Review: Okamiden

System: Nintendo DS

Developer: Capcom

Publisher: Capcom

Score: B+

Released in 2006, the original Okami was a critical darling that gave Nintendo’s own Legend of Zelda series a run for its money. Despite garnering acclaim from nearly all outlets it was reviewed by, Okami failed to achieve mainstream commercial success. Chances of a sequel seemed unlikely, as original developer Clover Studios broke off from Capcom to form Platinum Studios, but Capcom saw the potential for Okami as a franchise and put a sequel into development. Even though the sequel is appearing on a smaller, less technically advance piece of hardware, Okamiden is by no means any less grander than its predecessor.

Taking place mere months after the conclusion of Okami, the sequel does not involve the continuing adventure of the previous character, Amaterasu. Taking the lead role is her adorable and aptly named offspring, Chibiterasu. Once again Nippon is under siege from demonic forces and its up to Chibi and a variety of partners to find out the source of the evil, and vanquish it once again.

Okamiden shares a lot of DNA with its prequel: That is to say it is a Zelda style adventure set in ancient Japan. The major emphasis of the game is visiting towns to gather information and shop, and then entering a puzzle filled dungeon to defeat a boss. Whereas in Nintendo’s classic franchise the emphasis is on gathering tools to progress further in a world, Okamiden utilizes the Celestial brush. By simply tapping the L or R triggers the gameplay screen turns into a canvas where simply objects can be drawn to affect the environment. Some of the examples include bombs, attack power slashes, elemental attacks and partner path finding.

The Nintendo DS is a perfect fit for the Okami franchise. Controlling the Celestial brush has never been more easier to operate and intuitive. Whether in combat or solving one of the games many puzzles, the mechanic is integrated seamlessly. Chibi is accompanied by a partner through most of the adventure and in order to progress you often have to split up and guide them with the touch screen, creating some interesting puzzle and boss encounters.

Okamiden is easily one of the best looking games on the DS, capturing the painted look of the PS2 classic as best as it can given the drastic reduction in hardware power. Should Capcom decide to keep the franchise running on Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS hardware, it will be astounding to see the excellent touch screen controls combined with the visual fidelity of the new hardware.

Clocking in at around twenty plus hours, Okamiden will certainly give you your money’s worth. The overall quest does start off strong but loses its steam around the halfway point with the focus being placed on smaller chapters that don’t fit into the central story, culminating in a satisfying finale that ties everything together. Be prepared also for some lengthy, unpauseable cut-scenes as well, which is a pain considering the title is designed for a portable console.

With a reasonably sized quest, excellent play mechanics and pleasing visual aesthetic, Okamiden manages to make a place for itself outside of the shadow of its console counterpart. No one ever expected there to be an Okami follow up, let alone one of this quality without the original team. Okamiden is a sequel that stands on its own feet and is deserving of an audience. Here’s hoping that history does not repeat itself, and there will be more entries in this newly established franchise.