Twenty years ago, one Capcom game brought a magical world of mythology and art to the PlayStation 2. At the time, the console had plenty of hits, but many were sequels and new entries in long-running franchises.

Titles like Final Fantasy 12, Kingdom Hearts 2, Guitar Hero 2, and more like them were released in 2006, giving the console one final hurrah. Because, after all, the PS3 had come out that year, marking the unofficial end of the PS2’s life cycle. One game stood out among the rest as a departure from the norm.

Not only was it not a sequel, but it was also an entirely unique experience. From the style and art, to the story and playstyle, Clover Studio and Capcom’s Okami was one very special game that stood out from the rest that year. Okami was released in North America on September 19, 2006. This weekend marks its 20th anniversary, making this a great time to look back on and celebrate the title.

Okami Was A Work Of Art

Okami is an action-adventure game, but calling it that narrows it down too much. It doesn’t quite fit in any on category or genre. Rather, the title feels like you’ve been placed inside a traditional Japanese Sumi-e painting or woodcut, from the brushstrokes to the outlines.

You play as Amaterasu, a sun goddess who reincarnates as a white wolf to save the world from encroaching darkness. You travel around a mythical representation of Japan, seeking the source of the darkness. Along the way, you encounter characters from Shinto mythology, like the legendary hero Susano and eight-headed serpent, Orochi.

Aside from the unique story, setting, and art style, Okami presented players with a very different play style. Amaterasu is armed with a Celestial Brush and wields it using ink to create various effects on the world.

With her ink powers, Amaterasu can do things like breathing wind into the world, engulf an enemy in flames, and more. These powers are useful for everything from solving puzzles to fighting enemies. They’re also used to restore the Celestial Brush gods by completing constellations inspired by the Chinese zodiac.

All in all, it was a beautiful experience from start to finish, and one that has never quite been replicated by another game. Even 20 years later, it’s remembered fondly by fans, and holds a respectable 93 rating on Metacritic.

What’s Next? An Okami Sequel Is In Development

In 2010, Capcom created a spiritual successor to Okami without the original developers. Titled Okamiden, the Nintendo DS game followed a cute wolf cub named Chibiterasu on his own journey to save the world. Though the game was perfect for the DS’s stylus controls, it wasn’t a full sequel and never gathered as much of a fan following as the original title.

An HD remake brought the game to modern consoles with upgraded visuals in 2017. But despite how well-loved the game became, it didn’t sell well enough to keep Clover Studio afloat.

Still, for 20 years, whispers of a true sequel have circulated. Now, finally, after 20 years, Capcom has decided to return to the world of Okami with an official sequel. Announced back in 2024, development on the new Okami game is currently underway. The Capcom website promises that a “new adventure in the same vein as Okami has been set in motion.”

The new project is led by the original game’s director, Hideki Kamiya, in collaboration with three studios that include members from the original dev team: M-TWO, Machine Head Works, and CLOVERS.

Not a lot of information has been revealed about the followup game yet. Hovever, a teaser trailer shows that fans can expect much of what they loved to return in the upcoming game, including the art style and mechanics and the main wolf goddess character, Amaterasu.

Hopefully, the new game will be able to capture the same magic as the original. It has a lot to live up to: Okami is a gorgeous exploration of mythology, legend, art, and the delicate power between light and dark. It’s been a long time coming, but after two decades, Capcom’s PS2-era gem, Okami, is finally coming back. And just in time—as we celebrate 20 years since the original game wowed North American audiences.

Systems

Released

September 19, 2006

ESRB

T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Developer(s)

Capcom, Clover Studio

Engine

Proprietary Engine