Okami 2 Announced as Direct Sequel in Early Stages

The reveal of a follow-up to the cherished adventure game Okami at last year's The Game Awards sparked widespread fan excitement, though details remain scarce. In a recent IGN interview with project leaders, a few key insights emerged, confirming that the "Okami sequel" is indeed a direct continuation of the original game's storyline.

Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi told IGN that the Okami sequel is a "direct extension of the narrative from the first game." When asked if the trailer at The Game Awards featured the iconic deity Amaterasu, director Hideki Kamiya replied enigmatically with "I wonder..." before Hirabayashi confirmed it was indeed her.

While this revelation may not surprise dedicated fans, there has been considerable debate about how an Okami sequel would address its predecessor. A prior sequel, Okamiden, released on Nintendo DS, focused on Amaterasu's offspring, Chibiterasu, and included familiar characters. However, Okamiden received mixed reviews, criticized for its DS platform and the absence of key original team members like Kamiya.

When questioned about Okamiden's relevance, Hirabayashi responded:

"We're aware of the fans who enjoyed the game, as well as the feedback about its story and how some elements didn't meet expectations. With this sequel, we're focusing on continuing the core narrative from the original Okami. That's our approach."

The conclusion of Okami sets the stage for a sequel, independent of Okamiden's events. Without giving away spoilers, Okami's ending sees Amaterasu and another character embarking on a new journey to an unexplored realm, opening the door for fresh challenges for both Amaterasu and other central figures.

Regrettably, further details will remain under wraps for some time. The team disclosed in the interview that the Okami sequel is in the very early phases of development, announced prematurely due to their enthusiasm. According to Hirabayashi, this means "it may be a while before we share more."

Read our complete interview with the Okami sequel's project leads here.