Review: Okami - Artistic white wolf romp

Mike Bantick
Monday, 12 February 2007 15:14

Opinion and Analysis

The celestial brush element, adds to the Japanese mystic story as the game unfolds.  Guidance comes in the form of the miniature wise cracking Issun, who provides hints on how to solve the myriad of intriguing puzzles.  These puzzles range in variety and given the freedom the celestial brush game mechanic, provide a unique, tantalizing challenge.

Painting on the screen is simply handled and forgiving, this was necessary to reign in what could have been a frustrating gaming element.

Finally, and most obviously, is the game art work.  Talk about breathing life into the aging PS2 platform, Okami is tantamount to traditional Japanese art work brought to digital life.  The landscape is breathtaking; the detail level is kept low but delivered with artistic flair that will have you believe the screen is drawn with real ink.

Overall it is hard to disagree with the already rave reviews Okami has received around the world.  It is a fun, romp for gamers and a visual and cultural feast for everybody.

IGN not only named Okami game of the year in 2006, they were also totally charmed, as was I, in the art direction, click here to read an excellent interview with Okami’s producer.  During the interview we are told of the deliberate change of artistic direction made during the development of the game, a wise decision indeed.