The announcement of a sequel to the beloved adventure game Ōkami at last year's The Game Awards sparked widespread excitement among fans, though details about the project remain scarce. In a recent interview with IGN, project leads shed some light on the upcoming game, confirming that the "Ōkami sequel" is indeed a direct follow-up to the original game's storyline.
Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi affirmed that the new game is a "continuation of the story that we saw in the original game." When pressed about the presence of the great god Amaterasu in the trailer showcased at The Game Awards, director Hideki Kamiya playfully responded with "I wonder..." However, Hirabayashi quickly clarified that Amaterasu is indeed featured in the sequel.
While this confirmation might not surprise fans, the question of how the sequel will address the legacy of Ōkami has been a topic of much speculation. Notably, Ōkamiden, a Nintendo DS game featuring Amaterasu's child Chibiterasu and several characters from the original, already exists as a sequel. However, Ōkamiden received mixed reviews, partly due to its DS platform and the absence of key original team members, including Kamiya.
Addressing Ōkamiden, Hirabayashi acknowledged the game's fanbase and the mixed feedback it received, particularly concerning its storyline. He emphasized that the new sequel is a direct continuation of the original Ōkami's story, stating, "With that, we also have the sequel now that, as we explained before, is a continuation from the story of the original base Ōkami. That's how we're going to phrase it."
The ending of Ōkami sets the stage for a sequel, with Amaterasu and another character embarking on a new journey to unexplored territories. This leaves ample opportunity for fresh challenges and developments for both Amaterasu and other protagonists.
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait for more detailed information. The team disclosed that the Ōkami sequel is still in its very early stages of development. Hirabayashi noted their eagerness to share the project early on, but also cautioned, "It might take a little bit of time before we might talk again."
For those eager to learn more, you can read the full interview with the leads of the Ōkami sequel right here.
