We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
Wii

Okami Coming to Wii

by Jonathan Metts - October 19, 2007, 8:50 am EDT
Total comments: 50 Source: Ready at Dawn, Eurogamer

Capcom's "Zelda clone" is on its way to Zelda's console. Updated with official announcement

As reported by European website Eurogamer, this week Capcom held a media event in London, England and revealed that their stellar PS2 title Okami is coming to Wii in Spring 2008. Ready at Dawn Studios, developers of the upcoming God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP, has confirmed on their website that they are handling the port. Okami is a natural fit for Nintendo's console, as its signature gameplay mechanic is the use of a magical paintbrush for fighting and puzzle-solving. The Wii version promises to turn your Wii Remote into the legendary "Celestial Brush", and incorporate new motion-based attacks as well.

The final production out of Capcom's defunct Clover Studio (also known for the Viewtiful Joe series), Okami garnered widespread acclaim upon release and is generally known as "the best Zelda game that isn't a Zelda game". Whether or not the Wii version of the title will have any extra content beyond motion control is currently unknown, but a title of this caliber - especially one that never got the exposure it deserved - coming to Wii is something for fans to be excited about.

The press release from Capcom is below.

CAPCOM® TO BRING THE AWARD-WINNING ŌKAMI™ TO THE Wii™

A Stroke of Genius Brings the Incredible Action/Adventure Game To Life Using the Wii Remote

London — October 17, 2007 It’s finally time to experience the magic of Ōkami™ as it was always meant to be played. Capcom’s award winning game -- hailed as “Game of the Year"for 2006 by multiple magazines and websites including Associated Press, PSM, Village Voice, IGN.com, Game Revolution and more -- is set for release on the Wii™ home video game system in Spring 2008. Featuring a re-imagined control scheme built around the intuitive Wii Remote™, Ōkami offers players an unparalleled level of control and an opportunity to rediscover a critically-acclaimed and beautifully crafted adventure.

Ōkami tells the story of a mythical sun god who sets out to restore a dismal world, decimating the forces of evil who stand in the way by commanding the elements and mythical abilities the deity possesses. Mixing Japanese folklore and a stunning traditional Japanese art style, players must utilize an inventive control scheme to overcome the challenges and evil that await. By enhancing the unique gameplay, visual style and story line of Ōkami with the control of the Wii Remote, it is sure to be the ultimate version of the game.

Originally designed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and released in 2006, Ōkami now comes alive in an entirely new way on the Wii with its visually stunning art style and beautiful scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Throughout the vibrant and distinctive surroundings, players must use the Wii remote to interact with a dynamic world and cast of characters. The blend of stylized graphics, movements and unique gameplay will result in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before.

Ōkami includes the following features:

Innovative gameplay and control scheme optimized for the Wii - Defeating monsters requires both motion-controlled physical attacks, but also use of the Wii Remote as Amaterasu’s ‘Celestial Brush’ to paint the desired powers for decimating enemies and solving puzzles.

Create and destroy at will - Play as a god to re-establish order and beauty to a world laid barren by evil.

Intense action-packed battles – Rooted in Japanese folklore, fight against a diverse line-up of demons and monsters.

Utilize various gameplay styles – In addition to the Celestial Brush, Amaterasu can wield three types of offensive weaponry, each with their own unique abilities and effects. Depending on how a weapon is equipped, it can be used as the main or sub weapon:

Reflectors – These well-balanced weapons are suited for close range combat

Rosaries– Sacred magatama beads are great for quick long range attacks

Glaives – These can be charged up to unleash powerful close range attacks

Intriguing main character – Assume the role of the sun god, Amaterasu, who descends upon the earth in the form of a wolf. The Japanese translation of the word wolf is “Ōkami".

Original visuals and revolutionary design– Vibrant and inspiring graphics, reminiscent of traditional Japanese art created on paper scrolls, produce a large variety of stages with a watercolour-esque appearance.

Interact with a unique and dynamic cast of characters.

Talkback

planetidiotOctober 19, 2007

I saw this at E3 on the PS2, and was dumbfounded as to why this wasn't a DS game. Painting with an analog stick? WTF? Should work well with the Wii pointing though.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 19, 2007

I hope there is enough added content that I don't feel like a total chump for buying it, even though I already own a (still wrapped) PS2 version.

Bought and sold.


To me.

decoymanOctober 19, 2007

Okami FTW* ftw**!

*For The Wii
**for the win

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
I hope there is enough added content that I don't feel like a total chump for buying it, even though I already own a (still wrapped) PS2 version.


Who buys games and doesn't play them? Geez, I always knew Pale was a poser.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 19, 2007

a BUSY poser.

LouieturkeyOctober 19, 2007

Hey Pale, I do the same thing. There are so many games that I want and am afraid they will disappear if I don't get them now, plus I'm really busy. So while I didn't pick up Okami (pronounced ohhh-kami) for the PS2, I have about 15 unplayed games at the moment.

Edit: BTW, I'm getting this for the Wii. I've wanted to get it so many times but kept hearing the rumors about the Wii version and held off in getting it. Now it's paid off, time for a preorder I think. face-icon-small-smile.gif

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

Someone can't take a joke. I do the exact same thing. The exact same thing. Except not with Okami. I was always waiting for the Wii/GC port I knew would come.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 19, 2007

You're the one that can't take a joke. Trust me, I was laughing when I too called myself a poser.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
You're the one that can't take a joke. Trust me, I was laughing when I too called myself a poser.


Are you insulting people again, Pale? face-icon-small-wink.gif

Anyway I am interested in seeing how they handle the port of the game. Could be great.

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

No, I can't see a joke. There's a difference.

Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
I hope there is enough added content that I don't feel like a total chump for buying it, even though I already own a (still wrapped) PS2 version.


According to an interview the developers gave to IGN, there will be no new content or bonus features. Straight up port.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Kairon
Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
I hope there is enough added content that I don't feel like a total chump for buying it, even though I already own a (still wrapped) PS2 version.


According to an interview the developers gave to IGN, there will be no new content or bonus features. Straight up port.

Hah. So that means that I'll still buy it, but feel like a major chump.

Much like the way I felt after buying RE4 Wii when I own the GC version and hadn't played it yet.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
Quote

Originally posted by: Kairon
Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
I hope there is enough added content that I don't feel like a total chump for buying it, even though I already own a (still wrapped) PS2 version.


According to an interview the developers gave to IGN, there will be no new content or bonus features. Straight up port.

Hah. So that means that I'll still buy it, but feel like a major chump.

Much like the way I felt after buying RE4 Wii when I own the GC version and hadn't played it yet.


I must be a super chump then because I haven't opened RE4, Scarface, or Escape from Bug Island yet!

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 19, 2007

See, we are the reason why companies are just porting games. We have no one to blame but ourselves!

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Pale
See, we are the reason why companies are just porting games. We have no one to blame but ourselves!


In my defense, Escape from Bug Island is not a port! It may be one of the suckiest games of our time but at least it is a fresh game, so yeah for me!

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

But what bugs me is that they don't follow up the ports with something better.

I mean, I watched a financial statement made by some writer that worked for some money place, where he talked about what he sees coming for the Wii and PS3 next year, and he said what we all know: That Nintendo games far out-sell 3rd party games, and then he said that most of the 3rd party games suck, and are things like minigame compilations. He doesn't blame this on 3rd parties, he puts most of the blame on Nintendo and the Wii. It's like very few can see in business that it takes effort to make a good game, regardless of platform. They all seem to believe that the Wii itself is the reason why we're getting bad 3rd party games, rather than the games. It's like everyone lost logical functions!

ShyGuyOctober 19, 2007

Not to get all off topic from talking about Pale's gamer cred, but if Twilight Princess wolf fought Okami wolf, who would win?

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

The wolf from Hudson's Bloody Roar. Yugo.

Ian SaneOctober 19, 2007

Considering the obscure nature of this title it's nice that it will get another chance to find an audience and this is a good game so it's not a bad choice for porting. But it's still a port. From LAST GEN. The Wii is number one. Aren't we at some point supposed to get, you know, new games on a regular basis from all Wii developers?

I can't think of any other market leading console that got such laughable support. We would all be crapping on this portarama stuff on any other console.

I'll probably get Okami because it sounds like it's pretty cool and I don't have a PS2 so I don't have it yet. But dammit, Capcom, this isn't good enough.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Considering the obscure nature of this title it's nice that it will get another chance to find an audience and this is a good game so it's not a bad choice for porting. But it's still a port. From LAST GEN. The Wii is number one. Aren't we at some point supposed to get, you know, new games on a regular basis from all Wii developers?

I can't think of any other market leading console that got such laughable support. We would all be crapping on this portarama stuff on any other console.

I'll probably get Okami because it sounds like it's pretty cool and I don't have a PS2 so I don't have it yet. But dammit, Capcom, this isn't good enough.


If I recall PS2 had some pretty crappy support the first year as well from 3rd parties.

Quote

Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Considering the obscure nature of this title it's nice that it will get another chance to find an audience and this is a good game so it's not a bad choice for porting. But it's still a port. From LAST GEN. The Wii is number one. Aren't we at some point supposed to get, you know, new games on a regular basis from all Wii developers?


I swear, every one of y'all better buy Zack & Wiki, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF Y'ALL!!!

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Kairon
Quote

Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Considering the obscure nature of this title it's nice that it will get another chance to find an audience and this is a good game so it's not a bad choice for porting. But it's still a port. From LAST GEN. The Wii is number one. Aren't we at some point supposed to get, you know, new games on a regular basis from all Wii developers?


I swear, every one of y'all better buy Zack & Wiki, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF Y'ALL!!!


I am, and everyone should buy Escape from Bug Island as well.

Quote

Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
I am, and everyone should buy Escape from Bug Island as well.


And everyone should buy Dewy's Adventure.

ShyGuyOctober 19, 2007

And Ninjabread man (if I could find it)

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: ShyGuy
And Ninjabread man (if I could find it)


Ninjabread man is a port you dumhead.

Ian SaneOctober 19, 2007

"If I recall PS2 had some pretty crappy support the first year as well from 3rd parties."

Yeah but really cool stuff had been annouced from day one and some of that was coming out already or would in a few weeks. Plus it wasn't like the PS2 was getting tons of PS1, Saturn and N64 ports which would the equivalent of what's happening on the Wii. On the PS2 at this point stuff like Metal Gear Solid 2, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy X and GRAND THEFT AUTO III were right on the doorstep. The Wii isn't even getting big annoucements yet. We're still getting annoucements for ports so it will be even longer until relevent support shows up. It should at least be showing up now.

"I swear, every one of y'all better buy Zack & Wiki, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF Y'ALL!!!"

Capcom's playing a rigged game. Same with Konami. The support is such that nothing we do can send the right message. Buy the ports and they think we like ports. Buy the kids games and they think we only want kids games. Don't buy any of this stuff and they assume we won't buy ANYTHING and thus will give us nothing. To tell them we want the good stuff they have to take a chance and give us a sample of it to see if we buy it or don't. Right now it's all self-fulfilling prophecy crap where they decide ahead of time what will sell on the Wii and the support is such that it comes true.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Ian you need to buy Escape from Bug Island it is uber mature and isn't for kids!

Bill AurionOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Ian Sane
"I swear, every one of y'all better buy Zack & Wiki, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF Y'ALL!!!"

Capcom's playing a rigged game. Same with Konami. The support is such that nothing we do can send the right message. Buy the ports and they think we like ports. Buy the kids games and they think we only want kids games. Don't buy any of this stuff and they assume we won't buy ANYTHING and thus will give us nothing. To tell them we want the good stuff they have to take a chance and give us a sample of it to see if we buy it or don't. Right now it's all self-fulfilling prophecy crap where they decide ahead of time what will sell on the Wii and the support is such that it comes true.

But Zack & Wiki isn't a port...and isn't a kid's game... >=|

Yeah Ian, Zack & Wiki is a Point & Click adventure, which is, by definition, hardcore. To the max. Whut whut.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Kairon
Yeah Ian, Zack & Wiki is a Point & Click adventure, which is, by definition, hardcore. To the max. Whut whut.


Zack and Wiki supposedly has some innovative and complex puzzles, that to me indicates it is not a kids game. Dewy's adventure on the other IS a kids game because kids love tilting controllers and other objects and make stuff fall off a cliff. face-icon-small-wink.gif

Ian SaneOctober 19, 2007

Zack & Wiki looks like the typical cartoony cutesy game third parties have released on Nintendo consoles for years under the assumption that Nintendo attracts the younger crowd and seemingly little else. It might end up being a great and so might Dewy but those games are designed for kids. Maybe they do what most Nintendo games do where even though they're family friendly everyone can enjoy them but with Konami and Capcom the kids games are designed for kids. It's the same stuff we would get on the Gamecube. It does not suggest any strong support and buying that game won't change Capcom's opinion of Wii owners.

Tons of kids games are unfairly labeled as such but from a demographics point of view that's what the game would be classified as. Capcom is not going to give their real stuff because the cartoony game designed to cater to the "Nintendo audience" sells well with the Nintendo audience. They'll just give us MORE cartoony stuff. They release Resident Evil 5 on the Wii and it creams the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions in sales? Now THAT would give them a message.

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

But, you point is that they won't try it, or if they do, they put in an incentive to buy on another platform, and it is a valid one indeed.

Furthermore, when there is incentive to buy a multi-platform game on a Nintendo platform, the high number of sales that result are often dismissed. Look at Soul Calibur II. Look at NBA Street and SSX Tricky, the ones that had Mario and the gang. These games sold pretty well in comparison to their counterparts, and said that Nintendo did have an audience for these other games, it's just that people normally prefer to play them on other consoles. But now, with the Wii, the closest thing we've seen to that is Resident Evil 4: Wii. And because of RE4:WE, Capcom posted some excellent sales numbers, and Monster Hunter 3 was moved over. And now we're seeing an Okami port that's probably going to have intuitive controls. We've got Harvey Birdman on the way, and other games, too, all from Capcom. Sure, it isn't everything out there, but it seems right now, that if the trend continues, Capcom will play nicer with us Nintendo fans. No, we don't have Dead Rising or Lost Planet, but we're on a path here.

The question is EA, Namco, and Konami right now. I wanted NCAA Football '07 for the Wii. Why wasn't it there? I probably wouldn't play it, but I'm a college student at a major football school, so I wanted it anyways. I don't want My Sims. I don't want the Sims at all. I don't want Miis in my Soccer games. I want to see some FPSes and some Need For Speeds pumped out of their bland machines just as an acknowledgment to the world that adults are buying Wiis.

With Namco, we're seeing the worst. The only big Namco games around are kids-geared games. Dewey, Elebits, and Opoona look like fun games, and two of them have proven to be, but why aren't we also seeing SC4? Is there something physics/control-wise that can't be done on the Wii, or can it not support enough polygons to push boob-jiggle or camel toe to the expected extreme for the series. Are there any other big Namco series out there, anyways?

And what about that Castlevania series? I'm pretty sure IGA has said that the Nintendo consoles are for kids, despite the evidence otherwise. To test things out, why not port over all three of the previous MGS games. One is basically done, and the other two shouldn't be too hard, but I bet there's cash to be made. Why remain exclusive with a failing platform? It makes no sense with a series that has a budget that big.


It just seems to me like developers think that the Wii is cheaper to produce for, so that means everything must be as low budget as possible, and they aren't getting desired results from this, so they blame Nintendo. For once, Capcom didn't, and they're slating some extra stuff over here, but still, it seems like no one is listening. Why?

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Um thatguy, I think Konami made Elebits and Dewy.

Bill AurionOctober 19, 2007

Ugh, just because a game doesn't have a bald space marine with a scowl on his face killing aliens doesn't mean it's "designed for kids"...Zack & Wiki was clearly designed as a game for anyone who likes puzzles...

Ian SaneOctober 19, 2007

"Ugh, just because a game doesn't have a bald space marine with a scowl on his face killing aliens doesn't mean it's 'designed for kids'...Zack & Wiki was clearly designed as a game for anyone who likes puzzles..."

I know that's not how it really works but that's how business interpret it when they decide what consoles to support. We all knew Nintendo's N64 and Gamecube games weren't actually for kids. Did us knowing better change everyone's mind? No. Nintendo was TEH K!DDIE. Capcom will interpret Zack & Wiki sales to mean we want more "kids games". Third party reps talk about this crap all the time with their "younger demographic" BS. When Dewy was annouced some Konami guy was talking about how it fit the younger audience of the Wii.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: Ian Sane
"Ugh, just because a game doesn't have a bald space marine with a scowl on his face killing aliens doesn't mean it's 'designed for kids'...Zack & Wiki was clearly designed as a game for anyone who likes puzzles..."

I know that's not how it really works but that's how business interpret it when they decide what consoles to support. We all knew Nintendo's N64 and Gamecube games weren't actually for kids. Did us knowing better change everyone's mind? No. Nintendo was TEH K!DDIE. Capcom will interpret Zack & Wiki sales to mean we want more "kids games". Third party reps talk about this crap all the time with their "younger demographic" BS. When Dewy was annouced some Konami guy was talking about how it fit the younger audience of the Wii.


Ian I really don't think Capcom thinks of Zack and Wiki as a kids game, the design and yes even the genre of game does not mesh with a traditional "Kid" title. Yeah it has cartooney visuals, but that may be more for artistic value then an indication if the product is for children. My guess is that IF Zack and Wiki is successful Capcom will see an opening to release more traditional games, but then again none of us will know that until it happens, at the moment all we have to go on is how it is designed and the difficulty curve from what I've heard is quite high.

TrueNerdOctober 19, 2007

Zak and Wiki selling well would be a wonderful thing. It doesn't look like an early PS2 game, it's not a port, it uses the Wii functionality to its advantage, and it's not a mini-game collection. If the game sells well, maybe 3rd parties would think that we want more games that meet those four criteria and not simply think that we want kids games. Maybe. Depends on how much credit you want to give 3rd parties.

Okami selling well would also be a wonderful thing because, well, the game is awesome. Even if it is a port.

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
Um thatguy, I think Konami made Elebits and Dewy.


Yeah, they did, it's just been one of those days. I can't remember who has made what, at all.

NinGurl69 *hugglesOctober 19, 2007

Game makers will make games they think they can market, if they can afford to market it.

Let's see Capcom try to market Zark and Wookie WITHOUT using the "for kids" angle... NEVER HAPPENING

ShyGuyOctober 19, 2007

Not to get all off topic from talking about Zack and Wiki, but nobody has answered my wolf question. face-icon-small-frown.gif

IceColdOctober 19, 2007

Wow, it amazes me how people have money to throw away at games that they don't even open.. at least wait until you are able to play it, and by then the price could be lower, too.

that Baby guyOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: ShyGuy
Not to get all off topic from talking about Zack and Wiki, but nobody has answered my wolf question. face-icon-small-frown.gif


I did, you just didn't look hard enough.

GoldenPhoenixOctober 19, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: IceCold
Wow, it amazes me how people have money to throw away at games that they don't even open.. at least wait until you are able to play it, and by then the price could be lower, too.


What about those people who buy sealed action figures, are they wasting it as well? For some it is about collecting with the hopes of playing, I know I collect all kinds of games both old and new, but never play them.

EnnerOctober 19, 2007

This is great news, especially for those that missed the PS2 version.

I had a small thought that there would be a bit of questioning here if Ready At Dawn would be up to that task. I'm glad that the worst of that thought wasn't realized. Best of luck to the studio to strutting their stuff for the Wii version.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorOctober 20, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: IceCold
Wow, it amazes me how people have money to throw away at games that they don't even open.. at least wait until you are able to play it, and by then the price could be lower, too.

Well, almost all of my unplayed games were purchased on some sort of sale... Buy 2 get 1 free at Toys R Us, Clearance sales at Circuit City, etc.

I'm not sure if that really changes your point at all, but still...

DjunknownOctober 20, 2007

Quote

I had a small thought that there would be a bit of questioning here if Ready At Dawn would be up to that task.


Ditto. When I read the announcement, I was WTF? I'd figure Capcom would port it in-house but I guess they have other ports/titles to crank out and couldn't be bothered...

I guess asking for RE 5 while we're at it would be considered 'greedy'...face-icon-small-thumbsdown.gif

Well, perhaps this would be a great project for RAD to cut their Wii teeth on, and they could do an original game for the Wii next? Someone needs to point a Wii hungry Publisher to this developer talent.

Michael8983October 20, 2007

To the people who are saying all Capcom gives us is cheap ports with nothing better to follow. I have two words and a number for you.
MONSTER HUNTER 3. Ok so it's not big in America but it's one of THE big games in Japan.
It's no surprise that third-parties are a little cautious with the Wii given Nintendo's history but the sales charts speak for themselves. The Wii is the leading console. I guarantee you over the next year we're going to see many, MANY big third-party titles announced for the Wii.
Though there's nothing wrong with a good port of a great game, especially if they nail the Wii-mote controls.

Hostile CreationOctober 21, 2007

HOLY CRAP AWESOME

The only game that I truly regretted not getting to play last generation, and it's coming to Wii. What a stroke of luck. Fantastic news.

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement