Okami(Capcom)

As we come to the end of the PS2, it's fitting we get one of the greatest titles of its lifetime.

Game Review by Steve Adams | 12 Mar 2007
It's rare these days: you start to play a game, and it slowly dawns on you that you're playing a classic. As we reach the end of the PS2's lifespan, it's fitting we get one of its greatest titles thus far. Simply, Okami is brilliant.

There's an instant comparison with Okami (meaning "wolf" in Japanese by the way) to The Legend of Zelda. Not a comparison to shy away from by any means – Okami is a sprawling RPG, with gorgeous graphics and a subtle learning curve that makes you instantly fall in love with the game. It's funny too – you'll find yourself sniggering during the dialogue between Amaterasu (you, a god in wolf form) and the people you meet.

Darkness has taken over the land, and you, as Ammy, must drive back the demons. Solving puzzles, acquiring new skills - so far, so familiar. Except... you learn to paint. With a paintbrush. You might draw a slice across an enemy (like a sword) or draw a sun in the sky to light the way, or colour in a constellation to see an old friend. It's wonderfully, bizarrely Japanese, and it works beautifully. Ammy herself is adorable, and has a little friend to help guide her along the way, giving useful advice and providing a bit of comedy. Little touches make things really enjoyable. Ammy can bark or howl, just for fun, and if you leave her alone for a while, she curls up and falls asleep. Do that in the right spot and you'll find yourself just sitting there, peacefully watching...

Stunning graphics, instinctive gameplay, and a main character you can't help adore: Okami looks, plays and feels like a bona-fide classic. It doesn't matter that it's taken nearly six years to arrive – it's here. Now stop reading and go buy it. [Steve Adams]


Release Date: Out now for PS2. RRP £29.99. http://www.capcom.com/okami/