Okami – Wii – Video Game review

Game: Okami

Platform: Wii

Studio: Capcom

Rating: 8/10

Corporate line:
Okami tells the story of a mythical sun god who sets out to restore a dismal world, decimating the forces of evil who stand in the way by commanding the elements and mythical abilities the deity possesses. Mixing Japanese folklore and a stunning traditional Japanese art style, players must utilize an inventive control scheme to overcome the challenges and evil that await. By enhancing the unique gameplay, visual style and story line of Okami with the control of the Wii Remote, it is sure to be the ultimate version of the game.

Originally designed for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and released in 2006, Okami now comes alive in an entirely new way on the Wii with its visually stunning art style and beautiful scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Throughout the vibrant and distinctive surroundings, players must use the Wii remote to interact with a dynamic world and cast of characters. The blend of stylized graphics, movements and unique gameplay will result in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before.

Features:

* Innovative gameplay and control scheme optimized for the Wii – Defeating monsters requires both motion-controlled physical attacks, but also use of the Wii Remote as Amaterasu’s ‘Celestial Brush’ to paint the desired powers for decimating enemies and solving puzzles.
* Utilize various gameplay styles – In addition to the Celestial Brush, Amaterasu can wield three types of offensive weaponry, each with their own unique abilities and effects. Depending on how a weapon is equipped, it can be used as the main or sub weapon:
o Reflectors – These well-balanced weapons are suited for close range combat.
o Rosaries- Sacred magatama beads are great for quick long range attacks.
o Glaives – These can be charged up to unleash powerful close range attacks.
* Intriguing main character – Assume the role of the sun god, Amaterasu, who descends upon the earth in the form of a wolf. The Japanese translation of the word wolf is “Okami”.
* Original visuals and revolutionary design- Vibrant and inspiring graphics, reminiscent of traditional Japanese art created on paper scrolls, produce a large variety of stages with a watercolor-esque appearance.

Gameplay:
I’ve read a few other reviews which compare “Okami” to “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” and I couldn’t agree more. Zelda is expansive as is “Okami.” Zelda is an epic as is “Okami.” I guess if you are going to craft a game after anything it should be a classic. The experience of “Okami” is also very cute and cuddly but bold and deep. This makes “Okami” interesting to children and adults alike. The storyline is engrossing and leaves so much open for the imagination.

The controls work well for the most part. There are occasions when the controls don’t seem to match the motion. Movements, especially dodging, seems to be out of sync. Drawing on the Wii is certainly better than it was in the previous PS2 release. The creation of your own world with the stroke of a brush is genius. So much of the game is high in the imagination department.

The size of the world is another reason why this is a must buy. You could play for what seems forever. You can build up your characters and grow with the game. The sheer mass of this adventure makes you want to go back and explore as much as tackling the adventure.

Graphics:
Even on the Wii, Okami is beautiful.

Audio:
The soundtrack is as epic as the game itself. The environments are dressed with wonderful aural delights.

Finally:
“Okami” is a brillant game that is full of life and imagination. The sheer massiveness is astonishing. Buy it now and buy it for the Wii.

Watch the trailer: