Okami 2: Capcom Considers Creator's Concept
Hideki Kamiya's Passion Project: Okami 2 and the Long Road to a Sequel
Hideki Kamiya, the celebrated game director, recently reignited hopes for sequels to his acclaimed titles, Okami and Viewtiful Joe, in an interview with Ikumi Nakamura, founder of Unseen. The interview, featured on Unseen's YouTube channel, revealed Kamiya's deep-seated desire to revisit these beloved franchises.
Kamiya expressed a strong sense of responsibility towards Okami's unfinished narrative, citing the game's abrupt ending as a source of personal regret. He highlighted a previous viral social media interaction with Nakamura hinting at a potential sequel, further emphasizing his commitment to completing the story. This sentiment was echoed by Nakamura, who shared her own history with the game and enthusiasm for its continuation. Kamiya also noted Okami's high ranking in a recent Capcom survey of games fans want to see sequels for, further bolstering the case for a continuation.
For Viewtiful Joe 3, while acknowledging a smaller fanbase, Kamiya playfully lamented the incomplete narrative. He humorously recounted his own suggestion for a sequel in a Capcom survey, only to see it omitted from the results.
This isn't the first time Kamiya has publicly expressed his wish to develop an Okami sequel. A previous interview highlighted his initial vision for the game and how leaving Capcom allowed him to consider expanding on those initial ideas in a potential sequel. The subsequent release of Okami HD broadened the player base, leading to increased fan demand and further solidifying Kamiya's desire to address unresolved plot points.
The Unseen interview also showcased the strong creative synergy between Kamiya and Nakamura, dating back to their collaboration on Okami and later Bayonetta. Nakamura shared anecdotes about her contributions to Bayonetta's art and world-building, highlighting their mutual respect and shared creative vision.
Despite leaving PlatinumGames, Kamiya remains dedicated to game development. The interview concluded with both developers expressing their hopes for future projects and their continued commitment to the gaming industry. While the future of Okami 2 and Viewtiful Joe 3 rests largely with Capcom's decision, the interview has undoubtedly reignited fan hopes and generated considerable excitement for the potential return of these beloved franchises.