Our recent trip to Osaka, Japan, allowed us an exclusive two-hour interview with the developers behind the much-anticipated sequel to Okami. We sat down with Clover's director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata to discuss their vision for the upcoming project, its origins, and what fans can look forward to.

We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and believe you will too, whether you choose to watch or read the full interview available here. For those interested in the key takeaways, we've summarized the most exciting points for Okami enthusiasts below:

The Okami Sequel Utilizes Capcom's RE Engine

One of the most significant revelations from our interview is that the Okami sequel is being developed using Capcom's RE Engine. For more detailed insights into this choice, you can read our comprehensive article here. Essentially, the RE Engine enables the team to bring to life aspects of their vision for the original Okami that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. However, some at Clover lack experience with this engine, which is where Capcom's partner, Machine Head Works, plays a crucial role.

Ex-Platinum Developers Join via Machine Head Works

Rumors of talent leaving PlatinumGames have been circulating, especially those close to Hideki Kamiya and former Okami team members. During our discussion, Kamiya hinted that some ex-Platinum and ex-Capcom developers are contributing to the Okami sequel through Machine Head Works. While specifics weren't disclosed, this collaboration promises to bring experienced hands to the project.

Capcom's Long-Term Interest in an Okami Sequel

Despite Okami's initial commercial underperformance, Capcom has been keen on developing a sequel for some time. Our in-depth article here explores this further, but in summary, the game's sales improved with each subsequent platform release, catching Capcom's attention. Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi noted that the project required the right team to come together, and now, with Kamiya and Machine Head Works involved, the project is moving forward.

A Direct Sequel to the Original Okami

Given the ambiguous nature of sequel announcements, we sought clarification during our interview. Both Hirabayashi and Kamiya confirmed that the new game is a direct sequel to the original Okami, continuing the story from where it left off. This news is thrilling for fans who have yet to explore the potential narrative expansions hinted at in the first game.

Amaterasu Returns in the Trailer

The beloved character Amaterasu, the origin of all that is good and the mother to us all, makes a confirmed appearance in the trailer for the sequel.

Addressing the Legacy of Okamiden

The Nintendo DS game Okamiden has its following, yet it didn't meet all fans' expectations. Hirabayashi acknowledged this, stating that while they respect the game and its fans, the new sequel will directly follow the original Okami's storyline, addressing previous feedback and aligning with fan expectations.

Okami 2 Game Awards Teaser Screenshots

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Hideki Kamiya Engages with Fan Feedback on Social Media

Hideki Kamiya is known for his active social media presence, and he uses it to gauge fan expectations for the sequel. However, he made it clear that while he values fan input, the goal is not to create a game that merely meets fan demands but one that delivers an enjoyable experience aligned with the Okami legacy.

Rei Kondoh's Contribution to the Okami Sequel Trailer

Rei Kondoh, a renowned composer with credits including Bayonetta, Dragon's Dogma, and the original Okami's final boss theme "Rising Sun," has created the arrangement for the sequel's trailer shown at The Game Awards. This suggests his potential involvement in the new game's soundtrack.

The Sequel Is Still in Early Development

The team announced the sequel early due to excitement about the project but emphasized that fans should remain patient. Hirabayashi stressed that they prioritize quality over speed, and while it may be some time before further updates, the team is dedicated to creating a game that lives up to the Okami name and fan expectations.

For the complete experience, you can view or read our full interview with the Okami sequel's lead developers here.