"Ōkami 2: Direct Sequel in Early Development"

The announcement of a sequel to the cherished adventure game Ōkami at The Game Awards last year sparked widespread celebration among fans. However, details about the game remain scarce. In a recent interview with IGN, project leads shed some light on what to expect, confirming that the "Ōkami sequel" is indeed a direct continuation of the original game's story.

Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi affirmed that the new game picks up where the first left off. When asked about the presence of the great god Amaterasu in the trailer shown at TGAs, director Hideki Kamiya teased with a "I wonder...", but Hirabayashi quickly confirmed Amaterasu's return.

While this confirmation may not surprise fans, there's been much speculation about how the sequel will build upon Ōkami. It's worth noting that Ōkamiden, a Nintendo DS sequel featuring Amaterasu's child, Chibiterasu, already exists. However, Ōkamiden received mixed reviews, partly due to its DS platform and the absence of key original team members like Kamiya.

When questioned about Ōkamiden and its recognition in the new sequel, Hirabayashi acknowledged the fans' affection for the game and the varied feedback it received. He emphasized that the upcoming sequel focuses on continuing the story from the original Ōkami, stating, "That's how we're going to phrase it."

The ending of Ōkami sets the stage for a sequel, as Amaterasu and another character embark on a new journey unexplored in the first game. This leaves ample opportunity for fresh challenges and narratives involving Amaterasu and other protagonists.

Unfortunately, more details about the Ōkami sequel won't be forthcoming for some time. The team revealed that the project is in its very early stages of development. Hirabayashi explained that the early announcement was driven by excitement, but cautioned, "It might take a little bit of time before we might talk again."

For a deeper dive into our conversation with the Ōkami sequel's leads, you can read the full interview here.