Your wisecracking companion, Issun, can be overly wordy and he almost always tells you the answers to simple puzzles whether you like it or not. However, the experience is not without its flaws. The story is also a mix of somber moments and playful humor. It truly feels like its own cohesive world and it's a joy to explore whether you're slashing demons, feeding wildlife, or bringing trees back to life. The watercolor look is mystical and perfectly accompanied by the soothing sounds of traditional Japanese instruments. To be relaxing and to be epic are not antithetical concepts here. Okami has a distinct balance of destruction and construction not seen in many games. Making a bomb is one example of a destructive spell, but Okami has constructive ones as well. For example, in both games you can draw a circle with a line part way through it to create a bomb. If you are familiar Namco's DS action game Pac-Pix, you'll find its use of drawing to create objects is very similar. By drawing lines and shapes with this brush you can cast different spells. As a god, you have the ability to pause time and use what is called the Celestial Brush. Where it differs is in its use of magical powers.

Exploration is rewarded as you come across new items and side quests. You find yourself on a quest against a great evil and must complete various tasks that enhance your skills, let you access new areas, and allow you to challenge more foes.

It particularly resembles Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series. The structure of Okami doesn't stray far from other games in the genre. The game has finally arrived, and while it's not perfect by any means, it is a very polished and beautiful production overall. It has been a couple of years since Clover Studio's action-adventure game Okami was first unveiled, and many were left wondering if its design quality would live up to its unique visual style.

Developer: Clover Studio | Publisher: Capcom

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