"Ōkami 2: Direct Sequel in Early Development"

The announcement of a sequel to the beloved adventure game Ōkami at last year's The Game Awards sparked widespread excitement among fans, although details about the game remain scarce. In a recent interview with IGN, project leads shed some light on what to expect, confirming that the "Ōkami sequel" is indeed a direct continuation of the original game's story. When questioned about the presence of the great god Amaterasu in the trailer showcased at The Game Awards, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi affirmed her return, while director Hideki Kamiya playfully responded with, "I wonder..."

This confirmation might not surprise fans, yet it has fueled speculation on how the sequel will build upon the legacy of Ōkami. It's worth noting that a previous sequel, Ōkamiden, released for the Nintendo DS, featured Amaterasu's child, Chibiterasu, and included several characters from the original game. However, Ōkamiden received mixed reviews due to its platform choice and the absence of key members from the original team, including Kamiya.

Addressing Ōkamiden, Hirabayashi acknowledged its fanbase and the feedback it received, particularly regarding narrative expectations. He emphasized that the new sequel is a direct continuation from the original Ōkami, stating, "That's how we're going to phrase it." The ending of Ōkami itself sets the stage for a sequel, with Amaterasu and another character embarking on a new journey, hinting at fresh challenges and adventures.

Despite fans' eagerness for more information, the Ōkami sequel is still in the very early stages of development. The team's early announcement stemmed from their excitement, but as Hirabayashi noted, "It might take a little bit of time before we might talk again." For those eager to dive deeper, the full interview with the Ōkami sequel's leads is available for review.