Okami [PS2]

Every so often, a game comes along that simply reaches a new level in gameplay design and presentation values. It can be so finely crafted that it's easy to overlook any minor issues that may pop up over the course of the adventure. Okami is one of those games.

Designed as a retelling of an old Japanese myth, Okami tells the story of a great conflict between gods and demons of yore. An evil eight-headed demon named Orochi had terrorized the land for years, before it was sealed away in an epic battle that took its toll on both god and demon. Now, 100 years later, Orochi has been released and its evil unleashed across the land. To counter the threat, the sun goddess Amaterasu was revived. Taking the form of a snow white wolf, Amaterasu must master all 13 techniques of the Celestial Brush and once again vanquish Orochi from the world.

It is the Celestial Brush that stands at the center of Okami and defines the gameplay style as highly original. Because you are a goddess, you can use the brush to literally paint items into existence or eliminate an enemy with a single stroke. As they say, all of the world's a canvas and in this case it's not just a metaphor. Initially the brush techniques are limited and it takes some time to wrap your head around the concept, but once past the learning curve, using the brush becomes second nature. It's an excellent tool that integrates seamlessly into the game and never feels clunky or out of place.

Playing off the idea that the world is a painting come to life, Okami's visual style feels like a living piece of canvas. Story sequences play out as animated drawings and the game itself has the feel of a moving painting. It's an odd combination of cel-shading and animation, yet it looks like neither and is just as impressive to behold in still frames as it is when in motion. Much like Sony's own Shadow of the Colossus, Okami is a game whose visual presentation can be appreciated as pure art. Simply watching someone explore the world at large can be a breathtaking experience.

Large is an appropriate word to describe the world of Okami, as this isn't a game you're going to finish in a few hours. Despite the fact that the majority of today's adventures clock in at around 15 hours of gameplay, Okami didn't skimp on the action. Experienced players will spend around 30 hours making their way through the world, while the more casual gamer will get even more mileage. Though there are some moments of wandering around unsure of your next task, something is nearly always happening to keep the story moving forward.