The long-awaited sequel to the beloved adventure game, Ōkami, announced at last year's Game Awards, has finally received some clarification. While details remain scarce, IGN's recent interview with the project leads sheds some light on the upcoming title.
Confirmed by Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, the sequel is a direct continuation of the original Ōkami's storyline. Addressing speculation surrounding the trailer shown at the Game Awards, Hirabayashi confirmed that the celestial deity Amaterasu is indeed the protagonist. Director Hideki Kamiya added a playful "I wonder..." to the confirmation, adding a touch of mystery.
The interview also addressed the previous Ōkami title, Ōkamiden. While acknowledging its existence and the mixed reception it received, Hirabayashi emphasized that the new sequel directly follows the original game's narrative, setting it apart from Ōkamiden's storyline and its differing development circumstances. The team recognizes both the positive and negative feedback surrounding Ōkamiden and its divergence from fan expectations.
The original Ōkami's ending provides a natural springboard for a sequel, leaving Amaterasu and a fellow character embarking on an unexplored journey, ripe with potential conflicts and challenges.
Despite the exciting news, fans will have to exercise patience. The sequel is in its very early stages of development, explaining the premature announcement, driven by the team's enthusiasm. According to Hirabayashi, substantial updates will likely be some time coming.
For the full interview with the Ōkami sequel's development team, please follow this link. (Link omitted as it was not provided in the original text).