Okami Sequel Announced: Hideki Kamiya Returns as Director for Anticipated Follow-Up

Capcom has officially announced a long-awaited sequel to Okami, the critically acclaimed action-adventure game known for its exquisite sumi-e-inspired visuals and innovative gameplay.

The sequel is set to bring back original director Hideki Kamiya, promising a return to the creative roots that made the franchise a cult favorite among Nintendo and PlayStation fans alike. Originally released in 2006 by Capcom and Clover Studio, Okami quickly garnered praise for its unique art style and mythological storytelling, capturing the attention of gamers and critics worldwide.

The game’s influence has persisted across numerous platforms, including the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, and most recently the Nintendo Switch via the eShop.

Okami’s spiritual successor, Okamiden, was released for Nintendo DS in 2010, but fans have eagerly awaited a full-fledged sequel ever since. With Hideki Kamiya’s return at the helm, expectations are elevated for a faithful continuation of the franchise’s renowned artistry and narrative depth.

"Returning to direct the next chapter in Okami is an incredible honor," Kamiya said in a recent Capcom statement.

"We aim to recapture the enchanting world and unique design that resonated with so many players." The Okami series is celebrated for its richly painted world, drawing from Japanese folklore and utilizing a signature cel-shaded visual style that has stood the test of time.

The original title was named Game of the Year by several outlets and has reached over one million units sold across all platforms, becoming a mainstay in lists of must-play action-adventure games. Okamiden, while offering a new adventure in 2010, was considered more of a spin-off.

By the time of the new sequel’s anticipated release, it will have been nearly two decades since the original Okami’s debut, underlining just how rare a direct follow-up is in the game industry outside of Nintendo’s flagship franchises like Mario and The Legend of Zelda. Industry observers note that Hideki Kamiya’s career has been marked by high-impact creative decisions.

After the closure of Clover Studio, he co-founded PlatinumGames, where he directed acclaimed titles such as Bayonetta.

Kamiya’s return to Okami signals a renewed commitment to the series and its devoted community. Capcom has not yet confirmed a specific release date or platform details, but industry analysts expect the game to eventually make its way to the Nintendo Switch and other major platforms, following Okami’s successful multi-platform history.

The announcement comes amid a resurgence in interest for classic franchises and further cements Capcom’s position as a leader in innovative game development. Fans and newcomers can rediscover the original Okami via the Nintendo Switch eShop while awaiting further news about the highly anticipated sequel.

Stay tuned to updates from Nintendo Direct presentations and official Capcom channels for the latest on one of gaming’s most beloved and visually distinctive series.

Capcom Nintendo Hideki Kamiya Okami Nintendo Switch Nintendo Direct Clover Studio PlatinumGames Okamiden