Ōkami Sequel Greenlit After Long-Awaited Commercial Success
Capcom's announcement of a "Ōkami" sequel last year surprised many, given the original's reputation as a commercial flop. However, according to producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, "Ōkami" has quietly amassed a dedicated following over the years, with total sales reaching 4.6 million units across various platforms.
Hirabayashi attributes "Ōkami's" enduring popularity to its consistent sales through ports and its unique gameplay that immerses players in the art of storytelling. The team behind the original game, including director Hideki Kamiya, has been eager to create a sequel for some time, but certain key figures were not available until recently.
Kamiya himself was convinced to pursue a sequel due to "Ōkami's" enduring fan base. "Just hearing all the cheers from the fans pushed me," he said. "Without everyone's voices out there, we wouldn't have moved forward with this."
"Ōkami" is renowned for its stunning visuals, cel-shaded graphics, and its interactive storytelling mechanism that allows players to paint the world with a celestial brush. Despite its late arrival on PC in 2017, the game received critical acclaim for its captivating gameplay and unforgettable artistic style.
Capcom's decision to greenlight an "Ōkami" sequel underscores the value of dedicated fan support and the long-term commercial viability of niche titles. The sequel promises to deliver a captivating experience that builds upon the original's strengths while exploring new narrative and gameplay possibilities.