View source for Software:Ōkami

{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Ōkami
| image = OkamiNTSCcoverFinal.jpg
| caption = North American PlayStation 2 cover art
| developer = [[Company:Clover Studio|Clover Studio]]{{efn|[[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] version developed by [[Company:Ready at Dawn|Ready at Dawn]]. ''HD'' version developed by [[Company:HexaDrive|HexaDrive]]}}
| publisher = [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]]
| director = Hideki Kamiya
| producer = Atsushi Inaba
| designer = Hiroshi Shibata
| programmer = Ryuta Takahashi
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Sawaki Takeyasu|Kenichiro Yoshimura|Mari Shimazaki|Naoki Katakai|Ikumi Nakamura}}
| writer = Hideki Kamiya<ref name="jpwiicredits" />
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Masami Ueda|Hiroshi Yamaguchi|Rei Kondoh|Akari Kaida}}
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]], [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]]|'''''Ōkami HD'''''|[[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]]|[[Software:Windows|Windows]]|[[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]]|[[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]]|[[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left|title=20 April 2006|'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|20 April 2006|NA|19 September 2006|EU|9 February 2007|AU|14 February 2007}}'''Wii'''{{vgrelease|NA|15 April 2008|AU|12 June 2008|EU|13 June 2008|JP|15 October 2009}}'''''Ōkami HD'''''|'''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|NA|30 October 2012|PAL|31 October 2012|JP|1 November 2012}}'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|12 December 2017|JP|13 December 2017}}'''PlayStation 4, Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|12 December 2017|JP|21 December 2017}}'''Nintendo Switch'''{{vgrelease|WW|9 August 2018}}'''Amazon Luna'''{{vgrelease|US|20 April 2022}}}}
| genre = [[Software:Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]]
| modes = Single-player
}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Ōkami'''''|大神||{{lit.}} "great [[Religion:Kami|god]]" or "great spirit"; also 狼, "wolf"|lead=yes}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/previews/okami_6|title=Previews: Ōkami|author=Jane Pickard|access-date=18 October 2007|date=16 September 2005|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605004543/http://www.1up.com/previews/okami_6|url-status=live}}</ref> is an [[Software:Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[Engineering:Video game|video game]] developed by [[Company:Clover Studio|Clover Studio]] and published by [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]]. It was released for [[Engineering:PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2]] in 2006 in Japan and North America, and in 2007 in Europe and Australia. After the closure of Clover Studio a few months after the release, a port for [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] was developed by [[Company:Ready at Dawn|Ready at Dawn]], [[Company:Tose|Tose]], and Capcom, and released in 2008.

Set in a fictional version of classical Japan called "Nippon", ''Ōkami'' combines Japanese mythology and folklore to tell the story of how the land was saved from darkness by the [[Philosophy:Shinto|Shinto]] sun goddess Amaterasu, who took the form of a white [[Biology:Wolf|wolf]]. It features a sumi-e-inspired cel-shaded visual style and the Celestial Brush, a gesture-system to perform miracles. The game was planned to use more traditional realistic rendering, but this had put a strain on the graphics processing of the PlayStation 2. Clover Studio switched to a cel-shaded style to reduce the processing, which led to the Celestial Brush concept. The gameplay is modeled on ''[[Software:The Legend of Zelda|The Legend of Zelda]]'', one of director Hideki Kamiya's favorite series. The game's name is a pun, as "''ōkami''" can mean either {{nihongo|"great god"|大神}} or {{nihongo|"wolf"|狼}} in Japanese.

''Ōkami'' was one of the last PlayStation 2 games released prior to the release of the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]]. Although it suffered from poor sales, the game received critical acclaim, earning ''IGN''{{'}}s 2006 Game of the Year. The Wii version earned similar praise, though the motion control scheme received mixed reviews. A [[Engineering:High-definition video|high-definition]] port, remastered by Capcom and [[Company:HexaDrive|HexaDrive]], was released on the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] via the PlayStation Network in October 2012 and for retail in Japan in November, supporting the use of the [[Engineering:PlayStation Move|PlayStation Move]] motion controller. The port was released for [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], [[Software:Windows|Windows]], and [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]] in December 2017 worldwide, for the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] in August 2018, and for [[Software:Amazon Luna|Amazon Luna]] in April 2022. Mainstream adoption of the game has improved with the release of these remasters, and ''Ōkami'' is considered to be one of the best video games ever made, as well as an example of video games as an art form, aided by the improved art details and graphics resolutions.

A spiritual successor<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chester |first=Nick |date=20 April 2010 |title=Okamiden producer: Not a sequel, a 'spiritual successor' |url=https://www.destructoid.com/okamiden-producer-not-a-sequel-a-spiritual-successor--171281.phtml |website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] |access-date=18 November 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308021721/https://www.destructoid.com/okamiden-producer-not-a-sequel-a-spiritual-successor--171281.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> on the Nintendo DS, ''[[Software:Ōkamiden|Ōkamiden]]'', was released in Japan in September 2010, followed by North America and Europe in March 2011.

==Gameplay==
The player controls the main character, Amaterasu, in a woodcut, watercolor style, cel-shaded environment, which looks like an animated Japanese ink-illustration (known as ink wash painting, or {{nowrap|''sumi-e''}}) and ukiyo-e, along with other styles of art. The gameplay style is a mix of action, platform, and puzzle gaming genres, and has been noted by many reviewers to have numerous similarities in overall gameplay style to [[Software:The Legend of Zelda|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1542741/20070131/index.jhtml | title = GameFile: 'Ōkami' Goes Green; Official Wii Word; 'Idol' Launch And More | publisher = MTV | date = 10 October 2006 | last = Totilo | first = Stephen | access-date = 10 August 2007 | archive-date = 14 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090114122216/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1542741/20070131/index.jhtml | url-status = live }}</ref> an inspiration that director Hideki Kamiya, a self-proclaimed ''Zelda'' fan, has admitted has influenced his general game design.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/features/the-kamiya-touch | title = The Kamiya Touch: An Interview with Clover's Hideki Kamiya | publisher = 1up | last = Mielke | first = James | date = 18 August 2006 | access-date = 10 August 2007 | website = 1UP.com |url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629054317/http://www.1up.com/features/the-kamiya-touch | archive-date = 29 June 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The main story is primarily linear, directed by Amaterasu's guide Issun, though numerous side quests and optional activities allow for players to explore the game world and take the story at their own pace.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | pages=13–14 | publisher=Capcom }}</ref> By completing quests, side quests, and small additional activities (such as making trees bloom into life or feeding wild animals), Amaterasu earns Praise, which can then be spent to increase various statistics of the character, such as the amount of health and number of ink wells for Celestial Brush techniques.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | pages=25–26 | publisher=Capcom }}</ref>

Combat is staged in a ghostly virtual arena, and Amaterasu can fight enemies using a combination of weapons, fighting techniques and Brush methods to dispatch the foes.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | pages=19–20 | publisher=Capcom }}</ref> At the end of combat, money (as [[Finance:Japanese yen|yen]]) is rewarded to Amaterasu, with bonuses for completing a battle quickly and without taking damage. The money can be spent at merchants and dojos across the land, featuring healing goods, better weapons, tools, key items for completing quests, and combat techniques.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | publisher=Capcom | page=30}}</ref>

Rare Demon Fangs can be earned through combat which can be traded for unique items that are beneficial in gameplay but not required to complete the game.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | publisher=Capcom | page=31}}</ref> Weapons inspired by the Imperial Regalia of Japan (the Reflector, the Rosaries, and the Glaive) can be equipped on Amaterasu as either main or sub-weapons (one each), and used in addition to other melee attacks that the player can have Amaterasu learn through the course of the game.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/11/the-weapons-of-okami?amp=1 | title =The Weapons of Ōkami | date =11 August 2006 | access-date =10 August 2007 | work =IGN | archive-date =28 April 2023 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001442/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/11/the-weapons-of-okami?amp=1 | url-status =live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | publisher=Capcom | page=22}}</ref>
[[File:Okami-brush.jpg|thumb|The player uses the Celestial Brush to rejuvenate wilted plants (as shown), repair bridges, slash foes, or create elemental effects.]]

===Celestial Brush===
A game mechanic unique to ''Ōkami'' is the Celestial Brush. Players can bring the game to a pause and call up a canvas, where the player can draw onto the screen, either using the left analog stick on the [[Engineering:DualShock|DualShock]] controller, or pointing with the [[Engineering:Wii Remote|Wii Remote]], Joy-Con, touchscreen, or [[Engineering:PlayStation Move|PlayStation Move]] controller in subsequent ports.<ref name="ign handson wii"/> This feature is used in combat, puzzles, and as general gameplay.<ref>{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | pages=16–18 | publisher=Capcom }}</ref> For example, the player can create strong wind by drawing a loop, cut enemies by drawing a line through them, or fix bridges by painting on the broken one. These techniques are learned through the course of the game by completing [[Astronomy:Constellation|constellation]]s to release the Celestial Brush gods (inspired by the [[Unsolved:Chinese zodiac|Chinese zodiac]]) from their hiding spots.<ref name="ign-review">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/15/okami-review-2?amp=1|title=Ōkami Review|work=IGN|last=Roper|first=Chris|date=16 September 2006|access-date=9 August 2007|archive-date=28 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001441/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/15/okami-review-2?amp=1|url-status=live}}</ref> It is possible to upgrade or modify certain Brush powers later in the game; for example, the Celestial Brush power "Inferno" can gain a new power called "Fireburst", which has a different drawing pattern, and allows players to create flames without relying on torches or other related items. The player's ink for drawing is limited by the amount available in special ink wells, preventing the player from solely using Brush techniques to defeat enemies; ink is restored in the wells over time when the Brush is not used.<ref name="ign-review"/>

{{clear left}}

==Plot==
Most character names below are the shortened names of the U.S. version.

===Characters===
[[File:Kuniteru Gozu dragon.jpg|thumb|Much of ''Ōkami'' centers on characters from Japanese Shinto spirituality and legendary historical figures. A major plot parallels the slaying of the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi, by the Shinto god Susanoo, recreated within the game as the characters of Orochi and Susano, respectively.]]

The player controls Ōkami Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, in the form of a white wolf.<ref name="manual-characters"/> Amaterasu is referred to in the Japanese and European version of the game as a female, while in the North American version she is genderless although she is referred as the "mother of all".<ref name="manual-characters"/><ref name="1up localization"/> When endowed with ink power, Amaterasu is seen by the player with red markings, cloud-like fur on her shoulders, and weapons on her back. Most of the human characters in the game only see her as a plain white wolf; some believe Amaterasu to be the [[Philosophy:Reincarnation|reincarnation]] of Shiranui (the white wolf that fought Orochi 100 years prior to the game's present), and do not recognize her spiritual nature. If the player depletes power by overuse of the Celestial Brush, Amaterasu will temporarily revert to this mundane white form. Issun, an arrogant, inch-tall "wandering artist" seeking out the thirteen Celestial Brush techniques for himself, accompanies Amaterasu (whom he calls "Ammy" or "furball"). He serves as a guide, dialogue proxy, and as comic relief. He grows in character along with Ammy throughout the game, becoming her true friend, inspiration, and eventually her savior.<ref name="manual-characters">{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | publisher=Capcom | page=6}}</ref>

At the end of the game, Amaterasu encounters Yami, the main antagonist and final boss of the game who resembles a small fish inside a huge sphere, whose design is altered through the different stages of the battle. Yami is also the ruler of the demons. Before battle, he drains Amaterasu of her powers and leaves her as a plain white wolf. Amaterasu regains her powers throughout the fight, but, after the fourth round, Yami destroys them all again and leaves Amaterasu in a near-dead state. However, when Issun gets everyone to believe in Amaterasu before the fifth and final round, she changes into her most powerful form and battles Yami, vanquishing him forever. In the final battle, Yami has a huge clawed hand, which demonstrates the evil which comes from humans' hands. The word "Yami" means "darkness" in Japanese.

Two other characters reappear several times within the quest. Waka appears to Amaterasu several times in the game as a beautiful young flute-playing man in costume resembling a [[Unsolved:Tengu|tengu]] (dressed like a [[Unsolved:Yamabushi|yamabushi]]). He is aware of the goddess's true identity, foretells her future, and at times battles with her. He leads the Tao Troopers whose members Abe and Kamo are based on the two famous [[Unsolved:Onmyōdō|onmyōji]] Abe no Seimei and Kamo no Yasunori. Waka's dialogue, dropping [[Social:French language|French]] affectionate terms at times, conveys a sense of familiarity with Amaterasu, as it turns out that Waka is much older than he appears and has walked with Amaterasu on the Celestial Plain hundreds of years ago.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/14/okami-au-review | title = Ōkami AU Review | last = Shea | first = Cam | date = 13 February 2007 | access-date = 15 June 2020 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | archive-date = 1 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230501022249/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/14/okami-au-review | url-status = live }}</ref> The other is Orochi, the eight-headed demon and a major villain within the game which the player will encounter several times. Orochi repeatedly has threatened Kamiki village, demanding a sacrifice of a young woman. Each of its eight heads is infused with a different elemental magic power, but the entire demon is susceptible to a special brew of sake available only at Kamiki Village, allowing Amaterasu to defeat it while in its stupor.<ref name="playtm-review"/> Amaterasu trusts Queen Himiko, the ruler of "Sei-an City", who is killed by one of the demons.

Throughout the game, the player encounters several other characters that are inspired from Japanese folklore.<ref name="Folklore">{{cite book | year=2006 | editor=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. | title=Ōkami instruction manual | pages=34–35 | publisher=Capcom }}</ref>

===Story===
[[File:Okami-issun.jpg|thumb|Promotional artwork for the game, showing the main characters. The foreground characters include the white wolf-goddess Amaterasu, the inch-high artist Issun, the mysterious swordsman Waka, and the warrior Susano.]]

The game is set in Nippon (Japan) and it is based on Japanese folklore, beginning one hundred years in the past. A narrator describes how the white wolf Shiranui and swordsman [[Religion:Izanagi|Nagi]] fought and sealed the eight-headed demon Orochi at the cave, to save Kamiki Village and Nagi's beloved maiden Nami.

In the game's present, Nagi's descendant and self-proclaimed greatest warrior, [[Religion:Susanoo-no-Mikoto|Susano]], refuses to believe in Nagi's legend and frees Orochi, who escapes and curses the lands, sapping the life from Nippon. [[Religion:Konohanasakuya-hime|Sakuya]], the wood sprite and guardian of Kamiki Village, summons the long-dormant Amaterasu in the form of a reincarnated Shiranui, and asks her to remove the curse that covers the land. Accompanied by the artist Issun (an inch-high creature known as a Poncle), Amaterasu begins to restore the lands to normal state.<ref name="playtm-review">{{cite web | url = http://play.tm/story/9446 | title = Ōkami – Review | publisher = Play.tm | date = 27 February 2007 | last = Smith | first = Steve | access-date = 10 August 2007 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927045651/http://play.tm/story/9446 | archive-date = 27 September 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

Throughout their journey, Amaterasu and Issun encounter Waka, a handsome and strange but powerful individual who seems to have the gift of foresight, and further teases them to his own mysterious ends. Additionally, Amaterasu locates several Celestial Gods hidden in constellations, who bestow upon her their powers of the Celestial Brush to aid in her quest.

After regaining some of her power and reviving the land, Amaterasu and a changed Susano defeat Orochi to save Kushi. Orochi's spirit floats northward, leading Amaterasu and Issun embark on a journey across Nippon to follow it. They first arrive at Ryoshima Coast and Sei-an City, the capital of Nippon; there, they work with the beautiful priestess Rao, the legendary submarine Dragon Kingdom, and the reclusive Queen Himiko to rid the coastline and city of Orochi's remaining influence, which includes stopping a demonic plague and retrieving a mystical weapon from a sunken trading ship. However, it is revealed that the real Rao was killed before Amaterasu arrived, and the Rao they had accompanied was the demonic fox god Ninetails, who kills Himiko and returns to her fortress on the elusive Oni Island. Amaterasu and Issun defeat Ninetails, noticing that her spirit, like Orochi's, travels to the icy northern island of Kamui. The two decide to travel northward to find the source of the demons.

In Kamui, Amaterasu assists the Oina tribe to defeat two recently revived demons, Lechku and Nechku, who were creating a deadly blizzard that threatened to destroy the island. In addition to this, Amaterasu discovers that Issun ran away from his home of Ponc'tan to escape his responsibility of being a Celestial Envoy—a messenger of the gods—and his grandfather; additionally, the duo learn that Shiranui was in fact Amaterasu in a previous incarnation, who sacrificed herself to kill Orochi with the help of Issun's grandfather. After defeating Lechku and Nechku, Amaterasu discovers the wreckage of a flying ship made of iron: the "Ark of Yamato", trapped in the frozen plains of Kamui. Waka appears and reveals himself to be a member of the Moon Tribe, a long-living race who used the Ark to sail the stars. They helped the Celestials—minor and major gods—escape from the Celestial Plain after Orochi invaded, but the demons snuck onto the Ark beforehand, allowing them to kill the rest of the Celestials before the Ark fell to earth, releasing the demons upon the mortal world. Amaterasu boards the Ark alone, defeating the spirits of the felled demons onboard. Amaterasu finds Waka in battle with Yami, the machine-esque leader of the demons who led the genocide of the gods ages ago; Waka is knocked unconscious and Amaterasu takes his place. After a long battle, Yami drains her power and nearly destroys the Celestial Gods. Before it can do so, Issun accepts his role as a Celestial Envoy, and encourages all those they have helped to send their thoughts and prayers to Amaterasu, who regains her powers and defeats Yami, ridding Nippon of all demons. Amaterasu and Waka take control on the Ark, and sail back to the Celestial Plain, determined to rebuild the land of the gods.

==Development==
''Ōkami'' resulted from the combined ideas of Clover Studio.<ref name="gamespy-inaba"/> The game was originally built around "depict[ing] a lot of nature", but had no central concept or theme, according to lead designer Hideki Kamiya.<ref name="okami prototype">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/news/platinum-games-kamiya-reflects-bayonetta | title = Platinum Games' Kamiya Reflects on Bayonetta, Okami | first = Kevin | last = Grifford | date = 4 November 2009 | access-date = 5 November 2009 | website = 1UP.com |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121019205741/http://www.1up.com/news/platinum-games-kamiya-reflects-bayonetta | archive-date = 19 October 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Kamiya created a minute-long demonstration movie showing a wolf running about a forest, with flowers blossoming in its wake, but still lacking any gameplay. Kamiya and other members of the team introduced ideas around the nature aspect and eventually led to the game's initial prototype, which Kamiya admitted was "incredibly boring to play".<ref name="okami prototype"/> Kamiya suggested that he allowed so many ideas from the team that resulted in the development moving off-target, including creating more of a [[Software:Simulation video game|simulation]]. Eventually, they settled onto the gameplay found in the final product.<ref name="okami prototype"/>

[[File:Okami-compare.jpg|thumb|right|Side-by-side comparison of the original realistic (left) and the final sumi-e (right) style used in ''Ōkami'']]
The art in ''Ōkami'' is highly inspired by Japanese watercolor and wood carving art of the Ukiyo-e style, such as the work of Hokusai. ''Ōkami'' was originally planned to be rendered in a more photorealistic 3D style,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/5057 | title = Ōkami old/new comparison | date = 14 August 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | publisher = Gamevideos.com |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120629225101/http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/5057 | archive-date = 29 June 2012 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> but Clover Studio determined that the more colorful sumi-e style allowed them to better convey Amaterasu's association with nature and the task of restoring it.<ref name="1up-inaba">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/features/okami-ps2-clover-studio-atsushi | title = All the King's Men | publisher = 1up | date = 16 August 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | last = Mielke | first = James | archive-date = 5 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605004711/http://www.1up.com/features/okami-ps2-clover-studio-atsushi | url-status = live }}</ref> The change was influenced by limitations in the PS2 hardware to render the photorealistic 3D graphics.<ref name="ign-art">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/31/okami-interview-au | title = Okami Interview AU | work = IGN | last = Shea | first = Cam | date = 30 January 2007 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | archive-date = 28 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001433/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/31/okami-interview-au | url-status = live }}</ref> As a result of the switch to the watercolor style, the idea of the Celestial Brush came about.<ref name="gamespy-inaba">{{cite web | url = http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/okami/690940p1.html | title = Running with the Wolves: Atsushi Inaba talks Ōkami | publisher = Gamespy | date = 23 February 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | last = McGarvey | first = Sterling | archive-date = 26 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230426145655/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/okami/690940p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Atsushi Inaba, CEO of Clover, noted that "once we fixed ourselves on a graphical style and got down to the brushwork, we thought 'Wouldn't it be great if we could somehow get the player involved and participate in this artwork instead of just watching it?' That's how the idea of the Celestial Brush was born". Original concepts for enemies included the use of [[Biology:Dinosaur|dinosaur]]s, but the designs settled onto more demonic characters.<ref>{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7 |pages=158–159}}</ref>

Amaterasu's initial designs were aimed to avoid having the character look like "your pet wearing clothing".<ref>{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7 | page = 109}}</ref> The developers had considered having Amaterasu metamorphose into a dolphin when in the water and a [[Biology:Falcon|falcon]] when jumping off a cliff, but dropped these ideas.<ref>{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7 | page = 112}}</ref> Sakuya, designed around a [[Biology:Peach|peach]] motif, was envisioned with what were called "level 2" and "level 3" designs where the character would wear less clothing as the story progressed, but the "level 3" appearance, effectively naked, was vetoed by Inaba.<ref>{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7 |page=115}}</ref> Waka's character was aimed to be a [[Company:Tatsunoko Production|Tatsunoko]]-like character, with the hood designed to be reminiscent of those worn by the Gatchaman.<ref name="waka design">{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7 |page=123}}</ref> Orochi in Japanese mythology is a gigantic creature, so lead character designer Sawaki Takeyasu designed the back of the demon to include a garden and palace; this inspired the game designers to include a bell in those structures that would be Orochi's fatal weakness in the game.<ref>{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7 |page=174}}</ref>

The localization team had to translate 1500 pages of text to make sure it made sense in a "native check", because of lack of plurals in the Japanese language and the large number of characters and conditional conversations that the player could interact with.<ref name="1up localization"/> The team recognized that certain elements of the game would not be recognized by Western audiences, but left enough text and details to allow the players to look up the information for themselves.<ref name="1up localization"/> Only one puzzle in the game had to be changed as it required knowledge of the steps in drawing a [[Social:Kanji|kanji]] character which would be readily known for Japanese audiences; for the Western release, these steps were demonstrated in the game.<ref name="1up localization"/> The team noted that personalities of characters could be easily conveyed in Japanese text simply by the way sentences were constructed or slurred, a feature that could not directly be applied to localization. Instead, working with Kamiya, the team scripted the localization to either recreate the personality to match the Japanese version, or to create a whole new set of mannerisms for the characters as appropriate.<ref name="1up localization"/>

''Ōkami'' was shown at the 2005 E3 Convention, approximately 30% complete, with a planned release in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/okami/preview_6125972.html | title = Ōkami E3 2005 Hands-On | publisher = Gamespot | last = Kasavin | first = Greg | date = 19 May 2005 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | archive-date = 14 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100914024219/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/okami/preview_6125972.html | url-status = live }}</ref> At this point, the game had much of the core gameplay, including the Celestial Brush and the combat system in place. The game was released a year later, with its release in Japan on 20 April 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/12/22/okami-dated-in-japan|title=Ōkami Dated in Japan|work=IGN|access-date=15 June 2020|date=5 December 2005|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604121730/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/678/678013p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> North America on 19 September 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/okami/|title=Ōkami (PS2)|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=9 August 2007|archive-date=2 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402142834/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/okami/|url-status=live}}</ref> in Europe on 9 February 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom-europe.com/games/Okami/125.aspx|title=Gamesheet for Ōkami| publisher=Capcom Europe|access-date=9 August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080617120807/http://www.capcom-europe.com/games/Okami/125.aspx |archive-date = 17 June 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref> and in Australia on 14 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/6011/updated-australian-release-list-27-11-06/|title=Updated Australian release list, 27/11/06|website=PALGN|date=26 November 2006|access-date=9 August 2007|last=Jastrzab|first=Jeremy|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829231708/http://palgn.com.au/6011/updated-australian-release-list-27-11-06/|archive-date=29 August 2009}}</ref> However, just a few weeks following its release in North America to strong critical reception, Capcom announced the closure of Clover Studio.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6159721.html | title = Capcom to dissolve Clover Studio | date = 12 October 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | last = Boyes | first = Emma | publisher = Gamespot | archive-date = 5 September 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090905010359/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6159721.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

The ''Ōkami: Official Complete Works'' art book was published by Udon in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.udonentertainment.com/okami/ | title = ŌKAMI: OFFICIAL COMPLETE WORKS | publisher = Udon | access-date = 3 April 2008 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080406070512/http://www.udonentertainment.com/okami/ | archive-date = 6 April 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title = Ōkami: Official Complete Works | publisher = Udon | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-1-897376-02-7}}</ref> The game was re-released under Sony's "Greatest Hits" in Japan in August 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.siliconera.com/2008/08/07/okami-odin-sphere-and-disgaea-joining-ps2-greatest-hits/ | title = Ōkami, Odin Sphere and Disgaea joining PS2 Greatest Hits? | publisher = Siliconera | author = Spenser | date = 7 August 2008 | access-date = 8 August 2008 | archive-date = 9 August 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080809152436/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/08/07/okami-odin-sphere-and-disgaea-joining-ps2-greatest-hits/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

===Naming and allusions===
The title of the game is a [[Philosophy:Pun|pun]]; the word {{nihongo||狼|ōkami|}} in Japanese means "wolf". The [[Social:Kanji|kanji characters]] {{nihongo||大神}}, pronounced identically, mean "great [[Religion:Deity|deity]]", so the main character is a great wolf deity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlethumbs.net/display.php?id=262 |title=Ōkami |publisher=Idle Thumbs |date=15 February 2007 |access-date=9 August 2007 |last=Bishop |first=Lawrence |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228195015/http://www.idlethumbs.net/display.php?id=262 |archive-date=28 February 2007 }}</ref> Although pronounced differently, the same characters (大神) are used in the honorific name of the [[Philosophy:Shinto|Shinto]] sun goddess {{nihongo|[[Religion:Amaterasu|Amaterasu]]|天照大神|Amaterasu-ōmikami}}.

The localization team opted to use shorter versions of Japanese names (for example, a boy named "Mushikai" was localized as "Mushi") instead of replacing the names with Western-style ones.<ref name="1up localization">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/features/wolf-talk | title = The Wolf Whisperer | website = 1UP.com | first = James | last = Mielke | date = 17 August 2006 | access-date =22 April 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110605001725/http://www.1up.com/features/wolf-talk | archive-date= 5 June 2011}}</ref> Issun's informal name for Amaterasu in the Western translation, "Ammy", was inspired by Kamiya, and is similar in tone with the Japanese informal name, "Ammako".<ref name="1up localization"/>

Throughout the game, ''Ōkami'' includes several references (in visual effects, animation, or dialogue) to other Capcom games such as ''[[Software:Viewtiful Joe (video game)|Viewtiful Joe]]'', which Clover Studio also developed.<ref name="1up localization"/> For example, Mrs. Orange's technique for making cherry cake parodies ''Street Fighter''{{'}}s Akuma's Shun Goku Satsu, complete with a kanji word displayed on screen with her back-facing the screen.<ref name="1up localization"/> There are in-jokes regarding the Clover staff. For example, a [[Software:Non-player character|non-player character]] aptly named "Animal Lover" lost his rabbit named "Inaba", the last name of the head producer Atsushi Inaba. To further convey the joke, Inaba the rabbit can be seen falling out of a tree directly underneath Atsushi Inaba's name during the closing credits.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

=== Audio ===
{{Infobox album
| name         = Ōkami Original Soundtrack
| type         = soundtrack
| artist       = Masami Ueda, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Rei Kondoh, and Akari Kaida
| cover        = 
| alt          = 
| released     = 31 May 2006
| recorded     = 
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = Soundtrack
| length       = 
| label        = Suleputer
| producer     = 
| prev_title   = 
| prev_year    = 
| next_title   = 
| next_year    = 
}}

The music in ''Ōkami'' was inspired by classical Japanese works.<ref name="playtm-review"/> The final song, played over the credit sequence, "Reset", is sung by Ayaka Hirahara. In May 2006, Capcom released a 5-disc soundtrack for ''Ōkami'' in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://squarehaven.com/features/albums/?id=CPCA-10166 | title = Okami Original Soundtrack | publisher = Square Haven | date = 31 May 2005 | access-date = 10 August 2007 | archive-date = 2 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230502104956/https://squarehaven.com/features/albums/?id=CPCA-10166 | url-status = live }}</ref> In the North American and European release, the player can unlock a jukebox to hear the in-game music upon completion of the game. ''Ōkami'' won the best score award at the 2007 BAFTA Video Games Awards.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/829/829790p1.html | title = BAFTA Video Games Awards Winners Revealed | first = Matt | last = Wales | date = 24 October 2007 | access-date = 9 June 2009 | website = IGN | archive-date = 11 October 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081011203543/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/829/829790p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

Suleputer has published another album, a piano arrangement, ''Ōkami Piano Arrange''. It was released on 30 March 2007. Mika Matsura both arranged the 10 songs, and performed it on the piano.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/music/okami-the-music-cd-244046.php | title = Ōkami the Music CD | date = 14 March 2007 | access-date = 10 August 2007 | last = Ashcraft | first = Brian | publisher = Kotaku |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183508/http://kotaku.com/gaming/music/okami-the-music-cd-244046.php | archive-date = 30 September 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

With the release of ''Ōkami HD'' for the Nintendo Switch, Data Disc prepared a vinyl four-disc compilation of over 60 of the game's musical tracks for release in October 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/beautiful-okami-hd-vinyl-soundtrack-available-to-pre-order-now-517040.phtml | title = Beautiful Okami HD vinyl soundtrack available to pre-order now | first = Chris | last = Moyse | date = 13 August 2018 | access-date = 13 August 2018 | work = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] | archive-date = 8 March 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064218/https://www.destructoid.com/beautiful-okami-hd-vinyl-soundtrack-available-to-pre-order-now-517040.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref>

The characters' speech in the game is created by scrambling samples of voice actors' speech, with more emotional lines being created from voice work given in that emotion.<ref name="1up localization"/>

===Wii port===
[[File:Okami-wii.jpg|right|thumb|The cover of the North American Wii version of ''Ōkami''. A watermark from IGN can be seen by Amaterasu's mouth.<ref name="ign watermark"/>]]
The gameplay function of "drawing" or "painting" strokes on the screen led several journalists and gamers alike to believe that ''Ōkami'' would be well-suited for the Nintendo DS or [[Engineering:Wii|Wii]], both of which feature controls capable of creating drawing motions freely. After the game's release, industry rumors of the game being ported to either console persisted, though Atsushi Inaba of Clover Studio said that ''Ōkami''{{'}}s action-based gameplay would not translate well to the console<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/news/clover-final-interview | title = Clover Studio's Final Interview? | date = 13 October 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | last = Kennedy | first = Sam | publisher = 1up |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110523161559/http://www.1up.com/news/clover-final-interview | archive-date = 23 May 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> and Capcom stated that there were "no plans for ''Ōkami'' on Wii".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/13/okami-leaping-onto-wii | title = Ōkami Leaping Onto Wii? | work = IGN | last = Burman | first = Rob | date = 13 February 2007 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929050821/http://wii.ign.com/articles/764/764007p1.html | archive-date = 29 September 2007 |url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}</ref>

However, at the 2007 UK Gamers Day, Capcom announced that [[Company:Ready at Dawn|Ready at Dawn]] would oversee porting and development of a Wii version of ''Ōkami'' originally scheduled for release in March 2008<ref>{{cite web | url = http://spong.com/article/14055/Okami-For-Wii-Confirmed | title = Okami For Wii – Confirmed | publisher = SPOnG | access-date = 18 October 2007 | date = 18 October 2007 | archive-date = 3 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230503214409/https://spong.com/article/14055/Okami-For-Wii-Confirmed | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-confirmed-for-wii | title = Ōkami confirmed for Wii | first = Tom | last = Bramwell | website = Eurogamer | date = 18 October 2007 | access-date = 18 October 2007 | archive-date = 31 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090131071411/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-confirmed-for-wii | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.readyatdawn.com/news.php?offset=0&news_toc=0&pr_toc=0 | title = Ōkami for the Wii. It's true. | date = 18 October 2007 | access-date = 18 October 2007 | publisher = Ready At Dawn Studios |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070712223441/http://www.readyatdawn.com/news.php?offset=0&news_toc=0&pr_toc=0 | archive-date = 12 July 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> but subsequently pushed back to April.<ref name="okami delay"/> Christian Svensson, Capcom's Vice-President of Strategic Planning and Business Development, stated that Capcom had received numerous requests from fans for the development of the Wii version,<ref name="ign second chance"/> and that the ported game "specifically exists because of that direct communication, especially those we receive on our message boards (even if they're sometimes mean to us)".<ref name="svensson blog">{{cite web | url = http://blog.capcom.com/archives/565 | title = Bringing Back the Wolf (or How Ōkami Wii Came to Be) | date = 15 November 2007 | access-date = 16 November 2007 | publisher = Capcom USA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503024558/http://blog.capcom.com/archives/565|archive-date=3 May 2008 | first=Seth|last=Killian}}</ref> Ready at Dawn president Didier Malenfant said that, aside from the control scheme, the Wii version will be "an exact port of the PS2 version".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wii.ign.com/articles/828/828620p1.html | title = Ōkami Wii Interview | work = IGN Wii | publisher = IGN Entertainment | access-date = 19 October 2007 | date = 19 October 2007 | author = IGN UK Staff | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071021021701/http://wii.ign.com/articles/828/828620p1.html | archive-date = 21 October 2007 |url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}</ref> The lack of enhancements for the game caused several complaints from gamers, which Svensson addressed, stating this:
{{Blockquote|...we're getting the game up and running first. The game is enormous. If after we have every thing working correctly, cleanly and as desired so as not to "break" the amazing experience that is ''Ōkami'', we will worry about potential enhancements. As we are NOT at that point in the process yet, we are {{sic|loathe}}<!-- Merriam-Webster is wrong about this; no other dictionary allows for the transposition of "loath", which is an adjective meaning "unwilling", and "loathe", a verb meaning "to hate". Do not remove "sic" without discussing. --> to even mention any potential changes or enhancements for fear of disappointing the fans/media.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/okami/capcom-exec-defends-okami-on-wii-hints-at-enhancements-314801.php | title = Capcom Exec Defends Ōkami On Wii, Hints At Enhancements | publisher = Kotaku | access-date = 25 October 2007 | date = 24 October 2007 | first = Luke | last = Plunkett |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071027015218/http://kotaku.com/gaming/okami/capcom-exec-defends-okami-on-wii-hints-at-enhancements-314801.php | archive-date = 27 October 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>}} Svensson reported that the original game assets given to them from Capcom Japan were incomplete, and even after requesting old hard drives and computers to recover more assets, Ready at Dawn was still required to recreate some from scratch.<ref name="ign second chance"/> Furthermore, the game had to be recoded to change optimizations that were made for the PlayStation 2 version; Svensson stated that "part of the reason we didn't show it until we started showing it was because, if we showed it in a form that was anything less than near-perfect, people were going to freak out".<ref name="ign second chance"/> Ready at Dawn's creative director Ru Weerasuriya later reflected that porting ''Ōkami'' to the Wii was a challenging task—"we started with no assets and literally reverse-engineered the whole thing back onto the Wii"—they did out of love for the game, but the level of effort would preclude them from attempting such a port again.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/26/building-or-porting-a-wii-game-not-something-we-would-do-again-says-ready-at-dawn/ | title = Building or porting a Wii game "not something we would do again", says Ready at Dawn | first = Johnny | last = Cullen | date = 26 October 2010 | access-date = 26 October 2010 | website = VG247 | archive-date = 29 October 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101029144308/http://www.vg247.com/2010/10/26/building-or-porting-a-wii-game-not-something-we-would-do-again-says-ready-at-dawn/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

In November 2007, Svensson said that the engine had been ported to the Wii, writing that "there are still several systems getting set up properly but there's most definitely a Wii-driven Amaterasu running around Wii-rendered environments as we speak".<ref name="svensson blog"/> He confirmed that unlike in the PlayStation 2 version, all of the text will be skipable.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.capcom.com/BBS/showpost.php?p=465383&postcount=12 | title = Ōkami Wii – 25 March? and other questions! | date = 19 January 2008 | access-date = 22 January 2008 | last = Svensson | first = Christian | publisher = Capcom BBS }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A listing posted at Capcom's website for the game in February 2008 revealed that the Wii version would support [[Engineering:480p|480p]] and [[Engineering:Widescreen|widescreen]] output,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=8292 | title = Ōkami for Wii to support 480p and widescreens | publisher = Gaming Target | first = Kris | last = Rosado | date = 15 February 2008 | access-date = 15 February 2008 | archive-date = 4 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230504050104/https://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=8292 | url-status = live }}</ref> and IGN confirmed that the motion sensing of the Wii Remote would be used to perform the Celestial Brush features within the game.<ref name="ign handson wii">{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=15 February 2008 |title=Hands-on Ōkami |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/852/852530p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218152006/http://wii.ign.com/articles/852/852530p1.html |archive-date=18 February 2008 |access-date=18 February 2008 |work=IGN Wii |publisher=IGN Entertainment}}</ref> IGN's hands-on cited small changes to the game such as additional motion-sensing controls using both the Wii Remote and Nunchuck attachment, and the ability to skip cutscenes, but reported no other changes in content of the game.<ref name="ign handson wii"/>

Svennson noted that Capcom would not use television advertising for ''Ōkami'' on the Wii, but would use online marketing, including art contests and a new website with "all sorts of things for fans to use to make stuff".<ref name="ign second chance"/> This site was made live on 3 April 2008, featuring wallpapers, character artwork, and fan-created art for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52064 | title = Capcom Releases Metric Ton of Ōkami Artwork | date = 3 April 2008 | access-date = 3 April 2008 | publisher = Shacknews | first = Aaron | last = Linde | archive-date = 26 September 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080926191210/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52064 | url-status = live }}</ref> Svennson further noted that "if [''Ōkami'' for the Wii] did the numbers that we did on the PS2, I'd be very happy. This doesn't need to be a mainstream success for this to be a success for the company".<ref name="ign second chance"/>

A paper parchment filter applied to all on-screen elements that is readily apparent in the PlayStation 2 version is in the Wii version, but the effect is much less significant.<ref name="ign wii review">{{cite web | url = http://wii.ign.com/articles/865/865958p1.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080414184853/http://wii.ign.com/articles/865/865958p1.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 14 April 2008 | title = Okami Review | date = 11 April 2008 | work = IGN Wii | publisher = IGN Entertainment | access-date =12 April 2008 | first = Matt | last = Casamassina}}</ref><ref name="gamespot wii review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/okami-review/1900-6189305/ | title = Wii Ōkami Review | work = Gamespot | last = VanOrd | first = Kevin | date = 15 April 2008 | access-date = 16 April 2008 | archive-date = 30 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230430203501/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/okami-review/1900-6189305/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="gt ps2 wii compare">{{cite web | url = http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ps2-wii-comparison-okami/32960 | title = Ōkami – PS2/Wii Comparison | date = 17 April 2008 | access-date = 17 April 2008 | publisher = GameTrailers | archive-date = 15 June 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090615224902/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ps2-wii-comparison-okami/32960 | url-status = live }}</ref> To help with drawing with the Celestial Brush, two different buttons on the Wii controllers have brush functionality; one button provides free-form strokes, and the other draws a straight line from the starting point.<ref name="xplay wii review">{{cite web | url = http://www.g4tv.com/games/wii/44613/okami/review/ | title = Okami | first = Rob | last = Manual | publisher = G4TV | date = 15 April 2008 | access-date =18 April 2008}}</ref>

Following a delay, the Wii port of ''Ōkami'' was released in North America on 15 April 2008,<ref name="okami delay">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6187105.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3|title=Wii Okami bumped to 15 April|website=GameSpot|access-date=3 March 2008|date=3 March 2008|first=Tom|last=Magrino|archive-date=19 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919045957/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6187105.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3|url-status=live}}</ref> Australia on 12 June,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/11783/this-weeks-releases-9-6-08/|title=This Week's Releases – 9/6/08|website=PALGN|first=Anthony|last=Capone|date=8 June 2008|access-date=8 June 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829231711/http://palgn.com.au/11783/this-weeks-releases-9-6-08/|archive-date=29 August 2009}}</ref> Europe on 13 June,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-wii-gets-euro-date|title=Ōkami Wii gets Euro date|website=Eurogamer|access-date=30 April 2008|date=29 April 2008|first=Tom|last=Bradwell|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007175501/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-wii-gets-euro-date|url-status=live}}</ref> and Japan on 15 October 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/07/okami_bonus_soundtrack/|title=Wii Okami Gets a Bonus Soundtrack|publisher=andriasang.com|access-date=11 August 2009|date=7 August 2009|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810171923/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/07/okami_bonus_soundtrack|archive-date=10 August 2009}}</ref>

The final credits that is in the PlayStation 2 version of the game was removed from the Wii version, much to Kamiya's regret as it removed the ''omoi'', "a combination of thoughts, emotions, and messages": "[The staff roll was] the ''omoi'' of everyone who worked on the project, put together in a moment of bliss held out just for those who completed the journey. It was a special staff roll for a special moment. And now it is gone. All of it. ...It's incredibly disappointing and sad".<ref name="wii no credits">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18469 | title = Platinum's Kamiya Voices Concern Over Missing Ōkami Credits | website = Gamasutra | date = 1 May 2008 | access-date = 2 May 2008 | first = Chris | last = Remo | archive-date = 26 May 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220526011525/https://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18469 | url-status = live }}</ref> A Capcom representative stated that the credits, a pre-rendered movie, had the Clover Studio logo within it, and they had "no legal right to use the Clover logo in a game they were not involved with directly". Since they lacked the source to the credits, they opted to remove them entirely from the game.<ref name="wii no credits"/> Ready at Dawn's co-founder Didier Malenfant claimed that the Wii version of ''Ōkami'' took up much more space on the game media than the PlayStation 2 version, and that the movie was cut in order to fit everything on a single game disc.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=135271 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120629225115/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=135271 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 29 June 2012 | title = Clover removed from Ōkami Wii credits | first = Rob | last = Purchese | website = Eurogamer | date = 2 May 2008 | access-date = 4 May 2008 }}</ref> The credit sequence was restored in the Japanese release of the Wii version<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-capcom.com/puchicap/puchi_capu_034/index.html |title=Okami |publisher=[[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] |access-date=3 October 2009 |language=ja |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105162222/http://www.e-capcom.com/puchicap/puchi_capu_034/index.html |archive-date=5 January 2010 }}</ref> and revealed that the port was co-developed by [[Company:Tose|Tose]], having provided additional planners, designers, programmers, and test players.<ref name="jpwiicredits">{{cite video game |title=Ōkami |developer=[[Company:Clover Studio|Clover Studio]] | developer2=Ready at Dawn Studios LLC | developer3=Tose Co., Ltd. |publisher=Capcom Co., Ltd. |date=15 October 2009 |language=ja |platform=[[Engineering:Wii|Wii]] |scene=staff credits}}</ref> The images from the credits, although not the credits themselves, are still available as unlockable art.

Players have discovered that the cover of the North American Wii version of ''Ōkami'' includes a watermark from IGN, and traced the source to an image taken from IGN's site.<ref name="ign watermark">{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/381846/ign-watermark-in-okami-cover-art | title = IGN Watermark in Ōkami Cover Art | date = 20 April 2008 | access-date =21 April 2008 | publisher = Kotaku | first = Owen | last = Good | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429043913/http://kotaku.com/381846/ign-watermark-in-okami-cover-art | archive-date=29 April 2008}}</ref> To make up for the error, Capcom offered for a limited time to replace the cover with one of three high-resolution covers free of charge to users in North America.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/video-games/controller-freak/article680578.ece | title = Capcom acknowledges Ōkami cover kafuffle, makes good | date = 24 April 2008 | access-date = 25 April 2008 | work = Globe and Mail | location = Canada | first = Chad | last = Sapieha |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110321095344/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/video-games/controller-freak/article680578.ece | archive-date = 21 March 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://blog.capcom.com/archives/1154 | title = Ōkami box art: now with 100% less IGN watermarks | publisher = [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] | date = 23 April 2008 | access-date = 24 April 2008 | author = Colin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430131359/http://blog.capcom.com/archives/1154|archive-date=30 April 2008}}</ref> Because of delays in fulfilling the offer, Capcom shipped copies of all three covers to those that registered.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.capcom-unity.com/cferris/blog/2008/08/22/okami_wii_special_covers__final_update | title = Ōkami Wii special covers – Final Update! | date = 22 August 2008 | access-date = 25 August 2008 | publisher = [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] | author = Colin | archive-date = 6 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211206030451/https://www.capcom-unity.com/cferris/blog/2008/08/22/okami_wii_special_covers__final_update | url-status = live }}</ref> The company has since discontinued the offer, but has made the cover images available worldwide in high-quality PDF files for users to download and print themselves.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.capcom.com/artredemption/ | title = Cover Artwork Redemption | publisher = [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] | access-date = 25 August 2008 | archive-date = 12 April 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220412050235/https://www.capcom.com/artredemption/ | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://static.capcom.com/okami/coverart/Okami_Alt_1.pdf | title = Okami Alt Cover 1 | publisher = [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] | access-date = 10 February 2015 | archive-date = 1 October 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221001103457/http://static.capcom.com/okami/coverart/Okami_Alt_1.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://static.capcom.com/okami/coverart/Okami_Alt_2.pdf | title = Okami Alt Cover 2 | publisher = [[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] | access-date = 10 February 2015 | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224302/http://static.capcom.com/okami/coverart/Okami_Alt_2.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> The European PAL version of the cover has no such error.

===High-definition remaster===
In 2012, Capcom unveiled a [[Engineering:High-definition video|high-definition]] remastering of the game, ''Ōkami HD'' (''Ōkami Zekkei-ban''; roughly translated, ''Ōkami Magnificent Version''), to be released worldwide for [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] on 30 and 31 October the same year;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-20-okami-hd-slated-for-halloween-release|title=Okami HD slated for Halloween release|last=Matulef|first=Jeffrey|date=20 September 2012|website=Eurogamer|access-date=20 September 2012|archive-date=22 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922232154/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-20-okami-hd-slated-for-halloween-release|url-status=live}}</ref> a retail product was released in Japan, while the game is available for download through the PlayStation Network in Europe and North America only. The remastered edition supports the [[Engineering:PlayStation Move|PlayStation Move]] peripheral, and Trophy support has been added. While the remastered edition restored the ending credits sequence of the original PS2 release, the Clover Studio logo was removed and the ending song, "Reset", was replaced on non-Japanese copies by an instrumental remix of the Ryoshima Coast background music. The remastering was done between Capcom and [[Company:HexaDrive|HexaDrive]], who had previously worked on the high-definition remastering of ''[[Software:Rez (video game)|Rez]]''.<ref name="okamihd">{{cite magazine | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/06/19/okami-hd-coming-to-ps3-in-japan.aspx | title = Okami HD Coming To PS3 In Japan | first = Jim | last= Reilly | date = 19 June 2012 | access-date = 19 June 2012 | magazine = Game Informer }}</ref><ref name="eurogamer okamihd">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-20-okami-hd-coming-to-playstatoin-3-this-autumn | title = Okami HD coming to PlayStation 3 this Autumn | first = Jeffrey | last = Mutalef | date = 19 June 2012 | access-date = 19 June 2012 | website = Eurogamer | archive-date = 22 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210922033143/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-20-okami-hd-coming-to-playstatoin-3-this-autumn | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/okami-hd-developed-by-capcom-and-hexa-drive/|title=Okami HD developed by Capcom and Hexa Drive|last=Kietzmann|first=Ludwig|date=25 June 2012|publisher=Joystiq|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110160131/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/okami-hd-developed-by-capcom-and-hexa-drive/|archive-date=10 January 2014|url-status = dead|access-date=25 June 2012}}</ref>

Capcom later released ''Ōkami HD'' for [[Software:Windows|Windows]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], and [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]] on 12 December 2017 worldwide, built off the PS3 remaster. This version was developed by Buzz Co., Ltd. and Vingt et un Systems Corporation.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJi7x__PU-E&t=12m19s| title = Okami HD (PC) Ending| website = [[Company:YouTube|YouTube]]| date = 20 December 2017| access-date = 9 March 2017| archive-date = 28 April 2023| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001441/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJi7x__PU-E&t=12m19s| url-status = live}}</ref> The Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One versions include both digital and retail editions, and the Xbox One version was released as a download in Japan. This version supports [[4K resolution|4K resolution]]s, though locked at a 30 frames-per-second framerate, and includes an optional widescreen presentation alongside the 4:3 aspect ratio of the original game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/12/okami-hd-will-indeed-be-released-on-pc-ps4-and-xbox-one-in-december/ | title = Okami HD will indeed be released on PC, PS4 and Xbox One in December | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = 12 September 2017 | access-date = 12 September 2017 | work = VG247 | archive-date = 12 September 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170912180759/https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/12/okami-hd-will-indeed-be-released-on-pc-ps4-and-xbox-one-in-december/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/12/okami-hd-confirmed-and-dated-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc | title = OKAMI HD CONFIRMED AND DATED FOR PS4, XBOX ONE AND PC | first = Joe | last = Skrebels | date = 12 September 2017 | access-date = 12 September 2017 | work = IGN | archive-date = 12 September 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170912153537/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/12/okami-hd-confirmed-and-dated-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-pc | url-status = live }}</ref> The high-definition remaster was released for the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] on 9 August 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-download-okami-hd-516446.phtml | title = Nintendo Download: Okami HD | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = 9 August 2018 | access-date = 9 August 2018 | work = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] | archive-date = 8 March 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308095707/https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-download-okami-hd-516446.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref> This version uses the Switch's touchscreen controls for some features including the Celestial Brush, and supports the Joy-Con's motion controls.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/08/okami-hd-coming-to-nintendo-switch | title = Okami HD Coming To Nintendo Switch | date = 8 March 2018 | access-date = 8 March 2018 | work = IGN | archive-date = 1 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230501140034/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/08/okami-hd-coming-to-nintendo-switch | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/08/okami-hd-arrives-on-nintendo-switch-july-10th/ | title = 'Okami HD' arrives on Nintendo Switch July 10th | first = David | last = Lumb | date = 8 March 2018 | access-date = 8 March 2018 | work = [[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] | archive-date = 5 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190405223012/https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/08/okami-hd-arrives-on-nintendo-switch-july-10th/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/16/okami-hd-gets-nintendo-switch-release-date | title = Okami HD Gets Nintendo Switch Release Date | first = Jordan | last = Oldman | date = 16 May 2018 | access-date = 16 May 2018 | work = IGN | archive-date = 16 May 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180516203317/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/16/okami-hd-gets-nintendo-switch-release-date | url-status = live }}</ref> The Nintendo Switch port has both a standard physical retail and a limited edition release exclusive to Japan, whilst the game is an eShop-exclusive in other regions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://nintendosoup.com/okami-hd-limited-edition-up-for-pre-order-on-amazon-japan/ | title = Okami HD Limited Edition Up For Pre-Order On Amazon Japan | author = Iggy | date = 18 May 2018 | access-date = 5 July 2018 | website = NintendoSoup | archive-date = 5 July 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180705175420/https://nintendosoup.com/okami-hd-limited-edition-up-for-pre-order-on-amazon-japan/ | url-status = live }}</ref> A version of the game was released exclusively in the United States for [[Software:Amazon Luna|Amazon Luna]] on 20 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=amazonluna|number=1516839511128678400 |access-date=2022-07-14|title=#NewonLuna+: Okami HD.}}</ref>

===Sequels===
{{Main|Software:Ōkamiden}}
Sales of ''Ōkami'' were considered somewhat poor for justifying a sequel; in July 2009, in response to users' questions on the possibility of a sequel, Svensson stated that "I think we need a lot more people buying the current version before we seriously consider a sequel".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-needs-to-sell-or-no-sequel | title = Ōkami needs to sell or no sequel | website = Eurogamer | date = 29 July 2008 | access-date = 29 July 2008 | first = Tom | last = Bramwell | archive-date = 25 February 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210225093517/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-needs-to-sell-or-no-sequel | url-status = live }}</ref> After the appearance of a Japanese trademark by Capcom on the word "Ōkamiden" a few months before the Wii version of ''Ōkami'' in Japan, many speculated that a sequel was pending.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/08/25/okami-2-rumored-mysterious-trademark-discovered/ | title = 'Okami 2' Rumored, Mysterious Trademark Discovered | publisher = MTV | first = John | last = Constantine | date = 25 August 2009 | access-date = 25 August 2009 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090827191519/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/08/25/okami-2-rumored-mysterious-trademark-discovered/ | archive-date = 27 August 2009 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The September 2009 issue of ''Famitsu'' announced that ''Ōkamiden'' was indeed a sequel to ''Ōkami'' for the Nintendo DS, to be released by Capcom in Japan in 2010, though without the input of the Clover staff. Producer Motohide Eshiro later clarified in an interview that the game is considered a spiritual-successor, rather than a full sequel, to ''Ōkami''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chester |first=Nick |date=20 April 2010 |title=Okamiden producer: Not a sequel, a 'spiritual successor' |url=https://www.destructoid.com/okamiden-producer-not-a-sequel-a-spiritual-successor--171281.phtml |website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] |access-date=18 November 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308021721/https://www.destructoid.com/okamiden-producer-not-a-sequel-a-spiritual-successor--171281.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> The game takes place nine months after the end of ''Ōkami'', with the player in control of Chibiterasu, a wolf cub with the same powers as Amaterasu, but not yet at his full potential, and features the same style of gameplay, including the Celestial Brush using the DS's touchscreen controls.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5349980/new-okami-is-coming-to-the-nintendo-ds | title = New Okami Is Coming To The Nintendo DS | first = Brian | last = Ashcroft | date = 1 September 2009 | access-date = 1 September 2009 | publisher = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902215525/http://kotaku.com/5349980/new-okami-is-coming-to-the-nintendo-ds | archive-date = 2 September 2009 |url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://ds.ign.com/articles/102/1020328p1.html | title = Okami Set for DS | first = John | last = Tanaka | date = 1 September 2009 | access-date = 1 September 2009 | website = IGN | archive-date = 24 May 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120524163915/http://ds.ign.com/articles/102/1020328p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

At the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016 during an interview with ''Metro'', Kamiya, now at [[Company:PlatinumGames|PlatinumGames]], said that he had ideas for ''Ōkami 2'' and ''Bayonetta 3'', though did not confirm if either game was in active development.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/17/hideki-kamiya-hints-at-okami-2-and-bayonetta-3-5950079/ | title = Hideki Kamiya hints at Okami 2 and Bayonetta 3 | date = 17 June 2016 | access-date = 20 June 2016 | work = Metro | archive-date = 3 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230503214409/https://metro.co.uk/2016/06/17/hideki-kamiya-hints-at-okami-2-and-bayonetta-3-5950079/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In October 2019, following on financially successful releases of ''Resident Evil'' and ''Monster Hunter'' games, Capcom indicated that it was looking to revive some of its "dormant" properties.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/352462/Capcom_plans_to_revive_dormant_IP_as_Resident_Evil_Monster_Hunter_take_off.php | title = Capcom plans to 'revive dormant IP' as Resident Evil, Monster Hunter take off | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = 18 October 2019 | access-date = 18 October 2019 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = 25 August 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210825025726/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/352462/Capcom_plans_to_revive_dormant_IP_as_Resident_Evil_Monster_Hunter_take_off.php | url-status = live }}</ref> Shortly after this announcement, Kamiya, along with Ikumi Nakamura, who had worked on ''Ōkami'', stated on Twitter that "''Ōkami'' is going to be back".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/okami-2 | title = Noted Twitter troll Hideki Kamiya says "Okami is going to be back" | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = 18 October 2019 | access-date = 18 October 2019 | work = PCGamesN | archive-date = 28 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001433/https://www.pcgamesn.com/okami-2 | url-status = live }}</ref> In an interview in June 2020, she stated that she planned to approach Capcom about an ''Ōkami'' sequel, with the only insistence she planned to fight for was to make sure Kamiya took the leading role in the development.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/capcom-alumni-ikumi-nakamura-plans-to-push-hard-for-an-okami-sequel | title = Capcom Alumni Ikumi Nakamura Plans to Push Hard for an Okami Sequel | first = Nadia | last = Oxford | date = June 8, 2020 | access-date = June 8, 2020 | work = USGamer | archive-date = 26 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220926164405/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/capcom-alumni-ikumi-nakamura-plans-to-push-hard-for-an-okami-sequel | url-status = live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Reception==
===Reviews===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PS2: 93/100<ref name="MCPS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Okami for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=9 August 2007 |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414235026/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/okami |url-status=live }}</ref><br />WII: 90/100<ref name="MCWII">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Okami for Wii Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=12 April 2008 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212231147/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/okami |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS3: 90/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Okami HD for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001435/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/okami-hd |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 92/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Okami HD for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001434/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/okami-hd |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS4: 87/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Okami HD for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=14 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114114753/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/okami-hd |url-status=live }}</ref><br />XONE: 87/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Okami HD for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428003355/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/okami-hd |url-status=live }}</ref><br />NS: 89/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/okami-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Okami HD for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001441/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/okami-hd |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 1UP = PS2: A<ref name="1UPPS2">{{cite web |last=Pfister |first=Andrew |date=19 September 2006 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/okami |title=Ōkami Review for PS2 |website=1UP.com |access-date=15 April 2008 |archive-date=27 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427053134/http://www.1up.com/reviews/okami |url-status=dead }}</ref><br /> WII: A<ref name="1UPWII">{{cite web |last=Suttner |first=Nick |date=14 April 2008 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/okami-review |title=Ōkami Review for Wii |website=1UP.com |access-date=15 April 2008 |archive-date=11 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511074248/http://www.1up.com/reviews/okami-review |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| EuroG = PS2: 10/10<ref name="EuroGPS2">{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=9 February 2007 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-review |title=Ōkami Review |website=Eurogamer |access-date=16 February 2008 |archive-date=2 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102195534/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami-review |url-status=live }}</ref><br />WII: 10/10<ref name="EuroGWII">{{cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |date=8 May 2008 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami_1_0 |title=Ōkami Review |website=Eurogamer |access-date=19 May 2008 |archive-date=26 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926111348/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/okami_1_0 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS3: 9/10<ref name="EuroGPS3">{{cite web |last=Welch |first=Oli |date=31 October 2012 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-30-okami-hd-review |title=Okami HD Review |website=Eurogamer |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-date=27 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127195925/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-30-okami-hd-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI = PS2: 9.5/10<ref name="GIPS2">{{cite magazine |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |date=October 2006 |title=Okami Review |magazine=Game Informer |pages=90–115}}</ref><br />WII: 9.25/10<ref name="GIWII">{{cite magazine |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |date=May 2008 |title=Okami Review |magazine=Game Informer |pages=78–99}}</ref>
| GSpot = PS2: 9/10<ref name="gamespot-review"/><br />WII: 9/10<ref name="gamespot wii review"/>
| IGN = PS2: 9.1/10<ref name="ign-review"/><br />WII: 9/10<ref name="ign wii review"/><br/>PS3: 9.4/10<ref name="ign hd review">{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/30/okami-hd-review | title = Okami HD Review | first = Cam | last = Shae | date = 30 October 2012 | access-date = 7 November 2012 | website = IGN | archive-date = 15 April 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130415175956/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/30/okami-hd-review | url-status = live }}</ref>
| NP = WII: 7.5/10<ref name="nintendo power review"/>
| OPMUK = PS3: 8/10<ref name="Playstation">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/okami-hd-review-doodles-with-wolves/|title=Okami HD Review|publisher=officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk|last=Meikleham|first=David|date=2 November 2012|access-date=8 November 2012|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103212814/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/okami-hd-review-doodles-with-wolves/|archive-date=3 November 2012}}</ref>
| XPlay = PS2: {{Rating|5|5}}<br />WII: {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="xplay wii review"/>
}}

''Ōkami'' received critical acclaim, with a score of 93/100 on Metacritic.<ref name="MCPS2" />

GameSpot gave it a 9 out of 10 and selected it as an Editor's Choice, citing that its "visual design instantly stands out, but it turns out to be just one of many inspired aspects of this impressive action adventure game".<ref name="gamespot-review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/okami-review/1900-6157846/ | title = Ōkami Review | work = Gamespot | last = Kasavin | first = Greg | date = 16 July 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | archive-date = 6 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140706203610/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/okami-review/1900-6157846/ | url-status = live }}</ref> ''IGN'' gave the game a 9.1 out of 10, as being "beautiful, charismatic, engaging and one of the most original games you'll play anytime soon".<ref name="ign-review"/> Electronic Gaming Monthly's three reviewers gave it a 9, 9.5, and 9 out of 10, with one saying: "I'll be surprised if you can find a better game on any system this fall".<ref>{{cite web | author=MacDonald, Mark | year=2006 | title=Reviews: Okami – Refusing to paint by numbers | url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/okami_3 | work=1up.com | access-date=9 August 2007 |url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605011454/http://www.1up.com/reviews/okami_3 | archive-date=5 June 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> ''Newtype USA'' named ''Ōkami'' its ''Game of the Month'' for October 2006, heralded the pacing as "nearly flawless" and proclaimed "''Ōkami'' is that rarest of beasts: a game without any obvious flaws. Clover's creativity and attention to detail are on full display here. Shame on any gamer who passes up this divine adventure".<ref>{{cite web | first=Benjamin| last=Turner| date=1 October 2006| title=Newtype USA / Reviews / Ōkami| work=Newtype-USA.com| url=http://www.newtype-usa.com/reviews/index.php?itemid=341| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224185445/http://www.newtype-usa.com/reviews/index.php?itemid=341| archive-date=24 February 2007 | access-date=12 February 2007}}</ref> Eurogamer scored the game 10/10 saying: "Right from the start it conjures an atmosphere of being something special, but to keep that level of quality up consistently over 60 hours ensures that this will be a game that will be talked about for years to come".<ref name="EuroGPS2"/> In 2007, ''Ōkami'' was named eighteenth best PlayStation 2 game of all time in ''IGN'''s feature reflecting on the PlayStation 2's long lifespan.<ref name="18th">{{cite web | author=IGN PlayStation Team | date=16 March 2007 | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/772/772296p2.html | title=The Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time | work=IGN PS2 | publisher=IGN Entertainment | access-date=18 March 2007 | archive-date=29 August 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829052827/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/772/772296p2.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Famitsu'' gave the game a near perfect score of 39 out of 40, the 15th game to date to receive this score from the publication.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10938 | title = Critical Reception: Capcom's/Clover Studio's Okami | first = Danny | last = Cowan | date = 20 September 2006 | access-date = 25 January 2012 | website = Gamasutra | archive-date = 22 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131022120338/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10938 | url-status = live }}</ref>

Conversely, the game was noted to have some flaws. The game was criticized for its uneven difficulty.<ref name="ign-review"/><ref name="gamespot-review"/> Reviewers have noted some difficulty in getting the game to recognize the correct Celestial Brush patterns,<ref name="1UPPS2"/> as well as excessive amounts of dialog, particularly at the introduction, which was hampered by the use of computer-generated voices instead of voice acting.<ref name="gamespot-review"/>

The Wii version of ''Ōkami'' has received generally similar praise to the PlayStation 2 version, with GameSpot stating that the support for widescreen and the Wii controls "make it even more relevant today than it was in 2006".<ref name="gamespot wii review"/> The use of the Wii Remote for the Celestial Brush was well received;<ref name="ign wii review"/> in GameSpot{{'}}s review, they noted that the Wii functionality with the Brush "improves the pace of the game".<ref name="gamespot wii review"/> Other aspects to the controls were found to be weaker, particularly in combat.<ref name="gamespot wii review"/><ref name="1UPWII"/> In their review, ''Nintendo Power'' recommended the PlayStation 2 version of the game over the Wii, stating that "though you can overcome the drawing and attacking issues with practice (and by sticking to whip-style weapons), it's a hurdle you shouldn't have to leap".<ref name="nintendo power review">{{cite magazine |title=Okami |page=88 |magazine=Nintendo Power |date=May 2008}}</ref> The Wii version was given the Game of the Month award from ''IGN'' for April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/870/870710p1.html|title=Game of the Month: April 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215135631/http://wii.ign.com/articles/870/870710p1.html|archive-date=15 December 2011}}</ref> It was a nominee for multiple awards from ''IGN'' in its 2008 video game awards, including Best Artistic Design<ref name="igndesign">{{cite web |title=IGN Wii: Best Artistic Design 2008 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/12.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040824/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/12.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 December 2008 |website=IGN.com |access-date=19 December 2008 |date=18 December 2008}}</ref> and Best Use of the Wii-Mote.<ref name="ignwiimote">{{cite web|title=IGN Wii: Best Use of the Wii-Mote 2008 |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/22.html |website=IGN.com |access-date=19 December 2008 |date=18 December 2008 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040914/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/22.html |archive-date=22 December 2008 }}</ref> In 2009, ''Official Nintendo Magazine'' ranked the game 33rd in a list of greatest Nintendo games.<ref>{{cite web | author=East, Tom | date=February 24, 2009 | title=100 Best Nintendo Games: Part 4 | url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | work=Official Nintendo Magazine | publisher=Future plc | access-date=September 9, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226213643/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7276 | archive-date=26 February 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The high-definition release on the PlayStation 3 was praised for being the "definitive" version of the game,<ref name="ign hd review"/> with the rendering in 1080p helping to make the graphics style of the game stand out. Cam Shae of ''IGN'' did express some disappointment that the PlayStation 3 version does not attempt to address the "pop up" of far-off objects due to [[Draw distance|draw distance]], a limitation of the PlayStation 2 version.<ref name="ign hd review"/> Oli Welsh of Eurogamer considered that the game remains as relevant as it was when it was first released in 2006, being one of the few video games of the ''Zelda'' style.<ref name="EuroGPS3"/>

The release of ''Ōkami HD'' for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2017 was critically praised, establishing that the decade-old game still remained relevant. Julie Muncy for ''Wired'' said that while the game is somewhat long for a single-player experience, the game is "an underrated masterpiece, the kind of beautiful work that's critically acclaimed but forgotten all too quickly".<ref>{{Cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.com/story/okami-hd-review/ | title = Watercolor Masterpiece Okami Has Found New Life on Modern Consoles | first=  Julie | last= Muncy | date = 14 December 2017 | access-date =14 December 2017 | magazine = Wired }}</ref> Chris Schilling for ''PC Gamer'' also acknowledged that the game could be "languid to the point of lethargy" at times, but that ''Ōkami'' remained a "gorgeous and unforgettable adventure".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/okami-hd-review/ | title = Okami HD Review | first = Chris | last = Schilling | date = 12 December 2014 | access-date = 14 December 2014 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = 2 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230502104956/https://www.pcgamer.com/okami-hd-review/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Katherine Byrne for ''Rock Paper Shotgun'' similarly said that some aspects of the game were plodding, but the game still remains beautiful with the improved graphics support, and that using a computer mouse for the Celestial Brush powers helps to make the game feel "reborn", giving the player more options to consider in combat.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/12/18/okami-hd-review-pc/#more-502929 | title = Wot I Think: Okami HD | first = Katherine | last = Bryne | date = 18 December 2017 | access-date = 18 December 2017 | website = Rock Paper Shotgun | archive-date = 31 October 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201031020449/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/12/18/okami-hd-review-pc/#more-502929 | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Jeff Ramos considered this release the best example of a remaster, praising how well the game's art style and detail are rendered at the higher 4k resolutions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/20/16792174/okami-hd-4k-ps4-xbox-one-pc | title = The Okami HD re-release is the perfect example of a remaster | first = Jeff | last = Ramos | date = 20 December 2017 | access-date = 26 December 2017 | work = Polygon | archive-date = 28 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230428001432/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/20/16792174/okami-hd-4k-ps4-xbox-one-pc | url-status = live }}</ref>

===Awards===
''Ōkami''{{'}}s initial showing at the 2005 E3 Convention garnered severals awards and recognition, including 1UP's "Best PS2 Game", "Best Game of Show" (second place), and "Best Action Game" (third place);<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3140792 | title = 1UP's Best of E3 2005 | publisher = 1UP | access-date = 10 August 2007 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927192501/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3140792 | archive-date = 27 September 2007 | df = dmy-all}}</ref> IGN's "Best PS2 Game of Show",<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/28/ignps2s-best-of-e3-2005-awards?page=8 | title = IGNPS2's Best of E3 2005 Awards (Page 8) | date = 27 May 2005 | access-date = 16 February 2018 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | archive-date = 2 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230502104956/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/28/ignps2s-best-of-e3-2005-awards?page=8 | url-status = live }}</ref> and runner-up for "Best of Show" and "Most Innovative Design";<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/27/igns-best-of-e3-2005-awards | title = IGN's Best of E3 2005 Awards | date = 27 May 2005 | access-date = 16 February 2018 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | archive-date = 4 May 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230504050104/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/27/igns-best-of-e3-2005-awards | url-status = live }}</ref> and ''X-Play's'' "Most Original Game".<ref>{{cite episode | title = Best Of E3 2005 Awards | series = X-Play | series-link = X-Play | airdate = 25 May 2005 | number = 5054}}</ref> GameSpy recognized it as the fifth best game showing for the convention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/618/618469p1.html |title=The Annual E3 Awards: 2005 |publisher=GameSpy |date=25 May 2005 |access-date=10 August 2007 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217000307/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/618/618469p1.html |archive-date=17 February 2008 }}</ref>

Upon release, ''Ōkami'' appeared as the "Game of the Month" for IGN,<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=3 October 2006 |title=Game of the Month: September 2006 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/03/game-of-the-month-september-2006-4 |access-date=16 February 2018 |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207063845/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/03/game-of-the-month-september-2006-4 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.manifestogames.com/node/2723 | title = Why Are There No "Prestige Games?" | author = costik | date = 25 November 2006 | access-date = 11 August 2007 | publisher = Manifesto Games |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928014151/http://www.manifestogames.com/node/2723 | archive-date = 28 September 2007 | df = dmy-all}}</ref> and ''Game Informer''.<ref name="GIPS2"/><ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/Magazine/BackIssues/M200610.htm | title = Reviews: Game of the Month: Okami for PlayStation 2 | magazine = Game Informer | issue = 162 | date = October 2006 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013230158/http://www.gameinformer.com/Magazine/BackIssues/M200610.htm | archive-date = 13 October 2007 |url-status = dead}}</ref> IGN,<ref name="ign goty">{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/39.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – Overall Game of the Year | last = Roper | first = Chris | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070127091835/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/39.html | archive-date = 27 January 2007}}</ref> ''Edge Magazine''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/okami-wins-iedge-i-award/1100-6176580/ | title = Okami wins Edge award | last = Boyes | first = Emma | date = 13 August 2007 | access-date = 16 February 2018 | website = GameSpot | archive-date = 12 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210612151549/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/okami-wins-iedge-i-award/1100-6176580/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and Game Revolution<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/best_of_2006/13 | title = Best of 2006 Awards | author = Game Revolution staff | year = 2006 | access-date = 10 August 2007 | work = Game Revolution |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070116042802/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/best_of_2006/13 | archive-date = 16 January 2007}}</ref> rated it as the best overall game of 2006, while GameTrailers<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKzLyJ0KISg | title = GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 06 – Best PlayStation 2 Game | author = Rafael Ch | date = 9 January 2007 | access-date = 16 February 2018 | publisher = [[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] | archive-date = 11 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230411013523/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKzLyJ0KISg | url-status = live }}</ref> and ''PSM''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://blogs.capcomusa.com/blogs/news.php/2007/03/23/okami_you_liked_it_you_ligstilll_ig_real | title = Okami – You Liked It, You Still Really Like It! | date = 23 March 2007 | access-date = 11 August 2007 | publisher = Capcom USA | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070905060040/http://blogs.capcomusa.com/blogs/news.php/2007/03/23/okami_you_liked_it_you_ligstilll_ig_real <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archive-date = 5 September 2007}}</ref> named it best PS2 game for 2006. IGN further awarded the game the "Best Overall" and "PS2 Adventure Game",<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/2.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – Overall Adventure Game of the Year| access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070127092123/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/2.html | archive-date = 27 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/2.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – PlayStation 2 Adventure Game of the Year | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070125065316/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/2.html | archive-date=25 January 2007}}</ref> the "Best Overall" and "PS2 Artistic Design",<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/22.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070117015657/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/22.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 17 January 2007 | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – Overall Best Artistic Design | website = IGN | access-date =9 August 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/22.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – PlayStation 2 Best Artistic Design | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070127092024/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/22.html | archive-date = 27 January 2007}}</ref> the "Overall" and "PS2 Most Innovative Design",<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/31.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – Overall Most Innovative Design | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070127091638/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/31.html | archive-date = 27 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/31.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – PlayStation 2 Most Innovative Design | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070125004122/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/ps2/31.html | archive-date=25 January 2007}}</ref> and the "Best Overall Story".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/26.html | title = IGN.com Presents the Best of 2006 – Overall Best Story | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070127091845/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/overall/26.html | archive-date = 27 January 2007}}</ref> GameSpot awarded the game for the "Best Artistic Graphics" for 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=9 | title = Best Games and Worst Games of 2006 – Best Graphics, Artistic | access-date = 9 August 2007 | work = GameSpot |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070331162225/http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=9 | archive-date = 31 March 2007}}</ref> IGN named ''Ōkami'' 90th game of all time as of 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_90.html | title = The Top 100 Games of All Time! | author = IGN staff | date = 2 December 2007 | access-date = 2 December 2007 | work = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071203112939/http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_90.html | archive-date = 3 December 2007 |url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}</ref> In 2010, ''GamePro'' ranked it as the fifth best game for the PlayStation 2.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101223173809/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/205783/the-36-best-ps2-games-page-5-of-5 The 36 Best PS2 Games, page 5, Feature Story from GamePro]</ref> A 2023 poll conducted by ''GQ'' among a team of video game journalists across the industry listed ''Okami'' as the 94th best video game of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-10 |title=The 100 greatest video games of all time, ranked by experts |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-video-games-all-time |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=British GQ |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510142624/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-video-games-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Ōkami'' has won awards outside the mainstream gaming press. The game earned the "Best Character Design" and only one of three Innovation Awards at the 2007 Game Developers Choice Awards.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_7th.html | title = The 7th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards | publisher = Game Developers Conference | access-date = 16 February 2018 | archive-date = 27 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121027130405/http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_7th.html | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Ōkami'' won the Grand Prize in the Entertainment Division of the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2006/entertainment/000490/index.php | title = 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival Entertainment Division Grand Prize | publisher = Japan Media Arts Festival | access-date = 9 August 2007 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013221435/http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/2006/entertainment/000490/index.php | archive-date = 13 October 2007 | df = dmy-all}}</ref> On 13 August 2007, it was also awarded the best "Animation in a Game Engine", "Art Direction in a Game Engine", "Outstanding Original Adventure Game", and "Game of the Year" in the 2006 awards by the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAViGaTR).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.navgtr.org/index.html | title = 2006 NAViGaTR Winners | work = National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | access-date = 14 August 2007 | date = 14 August 2007 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070814131348/http://navgtr.org/index.html | archive-date = 14 August 2007 | df = dmy-all}}</ref> ''Ōkami'' was given an "Award for Excellence" from the Japanese Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) at the Japan Game Awards 2007<ref>{{cite web | url = http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2007/english/press.html | title = "Games of the Year Division" Award Winners Chosen | date = 20 September 2007 | access-date = 19 July 2008 | publisher = Japanese Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association | archive-date = 7 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110707074412/http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2007/english/press.html | url-status = live }}</ref> and was later given 2009 CESA Developers Conference (CEDEC) award for "Visual Arts".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/capcom-honoured-with-visual-art-and-game-design-awards | title = Capcom honoured with Visual Art and Game Design awards | first = Matt | last = Martin | date = 4 September 2009 | publisher = GamesIndustry.biz | access-date = 4 September 2009 | archive-date = 27 February 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210227114235/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/capcom-honoured-with-visual-art-and-game-design-awards | url-status = live }}</ref> The game was awarded the "Best Anthropomorphic Video Game" in the 2006 Ursa Major awards.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ursamajorawards.org/UMA_2006.htm | title = The Ursa Major Awards Winners 2006 | publisher = Ursa Major Awards | access-date = 9 August 2007 | archive-date = 16 July 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120716235202/http://www.ursamajorawards.org/UMA_2006.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> It also won the 2007 BAFTA awards for "Artistic Achievement" and "Original Score".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15975 | title = 2007 UK BAFTA Game Award Winners Led By Nintendo | date = 24 October 2007 | website = Gamasutra | access-date = 16 February 2018 | archive-date = 22 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211022212255/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15975 | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Ōkami'' also received Outstanding Platform Action/Adventure Game nominations At the 11th Satellite Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/awards2006.shtml |publisher=International Press Academy |title=Nominees and Winners: 2006 11th Annual SATELLITE™ Awards | access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107095753/http://pressacademy.com/satawards/awards2006.shtml |archive-date=7 January 2010}}</ref>

The HD version was nominated for "Game, Classic Revival" at the 17th Annual NAViGaTR Awards.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://navgtr.org/archives/3351/ | title = Nominee List for 2017 | date = 9 February 2018 | access-date = 16 February 2018 | work = National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | archive-date = 15 February 2018 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20180215172210/http://navgtr.org/archives/3351/ | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://navgtr.org/archives/3365/ | title = Horizon wins 7; Mario GOTY | date = 13 March 2018 | work = National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | access-date = 14 March 2018 | archive-date = 14 March 2018 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20180314070824/http://navgtr.org/archives/3365/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Sales===
More than 200,000 copies of ''Ōkami'' were sold in North America in 2006, grossing approximately US$8 million and ranking as the 100th best selling game of the year in the region.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/games-people-buy-2007 | title = The Games People Buy | publisher = Next Generation | date = 6 February 2007 | access-date = 9 August 2007 | last = Campbell | first = Colin | archive-date = 3 July 2012 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120703163733/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/games-people-buy-2007 | url-status = live }}</ref> By March 2007, the total sales of the PlayStation 2 version were near 270,000.<ref name="ign second chance">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/20/okamis-second-chance | title = Ōkami's Second Chance | work = IGN | first = Matt | last = Casamassina | date = 20 March 2008 | access-date = 15 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080324205900/http://wii.ign.com/articles/861/861215p1.html | archive-date = 24 March 2008 |url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}</ref> By comparison, 66,000 copies were sold in Japan for 2006.<ref>{{Cite news | newspaper = Official PlayStation Magazine |title=Ōkami|date=January 2007 }}</ref> Though it was initially thought that poor sales of ''Ōkami'' and ''[[Software:God Hand|God Hand]]'' (another Clover game released in the same time frame) were the cause of the closure of Clover Studio,<ref name="1up-inaba"/><ref name="errormacro">{{cite web|url=http://www.errormacro.com/2006/10/capcom_dissolving_clover_studi.php |title=Capcom Dissolving Clover Studios |date=12 October 2006 |access-date=11 August 2007 |author=Ermac |publisher=ErrorMacro |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928120104/http://www.errormacro.com/2006/10/capcom_dissolving_clover_studi.php |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> it was later revealed that three key developers within Capcom and Clover Studio, Shinji Mikami (''[[Software:Resident Evil|Resident Evil]]'' series), Hideki Kamiya (''[[Software:Devil May Cry|Devil May Cry]]'' series), and Inaba, had left the company,<ref name="errormacro"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/news/clover-studios-dissolve | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120629225123/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/clover-studios-dissolve |url-status = dead| archive-date = 29 June 2012 | title = Clover Studios to Dissolve | date = 12 October 2006 | access-date = 11 August 2007 | last = Graft | first = Kris | publisher = NextGen.biz }}</ref> and the studio was dissolved, such that "now all the resources should be used more effectively and more efficiently since they are centralized".<ref name="errormacro"/> The trio formed the video game development company "Seeds Inc",<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/former-clover-members-start-up-new-studio/ | title = Former Clover members start up new studio | publisher = Joystiq | date = 15 February 2007 | access-date = 28 September 2007 | first = Ludwig | last = Kietzmann | archive-date = 28 January 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150128131148/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/former-clover-members-start-up-new-studio/ | url-status = live }}</ref> later merging with a company called "ODD" to become "[[Company:PlatinumGames|PlatinumGames]]".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/ex-clover-dev-team-buries-seeds-to-form-platinum-games/ | title = Ex-Clover dev team buries 'Seeds' to form 'Platinum Games' | publisher = Joystiq | date = 28 September 2007 | access-date = 28 September 2008 | first = Ludwig | last = Kietzmann | archive-date = 25 February 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150225055909/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/ex-clover-dev-team-buries-seeds-to-form-platinum-games/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 30 July 2008, Capcom revealed that approximately 280,000 copies of the Wii version of ''Ōkami'' had been sold in North America and Europe since its release date.<ref name="eurogamer okamihd"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5031280/okami-on-wii-didnt-do-so-well | title = Ōkami On Wii Didn't Do So Well | publisher = Kotaku | date = 30 July 2008 | access-date = 30 July 2008 | first = Luke | last = Plunkett | archive-date = 9 October 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013238/https://kotaku.com/5031280/okami-on-wii-didnt-do-so-well | url-status = live }}</ref> The Wii version debuted in Japan with a modest 24,000 copies sold in its first week in the region.<ref>{{cite web | author=Remo, Chris | date=22 October 2009 | title=Japanese Software: Pokemon, Wii Fit Plus Hold Fast In Top Slots | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25767 | website=Gamasutra | access-date=22 October 2009 | archive-date=16 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616045258/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25767 | url-status=live }}</ref> It was recognized as the sixth-bestselling game in Japan on 23 October 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/23/okami-hits-top-ten-in-japan|title=Ōkami Hits Top Ten in Japan|author=Anoop Gantayat|access-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026175844/http://wii.ign.com/articles/103/1038322p1.html|archive-date=26 October 2009|url-status = dead}}</ref> Total sales for the game remained under 600,000 total units by March 2009, and was named the "least commercially successful winner of a game of the year award" in the 2010 version of the ''Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition''.<ref>{{cite book | title = 2010 Guinness World Records Gamers Edition | isbn = 978-0-7440-1183-8 | year= 2010 | publisher = BradyGames }}</ref> Subsequently, in 2018, the game was awarded the Guinness World Record for "Most critically acclaimed video game starring an animal character".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.siliconera.com/2018/10/08/okami-wins-its-second-guinness-world-record/ | title = Okami Wins Its Second Guinness World Record | author = Sato | date = 8 October 2018 | access-date = 8 October 2018 | work = Siliconera | archive-date = 6 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190806163956/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/10/08/okami-wins-its-second-guinness-world-record/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

''Ōkami HD'' on [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] yielded 16,536 unit sales within its first week on sale in Japan, placing it at number 18 on the all format sales chart.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=27 December 2017 |url=https://gematsu.com/2017/12/media-create-sales-12-18-17-12-24-17 |title=Media Create Sales: 12/18/17 – 12/24/17 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223517/https://www.gematsu.com/2017/12/media-create-sales-12-18-17-12-24-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of June 30, 2023, ''Ōkami HD'' has sold 2.3 million copies on the PlayStation 4, [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]], and [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Platinum Titles {{!}}Product Data {{!}} CAPCOM |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/million.html |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=www.capcom.co.jp |language=en-US |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201123229/https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/million.html |url-status=live }}</ref> while the PC and PlayStation 3 versions had sold {{nowrap|1.065 million}} copies {{as of|2020|lc=y}},<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parijat |first1=Shubhankar |title=Okami HD Sold More on Switch Than Any Other Platform |url=https://gamingbolt.com/okami-hd-sold-more-on-switch-than-any-other-platform |access-date=2 October 2021 |work=GamingBolt |date=2 December 2020 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002104554/https://gamingbolt.com/okami-hd-sold-more-on-switch-than-any-other-platform |url-status=live }}</ref> for a combined 3.365 million copies sold by June 2023. The ''Ōkami'' series has sold 4 million copies worldwide, as of June 30, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Series Sales |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/finance/salesdata.html |website=[[Company:Capcom|Capcom]] |access-date=1 October 2021 |archive-date=4 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404104303/http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/finance/salesdata.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Legacy===
Ben Mattes, producer for the 2008 ''[[Software:Prince of Persia (2008 video game)|Prince of Persia]]'' video game, cited ''Ōkami'', ''[[Software:Ico|Ico]]'', and ''[[Software:Shadow of the Colossus|Shadow of the Colossus]]'' as influences on the gameplay and artwork for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/01/05/prince-of-persia-producer-addresses-colossus-copycat-critique/ | title = 'Prince of Persia' Producer Addresses 'Colossus' Copycat Critique | publisher = MTV | first = Stephan | last = Totilo | date = 5 January 2009 | access-date = 5 January 2009 |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090116182838/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/01/05/prince-of-persia-producer-addresses-colossus-copycat-critique | archive-date = 16 January 2009 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Capcom's ''[[Software:Street Fighter IV|Street Fighter IV]]'' is stated to have character designs influenced by Ōkami with hand-drawn images and brushstroke-like effects.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://play.tm/preview/22786/street-fighter-iv/ | title = Preview: Street Fighter IV | date = 5 January 2009 | access-date = 5 January 2009 | publisher = Play.tm | first = Luke | last = Guttridge |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090122140235/http://play.tm/preview/22786/street-fighter-iv/ | archive-date = 22 January 2009 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The Disney video game, ''[[Software:Epic Mickey|Epic Mickey]]'', uses similar drawing aspects as ''Ōkami'', allowing the player to draw and modify parts of levels to proceed.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/220427/epic-mickey-details-arise/ | title = Epic Mickey details arise | date = 30 July 2009 | access-date =3 August 2009 | first = Gavin | last = Ogden | magazine = Computer and Video Games }}</ref> The final boss, Yami, appears as the main antagonist and final boss in the crossover [[Software:Fighting game|fighting game]], ''[[Software:Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars|Tatsunoko vs. Capcom]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209856.html | title = Tatsunoko vs. Capcom confirmed for US | first = Tom | last = Magrino | website = GameSpot | date = 18 May 2009 | access-date = 18 May 2009 | archive-date = 21 May 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090521201251/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6209856.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Amaterasu appears as a playable character in ''Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds'', ''[[Software:Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3|Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'' and ''[[Software:Teppen|Teppen]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/amaterasu-and-thor-join-marvel-vs-capcom-3-179564.phtml | title = Amaterasu and Thor join Marvel vs. Capcom 3 | website = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] | first = Hamza CTZ | last = Aziz | date = 21 July 2010 | access-date = 21 July 2010 | archive-date = 24 July 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100724103236/http://www.destructoid.com/amaterasu-and-thor-join-marvel-vs-capcom-3-179564.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://teppenthegame.com/en/update/2020/toa/|title=[Special Update] 天都ノ國絵巻 The Tale of Amatsu no Kuni <nowiki>|</nowiki> TEPPEN -Official Site-|publisher=teppenthegame.com|access-date=September 18, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425125808/https://teppenthegame.com/en/update/2020/toa/|url-status=live}}</ref> After Clover's dissolution and most of its staff's subsequent reformation as PlatinumGames, one of their next games, ''[[Software:Bayonetta (video game)|Bayonetta]]'', contains several references to ''Ōkami''; the most notable of these is when Bayonetta transforms into a panther and, like Amaterasu, a trail of flowers and plant life follows her.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://palgn.com.au/xbox-360/15592/bayonetta-review/ | title = Bayonetta Review | date = 7 January 2010 | access-date = 15 July 2010 | first = Jahanzeb | last = Khan | website = PALGN |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100317185226/http://palgn.com.au/xbox-360/15592/bayonetta-review/ | archive-date = 17 March 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> For the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, Capcom raffled a limited run of T-shirts designed by Gerald de Jesus and iam8bit that placed Amaterasu, Shiranui, and Chibiterasu (from ''Ōkamiden'') into a homage to the [[Social:Three Wolf Moon|Three Wolf Moon]] t-shirt.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/07/15/awesome-three-wolf-moon-shirt-gets-okami-fied | title = Awesome Three Wolf Moon Shirt Gets ''Ōkami''-fied | work = MTV | date = 15 July 2010 | access-date = 15 July 2010 | first = Brian | last = Warmouth |url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100718113511/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/07/15/awesome-three-wolf-moon-shirt-gets-okami-fied/ | archive-date = 18 July 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

In 2009, GamesRadar included ''Ōkami'' among the games "with untapped franchise potential", commenting: "Seriously, if Nintendo can make the same ''Zelda'' game every few years, then why can't Capcom release ''Ōkami 2''?".<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/123-games-with-untapped-franchise-potential/?page=2 123 games with untapped franchise potential] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215071505/http://www.gamesradar.com/123-games-with-untapped-franchise-potential/?page=2 |date=15 December 2013 }}, GamesRadar US, 30 April 2009</ref> In 2015, Amaterasu was featured in Archie Comics' ''Worlds Unite'' crossover between its ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' comic lines and ''[[Software:Mega Man|Mega Man]]'' series.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schedeen|first1=Jesse|title=Capcom and Sega join forces for worlds unite comic book crossover|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/26/capcom-and-sega-join-forces-for-worlds-unite-comic-book-crossover|access-date=15 June 2020|work=IGN|date=26 February 2015|archive-date=14 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314094822/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/26/capcom-and-sega-join-forces-for-worlds-unite-comic-book-crossover|url-status=live}}</ref> An ''Ōkami'' costume was included in ''[[Software:Monster Hunter Generations|Monster Hunter Generations]]''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Nice Okami nod, Monster Hunter Generations | first = Jordan | last = Devore | url = http://www.destructoid.com/nice-okami-nod-monster-hunter-generations-357070.phtml | date = 22 April 2016 | access-date = 22 April 2016 | work = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] | archive-date = 23 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160423021801/http://www.destructoid.com/nice-okami-nod-monster-hunter-generations-357070.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref> Capcom submitted and got approval to publish an Amaterasu "courier" for ''[[Software:Dota 2|Dota 2]]'' just prior to the December 2017 release of ''Ōkami HD'' on [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]], with players that had pre-ordered or purchased ''Ōkami HD'' within the release period receiving the courier for free.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2017/12/05/capcom-has-submitted-an-okami-amaterasu-courier-mod-for-dota-2/ | title = Capcom has submitted an Okami Amaterasu courier mod for Dota 2 | first = James | last = O'Conner | date = 5 December 2017 | access-date = 5 December 2017 | work = VG247 | archive-date = 6 December 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171206024830/https://www.vg247.com/2017/12/05/capcom-has-submitted-an-okami-amaterasu-courier-mod-for-dota-2/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

== See also ==
* List of commercial failures in video gaming
{{Clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Franchises by Capcom}}
{{Ready at Dawn}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Okami}}
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Ōkami}}