8 Games to Play While Waiting for Okami 2

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Summary

  • Okami 2 was announced at the 2024 Game Awards, marking Hideki Kamiya’s return to Capcom.
  • Revisiting Okami reveals an interactive world akin to Tears of the Kingdom, hinting at ambitious gameplay.
  • Bayonetta Origins, a puzzle-adventure, showcases Kamiya’s diverse creativity beyond Bayonetta.

At the 2024 Game Awards, a follow-up to the beloved 2006 action-adventure game, “Okami,” was officially announced. This isn’t the first unexpected sequel, but its announcement carries significant weight due to Hideki Kamiya’s return to Capcom.

Playing his direction in the current game offers gamers faith that the upcoming sequel will live up to its exceptional predecessor. However, it’s still a few years off, leaving fans with ample time to find some fun games to keep them occupied until Okami 2 arrives. Of course, now presents an excellent opportunity for those who haven’t yet to experience the original Okami, but there are numerous other fantastic games available as well.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

An Open-World Playground

Rediscovering Okami reveals an unexpected aspect: the interactive richness of its world. Numerous minor details and objects invite exploration, yet they’re not essential to the storyline. These intricate mechanics echo the expansive playground of Tears of the Kingdom, but on a more modest scale and with less emphasis on physics.

Experiencing “Tears of the Kingdom” might spark speculation that the upcoming “Okami 2” could aim for a comparable approach. Since the original “Okami” was heavily inspired by “Zelda”, there’s a possibility that its sequel could also adopt the more recent “Zelda” gameplay style.

7. Neva

A Woman And Her Wolf

In stories featuring animals, such as a dog, there’s often an expectation of a tear-jerking conclusion. However, I can’t reveal the specifics to avoid spoilers. What I can say is that Neva is an exceptional side-scrolling platformer with intriguing puzzles. The visual art in this game is not only beautiful but also distinctive, sharing a resemblance with the captivating style of Okami.

In a simplified and engaging manner, let me rephrase it as follows: This minimal user interface turns each moment into a work of art, reminiscent of a painting. The developer has earned recognition through their previous creation, Gris, which is also renowned for its beautiful visuals and heartfelt storytelling.

6. Viewtiful Joe

Fighting In Movieland

In contrast to Okami, Viewtiful Joe is another action game from Hideki Kamiya, hailing from the same era. Unlike Okami, Viewtiful Joe features side-scrolling gameplay. The main character, Joe, is whisked away into Movie Land on a rescue mission for his girlfriend. Through the assistance of a V-Watch, he eventually becomes a superhero.

The cel-shaded aesthetic draws you in instantly, and surprisingly, the combat proves to be both tough and varied, given its 2D format. Similar to Okami, though it didn’t achieve massive commercial success, it received positive reviews from critics.

5. Ico

An Enigmatic Adventure In A Strange World

Ico, an early visual masterpiece on the PlayStation 2, continues to captivate with its stunning aesthetics even after many years. This game combines puzzle-solving and minimal combat elements, as players assist a princess in her escape from the castle. Although the narrative may seem cryptic initially, players will gradually grasp all necessary details.

The puzzles offer a challenging yet manageable level of complexity that makes most players pause momentarily. Replaying the game becomes enjoyable as you quickly navigate through it after figuring out the solutions to all the challenges.

While they don’t share a continuous storyline, Ico is set within the same universe as Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian.

4. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And The Lost Demon

A Strange Turn For The Series But Logical For The Developer

The game titled Bayonetta Origins presents an unexpected twist for the series, being a puzzle-adventure game set centuries prior to the initial release. Though this spin-off may initially seem like an odd departure for both Bayonetta and Platinum Games, it’s crucial to recall that this franchise shares a common genetic makeup with Okami, as both were conceived by the creative mind of Hideki Kamiya.

Beyond its puzzle-focused mechanics, the artwork in Bayonetta Origins bears a striking resemblance to that seen in Okami. Despite having a distinctly different feel compared to the main series, Bayonetta Origins remains an engaging and enjoyable game overall.

3. Resident Evil 2

From The Same Director As Okami

As a fan, I can’t stress enough that playing Resident Evil 2 isn’t merely a recommendation because it shares similarities with Okami. It’s a must-play for me because it was masterfully directed by Hideki Kamiya, showcasing the incredible versatility of this game designer. The chilling horror of one of gaming’s greatest sequels, compared to the enchanting world of Okami, speaks volumes about the diverse range of his creative prowess.

True artists are recognized by their versatility, as they can create pieces across multiple styles and moods within their chosen field. This is similar to David Lynch’s ability to shift seamlessly from the dark and mysterious “Blue Velvet” to the straightforward and poignant “The Straight Story.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

One Of The Biggest Influences On Okami

As I delve into the enchanting world of gaming, it’s clear as day how much influence Zelda, particularly Ocarina of Time, has had on the magical adventure that is Okami. The concept of a tool, like the Ocarina, altering reality to solve puzzles, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Celestial Brush mechanic found in Okami.

In essence, although “Ocarina of Time” isn’t strictly an open-world game, it does offer expansive areas for exploration that foster a feeling of adventure. Additionally, its groundbreaking gameplay, alongside that of “Super Mario 64,” significantly influenced the foundation of 3D game design. Furthermore, the game’s world is exquisitely crafted and served as a source of inspiration for countless young gamers’ creative minds.

1. Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Color The World To Solve Puzzles

In addition to Okami, there’s another game called Chicory: A Colorful Tale that incorporates a drawing mechanism. Unlike Okami which is in 3D, this one is set in a 2D world, but its unique selling point lies in the painting mechanic. The world appears in black and white at first, but players can gradually bring color to it by painting.

As you advance through the game, the artwork within the painting unfolds with fresh challenges, thanks to newly acquired abilities that help solve intriguing puzzles. Interestingly, this game doesn’t involve any traditional combat, only optional boss battles which can be skipped if desired. What sets it apart is its deeply moving storyline about art and the creative process wrapped within.

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2025-02-05 08:34