Okami

Okami

One of PlayStation 2’s most beautiful swansongs is retouched for the Wii, and the great news is that the splendour hasn't dulled in the least.

Indeed, for players who missed this modern classic the first time around, Okami is a must-buy, one of the most rare videogames that combines jaw-dropping, individualistic visuals with a wistful premise, achingly beautiful soundtrack and rock solid game mechanics.

You play as Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess who has been incarnated in the form of a white wolf. The game exudes Japanese fairytale mythology, a tone that extends to the watercolor, cel-animation style visuals which literally paint the game. The dialogue is fast-paced, witty and endearing, making for an unforgettable journey to rid ancient Japan of an evil eight-headed serpent and restore all that it has poisoned.

The game’s raw technical port to the Wii is carried out with aplomb. Some might prefer the softer visuals of the PlayStation 2 version, occasionally there’s the odd dip in framerate, but otherwise everything that made the original such a landmark in graphical design is present. Likewise, Okami’s haunting soundtrack remains one of the high achievements, evoking the colour and shade in the visuals with eloquence.

Peel back the surface details and there’s a long, deep adventure here with a structure that bears resemblance to that of the Zelda games. Most of the offensive controls, where Amaterasu uses primary and secondary weapons to do battle against esoteric foes, work well with the Wiimote but there are a few notable exceptions and the dodge system, where you yank the nuncuck to dash away from attacks is imprecise. However, as battles are straightforward, and hardly the main part of the game’s appeal, it’s not such a major problem.

In particular the Wii controls work marvelously when applied to the celestial brush, a paintbrush which can be used to create gusts of wind, draw bridges, manufacture bombs, slash through enemies and any number of other tasks. Drawing with the Wiimote works brilliantly, allowing you to draw quicker and with more precision than the PS2 controller allowed. Drawing straight lines can be tricky in the heat of the moment, but in time it becomes second nature.

With support for widescreen and progressive scan televisions, this is the definitive version of a unique experience. One of the most creative and engaging adventure games of recent years it’s a glorious addition to the Wii catalogue.

5 out of 5