Okami(Capcom)
As we come to the end of the PS2, it's fitting we get one of the greatest titles of its lifetime.
| 12 Mar 2007
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/