulting game was one of the few Zelda-style games ever made that was actually as good as (or arguably better than) an actual Zelda game. As much as I love Viewtiful Joe and God Hand, Okami will always be my favorite game to come out of Capcom’s much beloved Clover Studios.
Speaking of which, Capcom re-released Okami for the Wii a few years after it hit the PS2, and they actually edited out all of the original Clover staff from the game’s credits — I’m not sure why exactly, but it’s no secret that the departure of Hideki Kamiya ( the director of games like Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and much, much more,) and the rest of Clover Studio from Capcom wasn’t exactly amicable. It’d be nice if Capcom would put the original staff credits back into the game and give credit where credit is due, but I’m not crossing my fingers — modern Capcom management isn’t exactly known for their sterling treatment of their employees.
Bullshit office politics aside, Okami HD is a guaranteed purchase for me (and it should be for you too, if you have good taste,) when it comes out exclusively for the PS3 for $19.99 this Fall.
