Okami and the house
I ♥ meme: create an image of 9 things you currently really like, explain the things, and tag others so they can share some inspiration and positive vibes too.
Tagged:
mossygirlkazenokaitou
Taken fromroseice
I will do one too, ^_^
My dad working on the lighting in the kitchen
My brother Jonathon in the heating/air ducts
Jon again working on the stairs leading to the upper floor
Stairs from the family room/side view
Looking down the stairs at the front door.
My niece, Camille, making angels in the snow
All tired out
--
Okami
Published by: Capcom
Developed by: Ready At Dawn Studios / Clover Studio
Genre: Adventure
Release Date: April 15, 2008 (US)
MSRP: 40 USD
Forget that Okami is nearly two years old. Forget that the ridiculously epic adventure, inspired by the Zelda franchise, was originally developed for PlayStation 2 and meant to be played with an analog stick. And forget anything Capcom ever said about testing the waters with Wii. You need to buy Okami for Nintendo's system.
Okami for Wii is, as far as we're concerned, the best version of an outstanding game -- a title that is sure to resonate with system owners already delighted by The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Story
You play as the sun goddess Amaterasu, a wolf who has been awakened from a 100-year slumber and once more charged with the task to save the ancient Nippon world from a great and dark evil before it consumes the serene landscapes before her.
The story is told through cinematic cut-scenes and a visual presentation designed to very effectively mimic the style of traditional Japanese artistry -- specifically woodcut and water color paintings. This unique look is complemented by cel-shaded graphics and the result is nothing short of beautiful. Okami's makeup is stunningly original, gorgeous in every regard and amazingly varied. The word picturesque accurately describes the setting as Amaterasu runs through the spectacular, giant-sized locales, all seemingly out of a painting.
Cutscene where Ammy awakens a god
Graphics
It is simply one of Wii's best looking games, a truth solidified by the fact that the adventure arrives on the console with some visual enhancements, including all-new 480p (progressive scan) and 16:9 widescreen modes.
Yet, it's not without its graphic imperfections. The original version of Okami featured a very pronounced filter, which gave the impression that the Nippon world Amaterasu explored was rendered onto paper. The Wii iteration also includes the paper filter, but it is not nearly as obvious or noticeable -- it's much subtler and thus far less convincing, a disappointment since the filter actually added to the authentic presentation of the game.
running about town
Okami's framerate, meanwhile, often slowed down on PlayStation 2 and Ready at Dawn has made no attempt to improve the fluidity for the Wii build despite the fact that Nintendo's system is more powerful. The admittedly still-stunning adventure therefore remains hampered by regular fluidity dips in wide-open areas.
Music
We have to note that the game features a wonderful soundtrack that's both exceptionally moody and altogether catchy at the same time. The music is perfectly matched to the environments Amaterasu explores and your major accomplishments are rewarded with amazing compositions that trace cinematic sequences which show off nature's splendor. You will get caught up in the moment. Of course, the aural presentation runs in Dolby Pro Logic II on Nintendo's console.
The Zelda that's not Zelda?
Okami really does feel like Capcom's stab at a Zelda-like adventure and, to be sure, the game shares so much in common with Twilight Princess that it's eerie. Take, for example, that both offer gargantuan overworlds and epic quests, sport similar control schemes, include similar character-building mechanics, and even star heroes who are (at least temporarily, in Zelda's case) wolves. Of course, if Capcom really is tipping its hat to Nintendo's beloved series -- Okami's director has said on more than one occasion that he's a huge fan of the Zelda franchise -- more power to it. It is,after all, one of the best around and if nothing else, its template is worthy of copying.
The thing is, despite what you may think at first glance, the developer has really created a unique and wholeheartedly engaging experience that stands and succeeds outside of Nintendo's own. And whereas many critics complained that Twilight Princess felt like the same old Zelda, Okami by comparison feels fresh, in large part because of its original visual style and unique gameplay hooks.
Controls
Amaterasu is tightly controlled through the gargantuan world with the nunchuk's analog stick and the Wii remote is used for waggle-based attacks and dives. Do these gestures make for a more interactive or enjoyable experience? No, not really. Are they broken? Also, no. But if you hated the waggle motions in Twilight Princess, you won't like these either. If, on the other hand, you were fine with the controls in Nintendo's adventure, you will again be fine with Okami's selection. We will note, though, that attacking enemies with Okami's waggle requires more precise timing than swiping with Link's sword. If you get the timing down, you'll be deadly. If not, Amaterasu will be left open to attacks.
There's a definite deficiency to the new Wii controls, but thankfully it relates to an unnecessary maneuver which can be purchased as you advance through the game. Truly, honesty, you don't need the move, which is why this shortcoming is a little easier to forgive.
in a boss fight
But on the other hand, Wii owners do receive Okami with a fantastic control improvement that does directly relate to integral maneuvers in the game. We're referring, of course, to the celestial brush.
using the celestial brush
Controlling the brush with PS2's analog stick worked just fine, mind you, but it was also a slow and meticulous process. On Wii, that's no longer the case. Not only can you very quickly use the Wii remote's IR-based pointer to whip out illustrations, which in turn translate to attacks and special moves, but you will rarely, if ever, sacrifice accuracy. Draw a strike through trees and you'll cut right through them. Draw a circle around dead trees and they'll bloom. Draw a circle with a fuse and you'll summon an on-screen bomb. Wind gusts. Zip lines. Fire and water. They're all effortlessly manipulated with Nintendo's remote. Frankly, the Wii controls are so good that they change the whole pace of the game -- a process that was previously slow and meticulous is suddenly very quick; so speedy, in fact, that you will find yourself using the brush whenever possible, at any opportunity, and so much more than you ever would have with an analog stick.
Closing Comments
f you have never played Okami before, you are in for an amazingly beautiful and awe-inspiringly epic adventure that simply must not be missed on Nintendo's console, particularly if you like games like Zelda. The title oozes charm and style from the opening credits and the Wii additions truly enhance the experience. Now, you can play the game in 480p and 16:9 widescreen, and you can do so using the Wii remote, which controls Amaterasu's celestial brush with a level of speed and accuracy never before possible. It's implemented so triumphantly that it actually changes the pace of the game, effectively speeding everything up.
Of course, there are some considerations, too -- first and foremost being that if you've restored Nippon before on PlayStation 2, you will not find any new content -- story, puzzles, power-ups, weapons, etc. -- waiting for you in the Wii version. This is disappointing since Okami's been out for nearly two years now. Meanwhile, not all of the control tweaks are for the better. The nunchuk-mapped dodge move, for instance, feels much worse. And the pronounced paper filter in the PS2 build is less visible the Wii version -- a visual shortcoming, as far as I'm concerned.
IGN gave Okami a 9.0, getting a 9.0 on everything but lasting appeal, which still got an 8.5.
Wah...they keep making me want to get the Wii version more and more...
>_<
Tagged:
mossygirlkazenokaitouTaken from
roseiceI will do one too, ^_^
My dad working on the lighting in the kitchen
My brother Jonathon in the heating/air ducts
Jon again working on the stairs leading to the upper floor
Stairs from the family room/side view
Looking down the stairs at the front door.
My niece, Camille, making angels in the snow
All tired out
--
Okami
Published by: Capcom
Developed by: Ready At Dawn Studios / Clover Studio
Genre: Adventure
Release Date: April 15, 2008 (US)
MSRP: 40 USD
Forget that Okami is nearly two years old. Forget that the ridiculously epic adventure, inspired by the Zelda franchise, was originally developed for PlayStation 2 and meant to be played with an analog stick. And forget anything Capcom ever said about testing the waters with Wii. You need to buy Okami for Nintendo's system.
Okami for Wii is, as far as we're concerned, the best version of an outstanding game -- a title that is sure to resonate with system owners already delighted by The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Story
You play as the sun goddess Amaterasu, a wolf who has been awakened from a 100-year slumber and once more charged with the task to save the ancient Nippon world from a great and dark evil before it consumes the serene landscapes before her.
The story is told through cinematic cut-scenes and a visual presentation designed to very effectively mimic the style of traditional Japanese artistry -- specifically woodcut and water color paintings. This unique look is complemented by cel-shaded graphics and the result is nothing short of beautiful. Okami's makeup is stunningly original, gorgeous in every regard and amazingly varied. The word picturesque accurately describes the setting as Amaterasu runs through the spectacular, giant-sized locales, all seemingly out of a painting.
Cutscene where Ammy awakens a god
Graphics
It is simply one of Wii's best looking games, a truth solidified by the fact that the adventure arrives on the console with some visual enhancements, including all-new 480p (progressive scan) and 16:9 widescreen modes.
Yet, it's not without its graphic imperfections. The original version of Okami featured a very pronounced filter, which gave the impression that the Nippon world Amaterasu explored was rendered onto paper. The Wii iteration also includes the paper filter, but it is not nearly as obvious or noticeable -- it's much subtler and thus far less convincing, a disappointment since the filter actually added to the authentic presentation of the game.
running about town
Okami's framerate, meanwhile, often slowed down on PlayStation 2 and Ready at Dawn has made no attempt to improve the fluidity for the Wii build despite the fact that Nintendo's system is more powerful. The admittedly still-stunning adventure therefore remains hampered by regular fluidity dips in wide-open areas.
Music
We have to note that the game features a wonderful soundtrack that's both exceptionally moody and altogether catchy at the same time. The music is perfectly matched to the environments Amaterasu explores and your major accomplishments are rewarded with amazing compositions that trace cinematic sequences which show off nature's splendor. You will get caught up in the moment. Of course, the aural presentation runs in Dolby Pro Logic II on Nintendo's console.
The Zelda that's not Zelda?
Okami really does feel like Capcom's stab at a Zelda-like adventure and, to be sure, the game shares so much in common with Twilight Princess that it's eerie. Take, for example, that both offer gargantuan overworlds and epic quests, sport similar control schemes, include similar character-building mechanics, and even star heroes who are (at least temporarily, in Zelda's case) wolves. Of course, if Capcom really is tipping its hat to Nintendo's beloved series -- Okami's director has said on more than one occasion that he's a huge fan of the Zelda franchise -- more power to it. It is,after all, one of the best around and if nothing else, its template is worthy of copying.
The thing is, despite what you may think at first glance, the developer has really created a unique and wholeheartedly engaging experience that stands and succeeds outside of Nintendo's own. And whereas many critics complained that Twilight Princess felt like the same old Zelda, Okami by comparison feels fresh, in large part because of its original visual style and unique gameplay hooks.
Controls
Amaterasu is tightly controlled through the gargantuan world with the nunchuk's analog stick and the Wii remote is used for waggle-based attacks and dives. Do these gestures make for a more interactive or enjoyable experience? No, not really. Are they broken? Also, no. But if you hated the waggle motions in Twilight Princess, you won't like these either. If, on the other hand, you were fine with the controls in Nintendo's adventure, you will again be fine with Okami's selection. We will note, though, that attacking enemies with Okami's waggle requires more precise timing than swiping with Link's sword. If you get the timing down, you'll be deadly. If not, Amaterasu will be left open to attacks.
There's a definite deficiency to the new Wii controls, but thankfully it relates to an unnecessary maneuver which can be purchased as you advance through the game. Truly, honesty, you don't need the move, which is why this shortcoming is a little easier to forgive.
in a boss fight
But on the other hand, Wii owners do receive Okami with a fantastic control improvement that does directly relate to integral maneuvers in the game. We're referring, of course, to the celestial brush.
using the celestial brush
Controlling the brush with PS2's analog stick worked just fine, mind you, but it was also a slow and meticulous process. On Wii, that's no longer the case. Not only can you very quickly use the Wii remote's IR-based pointer to whip out illustrations, which in turn translate to attacks and special moves, but you will rarely, if ever, sacrifice accuracy. Draw a strike through trees and you'll cut right through them. Draw a circle around dead trees and they'll bloom. Draw a circle with a fuse and you'll summon an on-screen bomb. Wind gusts. Zip lines. Fire and water. They're all effortlessly manipulated with Nintendo's remote. Frankly, the Wii controls are so good that they change the whole pace of the game -- a process that was previously slow and meticulous is suddenly very quick; so speedy, in fact, that you will find yourself using the brush whenever possible, at any opportunity, and so much more than you ever would have with an analog stick.
Closing Comments
f you have never played Okami before, you are in for an amazingly beautiful and awe-inspiringly epic adventure that simply must not be missed on Nintendo's console, particularly if you like games like Zelda. The title oozes charm and style from the opening credits and the Wii additions truly enhance the experience. Now, you can play the game in 480p and 16:9 widescreen, and you can do so using the Wii remote, which controls Amaterasu's celestial brush with a level of speed and accuracy never before possible. It's implemented so triumphantly that it actually changes the pace of the game, effectively speeding everything up.
Of course, there are some considerations, too -- first and foremost being that if you've restored Nippon before on PlayStation 2, you will not find any new content -- story, puzzles, power-ups, weapons, etc. -- waiting for you in the Wii version. This is disappointing since Okami's been out for nearly two years now. Meanwhile, not all of the control tweaks are for the better. The nunchuk-mapped dodge move, for instance, feels much worse. And the pronounced paper filter in the PS2 build is less visible the Wii version -- a visual shortcoming, as far as I'm concerned.
IGN gave Okami a 9.0, getting a 9.0 on everything but lasting appeal, which still got an 8.5.
Wah...they keep making me want to get the Wii version more and more...
>_<
