First Impressions of Okamiden! (From an Okami Nerd)

Dear all those who are reading this: If you have looked at any of my other blog posts (If you haven’t, read them now you ass), you would know that I am in love with Okami. Okami is my favorite game. Ever. So when the news came that there was going to be a sequel, I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited. I rushed right to the nearest Game Stop to preorder me a copy of Okamiden. The following article will be a smidgen of my opinion on the game; the full review will come later. Here is my first impression of Okamiden, straight from an Okami addict.

First of all, one must understand that I have gotten quite far through this game, but I have been playing way to much Okamiden/Pokemon White/Final Fantasy 4 to even get near my computer. So if I accidentally let a spoiler or two slip, please don’t hunt me down and power slash me (Like that little Okami joke?). Anyways. Let’s get started.

Aww!! :D

Say hello to Chibiterasu, or Chibi for short (He goes by many other names during the game, such as Mutt, Pooch, etc.). Chibi is the son of our favorite sun goddess, Amaterasu. Looks like Amaterasu is having some fun up on the celestial plain. Anyways. Looks like Nippon is in trouble…again, and this time it’s Chibi’s duty to save all the helpless Asians from their fate.

Basically, Chibi is a smaller and much more adorable version of Amaterasu, often dancing or yipping. Basically being adorable. But the little pup does pack a punch. For the most part, you receive the same weapons and celestial brush powers as you did in Okami, but with some tweaks here and there.

Sei An City-A location in both Okami and Okamiden.

I was very worried when I heard that Okamiden was in the same location with the same people. But after playing through most of the game (I think…) I decided this was not a bad thing at all. When you meet a character you met in Okami, it’s very interesting to see where they are and how they tie in with the story. Also, the game has new locations, such as a newly built village, a demon market, and a space ship. The game is definitely not as “level” oriented as Okami was; where there were VERY distinct levels, like Zelda dungeons. But the celestial brush powers work the same; you get one or two in each area.

The fighting is another thing that really worried me when I delved into the little Instruction Booklet that comes along with the game. You attack with ONE button. I thought this was ridiculous. But soon enough I got into the game play and found that the combination of brush powers and attacks and dodging were very nicely put together, and once in a while your companion will get in on the action.

Through out the game you will meet various companions that will ride around on your back and bitch at you from time to time. They range from the cowardly, to the self-centered, to the downright annoying. These companions all lead you on their own separate quests, and all have their redeeming qualities.

What would a sun god be with out Bloom?

Another neat thing about Okamiden is the fact that the celestial brush is simple to control due to the touch screen. The player uses the stylus to draw whatever they want; much easier than using the joysticks on the PS2 controller for Okami. Also, if you preordered at Game Stop Like I did, you get to feel awesome using your own celestial brush as your stylus. The only problem I found with the whole “using the touch screen for the celestial brush” thing is that sometimes it is damned near impossible to get certain brush actions to actually unfold, sometimes really pissing off your companion. Another bothersome thing about the controls that only rarely becomes an issue is the fact you are controlling the adorable wolf with a 4 way directional pad, and not a joy stick; at times this will become a small nuisance.

 

Screen Shot! (And what may be the most annoying companion ever).

All in all, Okamiden is A LOT like Okami, in game play, look, annoying sounds of characters speaking, powers, weapons, people, locations, and awesomeness. I would recommend this game to any Okami fan, Zelda fan, or anybody who enjoys a good adventure game.

Feel free to ask me any questions! Thanks for reading reader. I will leave you with some adorable Okamiden pics.

 

 

Ohmahgawd. Adorable.

 

 

:D :D