Inspired by Japanese myths and folklore, Ōkami quite literally became an art form by modelling its nature-based visuals on sumi-e watercolours – making for gameplay that resembles an animated Hokusai painting. Mythological deities and demons are reimagined as a vibrant cast of allies and foes, and the award-winning musical score is influenced by traditional Japanese works.

The game doesn’t just confine its aesthetic elements to its vivid, sweeping landscapes and colourful characters, either; the player is able to actively participate in the game’s artwork with the use of 'brushstrokes' in combat, puzzle-solving and during the course of a typical day’s divine nature restoration.

Ōkami’s distinct visuals set it apart from other titles of its own and later generations and still hold up admirably today (though they have since received a glorious HD update). And, while this title suffered unjustly from poor sales, it received widespread critical acclaim and maintains an artistic legacy that can be glimpsed in more recent titles including Prince of Persia, Street Fighter IV and Bayonetta.

I've chosen this as an example of a game I feel has elevated the medium to an art form. Please check out my blog, Inky Squiggles, to see the others!

I really wish this was a better game, because it has so much darn potential on the graphics alone. The concept is awesome, the world is beautiful, but the gameplay is pretty freaking bad. To be brief, I'll just focus on my two main complaints: the battle system is boring and the game is too easy.

I don't even know why they put puzzles in the game, because between the camera and your little inch-tall pervert of a helper, they give you the solutions pretty plainly. It was a slap in the face to figure out a puzzle right when you see it, then have the game literally tell you exactly what to do as you approach it.

Then there's the battles. They're not bad per se, but I didn't like how you had to get magically warped into this little battle ring and take yourself out of your adventure in order to fight anything. And there really aren't that many different types of enemies. Sure, you encounter more as the game goes on, but, especially at the beginning, you're just fighting dozens of the same thing.

I got about a quarter-way through before realizing I wasn't having any fun.

EDIT 2024, Switch-version.

Boy, what an adventure. I remember it being so much longer but I realize now replaying it that the pacing is so slow that a 30-game feels like a 100h game. In my case, bite-size sessions of nostalgia weren't a problem, I loved reliving the moments, the music, and the environments. Back then it was such a wonderful and special experience, and maybe today coming in fresh will feel too slow, unpolished and disengaging to see it all the way through. But just know that this game has a very very special place in my heart, and I will treasure this game and this experience for as long as I live.

I will say, I walked in to this thinking, "How good could it really be?" The answer is: really that good! This game is amazing, straight up. So many elements come together to create a wonderful experience it really is just a full package.

The fluidity of its story and art style create a true sense of mythic, almost fabulist storytelling. The combat is interesting, engaging, and parsed out in easily digestible packages. This in turn stops the more technical sides of the gameplay (a constant for Kamiya, I'm realizing) from detracting too much from the real delight that is helping the people of Nippon and simply exploring as Amaterasu.

I will say... shut the fuccck up, Issun. Also, the ending is somewhat of a delayed fuck and fizzle. No I will not elaborate. Regardless, an incredible exploration of a high fantastical, absolutely magical ancient Japan. Hmu for the even more hazy yet passionate download when I'm even more stoned.

Sempre ouvi falar mas nunca havia jogado de fato. É um jogo de aventura e exploração ao melhor estilo Spyro com a mecânica distinta de desenhar sobre a tela. Para um jogo de 2006, ainda é uma experiência consistente. Gostei bastante e tenho vontade de continuar jogando.

Dos problemas: -O jogo abriu em modo janela, cortando a imersão. -Não tem tradução para Português. -Baixo frame rate que não condiz com o selecionado nas configurações -No inicio da gameplay e em alguns mapas, há um ícone de uma câmera na tela mas que o jogador não faz ideia do que seja. -A opção de pular diálogos repetidos não é informada ao jogador pela UI