They Deserved Better Part 3: Okami

In part three of our four part series, "They Deserved Better", our British contributor, Adam Montgomery strolls the lush foliage and incredible imagination of Okami. See why cutting edge processors and lifelike graphics aren't everything when it comes to creating a gaming world of wonder.

The penultimate honouree in the They Deserved Better series is Clover Studio’s stunning Okami, the best of their titles released at the end of their lifespan.

A challenge to the continuing technical advancement of the industry, the developers conjured the ever-diminishing feeling of wonder at a game’s visual style from the oldest hardware in the market. The admittedly conventional structure of the adventure is also undeniably well executed, with a merit which qualifies it to clone the Legend of Zelda series. It’s truly a master of the now, not the next.

“Life” is the theme of the game. The world revolves around creation, and creation being a positive force. You’re main interaction with the world is through painting. The Celestial Brush invites the player to create, like the developers have clearly relished in doing, and works to remove that controller, the translator, that allows you access to the virtual world. Projection of what you’re thinking, whether it’s a solution or destruction in the world, is achievable and rewarding.

The superlative word bank has been plundered as critics clamour to heap praise on the game’s visuals. These looks weren’t crafted on computers. They were moulded in imagination; the dreams of the developers realised. We see what they saw. Okami is tapping people on the shoulder and asking, “Why?” Why do we need realism? Why do we need unique graphics? It’s not an attempt to deride the merits of a game’s appearance, but it’s an attempt to get developers to ask, “Why?” Okami is trying to get developers to dig into their imaginings. When they do this, when they draw the tangible from what was intangible, they can firmly communicate. And they can do it with more then words.

Flawed in a number of ways, yes, but that shouldn’t stop you purchasing Okami. Much air-punching occurred when a Wii port was announced. Many more will be able to play Okami and can enjoy what is such a wonderful, creative, and fresh experience; and looking back now, despite format, Okami remains everything the Wii ever hopes to be.

Adam Montgomery