okami

Okami is an action-adventure video game developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom. It was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006, with a later Wii version in 2008 that integrated motion controls. A high-definition remaster, Okami HD, was released for PlayStation 3 in 2012 and later for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC in 2018–2019.

The game is set in a mythic version of Japan called Nippon, where players control Amaterasu, the white wolf who embodies the sun goddess. She travels through villages and landscapes to restore color and life corrupted by darkness and the demon Orochi. Amaterasu is aided by Issun, a tiny wandering artist who acts as her guide and companion.

Gameplay combines exploration, combat, and puzzle solving. A standout feature is the Celestial Brush, which lets players draw on the screen to unleash magical effects. By painting symbols, players can create wind to move objects, summon water, grow plants, revive scenery, and solve environmental puzzles, integrating artful interaction with the world and battles.

Okami was acclaimed for its art direction inspired by sumi-e ink painting, its orchestral score, and its inventive blend of action and puzzle mechanics. Some criticisms centered on camera angles and pacing. The game has influenced later titles with its painterly aesthetic and unique brush concept. It also spawned Okamiden, a Nintendo DS spiritual successor released in 2010, and an updated Okami HD re-release that broadened its availability beyond its original era.

Okami is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and beloved games of its generation.