Ōkami 2 — Capcom, Hideki Kamiya, and Machine Head Discuss Hotly Anticipated Sequel in Exclusive Interview

Twenty years after the original Ōkami's release, Amaterasu, the sun goddess and source of all goodness, makes a surprising return in a highly anticipated sequel. Revealed at last year's Game Awards, this new Ōkami is under development, helmed by Hideki Kamiya, recently independent from PlatinumGames and now leading his own studio, Clovers. Capcom, the IP owner, acts as publisher, supported by Machine Head Works, a studio comprised of Capcom veterans. The team boasts a blend of experienced developers from the original Ōkami and fresh talent, promising a stellar collaboration.

While details remain scarce, IGN recently interviewed Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. The two-hour discussion covered the sequel's genesis, the studio partnerships, and the developers' individual visions.

IGN's Q&A Highlights:

Kamiya discussed his departure from PlatinumGames, emphasizing his desire to create games uniquely his own. He stressed the importance of developer personality in shaping the player experience. He defined a "Hideki Kamiya game" not by a specific formula, but by its unique and unforgettable gameplay. The name "Clovers" is a nod to his previous studio, Clover Studio, and represents the studio's dedication to creativity.

Hirabayashi explained Capcom's long-held desire for an Ōkami sequel, driven by the enduring love for the IP and the opportunity presented by Kamiya's departure. Kamiya echoed this sentiment, revealing his own long-standing ambition to complete the original Ōkami's story. Sakata detailed Machine Head Works' role as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, leveraging their experience with the RE Engine and the original Ōkami team members.

The choice of the RE Engine was justified by its ability to realize Kamiya's artistic vision, exceeding the limitations of the PS2 era. The enduring popularity of Ōkami, evidenced by consistent sales and ongoing fan engagement, fueled the decision to pursue a sequel. The team discussed the positive reception of the Game Awards announcement and the emotional response from fans.

The developers addressed the possibility of involving other former Clover Studio members, confirming the participation of several original Ōkami developers through Machine Head Works. Kamiya acknowledged past team limitations and expressed satisfaction with the enhanced talent pool for the sequel. They discussed their personal inspirations, including Takarazuka stage shows (Kamiya), Gekidan Shiki theatre (Sakata), and the Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie (Hirabayashi).

The team confirmed Amaterasu's presence in the Game Awards trailer and addressed the Ōkamiden game, stating that the sequel is a direct continuation of the original Ōkami's storyline. They discussed the evolution of game controls, promising a balance between respecting the original and incorporating modern sensibilities. The early stage of development and the reasons behind the early announcement were also discussed. Finally, the developers shared their individual perspectives on the definition of success for the Ōkami sequel and their respective studios' long-term goals.

9 Images

The interview concluded with heartfelt messages to fans, expressing gratitude for their support and assuring them of the team's dedication to delivering a high-quality sequel.