If you’re looking for a sign to play one of the best video games of all time, this is it. Now is your time to play Okami.
Released in 2006, Okami is one of Capcom’s most underrated IPs, and I’m glad more and more people are talking about it. It was Capcom’s answer to the rising trend of Zelda-like titles, something they could compete with in the market.
However, it didn’t reach the same heights as their Resident Evil and Devil May Cry titles, but it cultivated its own niche fanbase that adores everything about Ammy’s adventures in its Japanese mythology-inspired universe.
Believe it or not, I didn’t play this game when it came out on the PlayStation 2 back in 2006. Part of me was a little busy with Kingdom Hearts 2 and Persona 4. Instead, I played the remastered version on my Nintendo Switch three years ago during the pandemic. Little did I know I had missed out on something truly great from Capcom’s classic library.
So here I am now, having played Okami, reminiscing about how impressive it all is, and inviting you to give it a try if you enjoy action and adventure games. If not, I’ll give you reasons why I think it’s the perfect time to play Okami.
Reason #1: It Has Amaterasu
Amaterasu is Okami, and Okami is Amaterasu. The game wouldn’t exist without our beloved Celestial Doggo, and that’s exactly why I fell in love with Okami in the first place. If you haven’t played Okami before, you might have seen Ammy briefly appearing in other titles such as Marvel vs. Capcom and Monster Hunter: Rise.
Basically, Amaterasu is the main character of Okami, a reincarnation of the mythological Shinto goddess Amaterasu, who took the form of a white wolf. Alongside Issun, a constant traveling companion to Ammy, they wander around ancient Nippon to quell a looming dark threat.
Reason #2: Beautiful Visuals
Okami’s presentation is what makes it distinct from other games that came out in the early 2000s. It wasn’t trying to be the next Metal Gear or Shadow of the Colossus with better graphics; instead, it was doing its own thing with its cel-shaded watercolor art style.
Even when playing it in 2025, I didn’t find the visuals off-putting at all. While it does feel a bit dated mechanics-wise and game design-wise, the unique visuals pull me into its strange and otherworldly version of Japan.
Reason #3: You’ll Love the Celestial Paintbrush
Okami’s gameplay is a mix between hack-and-slash and puzzle gameplay. If you’ve played Hideki Kamiya’s games before, like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, you know that it’s a real-time action game with a focus on combos.
Each combat encounter in Okami feels like a bite-sized version of a Devil May Cry combat arena, where a magical force field traps Okami and you’re surrounded by enemies. Okami’s combat isn’t just pressing buttons to deal damage; the Celestial Paintbrush plays a vital role in its combat as well.
Your paintbrush isn’t just for show, and Amaterasu isn’t a celestial figure for no reason. With the help of Issun, she can conjure objects such as bombs by painting over the screen using the game’s touch controls. Nintendo Switch users can simply use the console’s touchscreen, whereas PS5 users can use the DualSense touchpad. PC players can, well, use the mouse. But don’t worry — those who don’t prefer touch controls can simply toggle ‘Paintbrush Mode’ on and use the analog sticks to move it.
Most of the game’s enemies and bosses require the Celestial Paintbrush just to break their posture. Sometimes you have to use the Celestial Brush’s swipe mechanics to slash enemies to break their meaty shields, and it’s incredibly satisfying when it works.
Reason #4: It Has a Sequel Coming!
If you’ve played Okami and finished it, you might be happy to know that a sequel is coming. I’m sure you know about it. It’s exactly the reason why I want people to play the original so they can prepare themselves for the imminent sequel.
When Studio Clover closed down, everyone lost hope for another Okami game. Fortunately, with Hideki Kamiya’s persistence, what remains of Studio Clover is back and they’re hard at work with this sequel.
We still have no idea what the sequel holds or if it’s going to take place years after the first game, but given Amaterasu’s nature as a celestial, she might be another reincarnated version.
However, it’s still too early to tell as the game remains in its early stages of development. For now, all we can do is enjoy the first game. If you’re on Game Pass, the game is currently free to play alongside Capcom’s other titles. You basically have no reason not to try Okami, and if you don’t like it, well, maybe Ammy’s tale isn’t for you.