by Jody Anthony - 04.18.08
It’s no secret that I loved Okami for Playstation 2, so when the Wii version was announced I was quite excited. The time came for its release, but I had made a promise to my wife that I wouldn’t buy any more games. So imagine my surprise when last night she comes home and hands me a copy herself! What a doll. I didn’t get a chance to play it TOO much (only about an hour and a half) but I was able to get a decent feel for this version.
The first thing you’ll notice is the colors are a lot more vibrant in the Wii version. While the Wii version doesn’t have quite the same graphical effect of the PS2 version, I think I might actually prefer the Wii version graphically. The sharp, intense colors really lend itself well to this game. The PS2 version does hold one edge over the Wii version graphically though, in that the more subdued colors and stronger use of bloom made the game seem almost like a dream. Really preference will probably vary from person to person.
As for controls, they have borrowed a bit from Twilight Princess, in that you shake the Wii Remote to attack. I know some people didn’t like that in Twilight Princess, but I loved it, so I was glad to see that control method make a comeback in Okami. Really, they are almost like sister games (or at least cousins) so Twilight Princess fans will feel quite at home. For drawing, it does take a little getting used to drawing with the Wii Remote, but once you get the hang of it it’s a breeze. I definitely prefer using the pointer to control the celestial brush over the analog stick on the PS2.
Honestly the only complaint I have about the controls is a complaint that seems to go with a lot of third-person Wii games, and that is camera control. Camera controls are mapped to the d-pad on the Wii Remote, and are just not as easy to use as a second analog stick. But really, that is the only complaint I can come up with.
All in all, Okami for Wii seems to be a very solid port of a very excellent game. If you own the PS2 version already, I don’t know if I can recommend it to you, seeing as it is very clearly the same game you have already played. But if you don’t own the PS2 version, or do and absolutely love Okami like me, this game seems to be well worth your $40.
I’m in the same situation as you. Since the wife and I want to go to aAn Diego and LA (we live in Culiacán, Sinaloa, México) in July for 2 weeks as our yearly vacation rest… well, that cuts into the games budget. Last game I bought was No More Heroes so I’ll definetly get Okami in July over at the States.
It’s not like I don’t have something to play since I have to finish Zelda, Metroid Prime 3, Super Paper Mario and No More Heroes (I bought the 1st 3 games at launch but hold out on playing them until I bought a 40″ 1080p Samsung to do them justice)…
EdEN - 04.18.08 11:32 am
I never tried the original, but I really like the Japanese style. It is a must-buy for me, so now I just have to wait for an European release …
Wikzo - 04.18.08 1:24 pm
Thanks for the impressions, Jody. I’m genuinely debating on getting the Wii version of Okami, but with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Mario Kart on my plate this month, I’m on the fence as to whether this purchase can be justified.
It’s great to hear that the wiimote controls aren’t as horrid as some others are claiming. Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the control scheme in Twilight Princess, but that grew on me so I’m sure I’ll be alright with this.
June - 04.18.08 3:15 pm
First time playing Okami, I’ve heard some complaints about some mini-game thing removed from the loading screen. Also I’m an idio with getting the fangs. But other than that I love the game.
ellipsis - 04.22.08 10:09 am
I just realized I spelled “idiot” wrong.
ellipsis - 04.22.08 10:13 am
I love this game. It’s so beautiful and fun.
Paradox - 05.03.08 4:18 pm
This game is interesting and i really lie this one
Xtreme Gamer - 05.12.08 1:45 pm