Okami 2: Creator's Vision, Capcom's Decision

Hideki Kamiya has again expressed his desire to create a sequel for Okami and Viewtiful Joe in an interview with Ikumi Nakamura. Read on to learn more about his feelings and his collaboration with Unseen founder, Nakamura.

Hideki Kamiya Hopes For Okami 2 and Viewtiful Joe 3Kamiya Feels Responsible For Okami’s Incomplete Story

In a YouTube video posted by Unseen last Friday, Ikumi Nakamura and Hideki Kamiya explored Kamiya's strong wish to develop sequels for Okami and Viewtiful Joe. These celebrated titles have long been on the wish list of fans, and Kamiya’s comments revived hopes for their sequels. Kamiya stressed his unfinished business with Okami, recalling a viral Twitter (X) video where he and Nakamura hinted at a potential sequel.

He voiced a sense of responsibility to complete the story, which he believes concluded prematurely. "The story ended midway, so leaving it as it is, I feel bad," Kamiya stated, urging Capcom to collaborate on continuing the cherished franchise. Nakamura shared his sentiments, emphasizing their shared history with the game and their mutual excitement for its potential continuation. Kamiya even mentioned the recent Capcom survey where Okami ranked in the top seven games that players would like to see receive a sequel.

For Viewtiful Joe 3, Kamiya humorously observed that despite its smaller fanbase, the game's narrative also remains unfinished. He recounted how he submitted feedback to the Capcom Survey, advocating for a sequel, but his comments were not included in the survey results. "The director himself is asking to make the game again but they won't even talk about it," Kamiya playfully remarked.

Kamiya's Long-standing Desire For An Okami Sequel

This isn't the first time Kamiya has expressed his wish to create a sequel to Okami. In a video interview with Cutscenes in November 2021, Kamiya shared his thoughts on departing Capcom and the incomplete aspects of Okami. "When I was developing Okami, I never imagined I would leave Capcom and work elsewhere. Okami incorporated numerous ideas, and I assumed that, since I'd likely have another opportunity to work on it, I could foreshadow and elaborate on certain elements, addressing them in a sequel and answering players' queries while suggesting the story's conclusion."

With the launch of Okami HD on multiple platforms, the fanbase expanded, and more people inquired about the unresolved narrative points, further intensifying Kamiya's feeling of unfinished business. "There's always a part of me that feels I need to resolve this eventually. I want to do it someday," he restated.

Kamiya and Nakamura’s Creative Synergy and Professional History

The Unseen interview illuminated the collaborative interplay between Nakamura and Kamiya. They initially collaborated on Okami, and subsequently on Bayonetta, where Nakamura provided substantial contributions to the game's design and world-building. Their partnership has been marked by mutual respect and creative synergy, with Nakamura frequently urging Kamiya to broaden his vision and improve the gameplay experience.

Nakamura recounted anecdotes from their Bayonetta collaboration, recalling how her concept art and ideas helped forge the game's unique style. Kamiya lauded her capacity to grasp and enhance his vision, underscoring the value of a team with shared objectives.

Despite departing Platinum Games in September of last year, Kamiya remains dedicated to game development and has no plans to retire. Nakamura remarked on the unusual nature of seeing Kamiya in an independent capacity, highlighting his passion and commitment to crafting memorable games. The interview concluded with both developers voicing their aspirations for future projects and their sustained wish to leave a lasting mark on the gaming industry.

The interview has produced considerable excitement among fans, who are keen to see sequels to Okami and Viewtiful Joe. The feasibility of these projects largely hinges on Capcom's willingness to partner. As Nakamura and Kamiya continue to inspire and enthrall their audience, the gaming community remains optimistic for official pronouncements and new entries in these cherished franchises.