PS2 version:
- Paper effect is artful and unique, faithful to developer's original intentions.
- Details are crisp and steady, particularly with graphics smoothing on a PS3 (this simultaneously results in a progressive scan signal).
- Colors are NOT overly washed out, they seem just right.
- Tasteful amount of bloom lighting effects perfectly enhance the dreamlike aesthetic.
- Bloom and other lighting tricks, as well as the paper effect, skillfully mask any moments where on-screen elements lack detail (such as when Amaterasu is far off in the distance).
- All of the controls work, controller is comfortable, and brush gestures are so simple that the thumbsticks are more than adequate.

Wii version:
- Paper effect is virtually nonexistent, rendering the style much more like a cartoon or cell shaded game such as Windwaker.
- Colors are more saturated than necessary, No bloom lighting at all, total absence of the dreamlike aesthetic established by the PS2 version. In general, looks more like a cartoon, loses the depth (three-dimensionality) of the PS2's presentation.
- Graphical details are FLICKERY and unpleasant, text is blurry. Hard to believe it's actually running in progressive scan. Amaterasu looks awful when far off in the distance.
- Having to wave the Wii remote for simple attacks seems counter-intuitive (as opposed to using it to wave Link's sword in Twilight Princess, which at least matched the spirit of the on-screen action).
- Several often-used buttons of the Wii remote are in extremely awkward positions (the cross-pad for moving the camera, the buttons for accessing the map and item screen).
- Feels nice to use the Wii remote to control the brush. But the brush tasks are so simple, doesn't take advantage of the abilities of the Wii (it wasn't designed to!).
- Widescreen is nice, but doesn't make up for the other graphical shortcomings AT ALL.

Equipment: 50" Samsung DLP (1080p), Wii connected via component at 480p, PS3 (graphics smoothing "on", upscaling "off") connected via HDMI at 480p.

Mischaraka

I haven't played the PS2 version in a long time, but after playing on Wii for a couple hours, I have to say I totally agree with skitzogreg's initial remarks regarding the unpleasant blurriness of the Wii version on a large TV. I have a 50" Samsung DLP which looks fantastic with most games. By way of comparison, I've been playing the first two Metroid Primes using the Wii, hooked up with component cables and running in progressive scan, and I think they look stunning considering their age and the size of my TV. Okami for Wii, in contrast, is downright flickery, even though it's also progressive scan. I should've realized that the paper effect would be important to me (purist that I am). On Wii I literally can't notice it at all, which then gives the game a sort of chunky version of Windwaker-like cell shadedness. Honestly I think the port is a travesty of the original game's intended artistic vision. I like widescreen plenty, but in this case I will actually abandon it in favor of the original game.

Keep in mind that I also have a launch PS3 which, with graphics smoothing switched on, makes all PS2 games look utterly fantastic (it not only smoothes everything, but automatically renders in progressive scan as well). So yeah, it pretty much should've been obvious to me in retrospect, that the original, paper-like game in graphics smoothed prog. scan through HDMI (even if 4:3) would be the right choice for me, but I just had no idea the Wii version would look so disappointing. PLUS, I have to say that I find the controls aggravating..... not the motion controls, but the idiotic placement of all those often-used buttons on the Wii remote (as compared to DS2/DS3/Sixaxis). I shouldn't have to stretch my thumb down there just to look at the map or item screen, for chrissakes....

Mischaraka

FISSIONMAILEDGF

ali_g_84uk

Murmaider

Wii disadvantages:
1)combos can be tedious at times since you must precisely time waggle
2)fleetfoot is incredibly imprecise

Annoyances with both PS2 and Wii versions:
1)camera can sometimes be a little wonky.

All in all, I'd say if you have it on ps2, there's no sense in buying it on Wii, but if you've never played it, definitely buy it for Wii.

phor11

Either way, you're getting a delicious ice cream sundae, and those taste even better when you're not punching someone in the face, or getting punched in the face. /endrant

Murmaider

DeeBG

DiabloTerrorGF

Okami should of stayed the IP of Seeds/PlatinumGames.

DiabloTerrorGF

ArgentAngel

DeeBG

I got both versions and I must say the Wii's controls are pissing me off. I guess that is because I NEVER liked it in the first place all the waggling and such but it gets to me...

Ario Reads Kotaku, Seems Pleased

kingmanic

Same LCD TV, both consoles through component cables, and it looks infinitely better to me on the Wii. Hubby even said at one point "god, that's pretty enough to be a 360 game." The controls could be better, but they're not horrible.

I'm 38hrs in w/no signs of stopping any time soon.

tr67

Knoxximus (360/PSN)

People, if you own Wii, if you have never played this game, if you have a brain, go buy this amazing game. There is no way you will regret it. And if you do... I'm not sure what to say. I'm guessing if it is "blurry" that is your TVs fault because I've been playing it with component cables on a wide 60 inch rear projection TV and I have seen absolutely no blurriness. It's actually sharper for me with them as compared to when I used the composite.

Buy. Okami. Do it now. This game needs support. And if it doesn't do well, we'll never see another Okami, No More Heroes, Zack and Wiki, Dewy's Adventure again. If you don't buy it, enjoy your fucking Carnival Games for the rest of eternity because that's all you're going to get.

Leminnes

kurokotetsu

I blame Capcom for us losing an amazing studio in Clover. They refused to market Okami properly on the PS2 (with a HUGE installed base) and later look to cash in on the GIMMICK of the Wii and Wiimote (Yes, I went there). Add to this the facts of disc read errors, weak controls on the Wii and losing the TRUE artistic styling of the original and it is even more of a shame.

Still boggles my mind why they let this masterpiece die on the PS2.

Thousandfaces

Also that vid can't be right. The PS2 version was NEVER that washed out at all!

Sailorcancer

Blah8

Lezard

Mearns

You have to draw them in a certain way -- the shape itself it's as important. You can try making an 'upside down C' and close it. Iirc it's always clockwise from the bottom -- well actually I think it changes with region. Some strokes aren't the same across regions.

Mongoosekun

Also get the PS2 version for the tighter control scheme after you play the Wii edition. ;)

Mongoosekun

katboi

auberondreaming

I'll be picking up a copy of this as soon as I can.

WolvenOne

Benjo

Anyhow, this is definitely in the top 5 list of games that I'd buy if I had a Wii.

... I have a list like that. Really. Unfortunately, not enough titles to make a top 10.

Candlejack

sitsalot

valhum

It looks like GT has a filter or something on the PS2 version.

ephesus3

WTF...?

But anywayz, it BETTER look a lot better on the wii. It's been a good amount of years since the game first came out, afterall.

Anywayz, yeah. Definitely picking up the wii version.

YUYU

TheTheTheTheWhat

EgoMonk

I haven't played Okami yet so I might buy it for Wii but to be honest the supposed length of the game is really unappealing.

EgoMonk

Vidunder

mccheesey

jtanz0

Mink_Car

Angryrider

TowerOfSaints

Kung

Now on to my feelings on the Wii version vs the PS2 version. I have not bought the Wii version yet (No income at the moment so can't afford a new game) but judging from this video I will say this: Parts of the Wii version DO look better, but other parts I feel lose some of the I guess you could say 'mysticalness' of it all.

It looks like overall the glowing for things like Amaterasu have all but vanished, the game looks more crisp but less vibrant. The glow in the game gave the flowers and trees and Amaterasu herself sort of a lively feeling of warmth, which is now gone. Also it seems that the gamma settings for the game have been altered as many parts appear darker. The widescreen is nice and the crispness is nice but it seems to have lost some of its flavor. The Celestial Brush screen for example, in the original displayed an almost sketch like version of whatever you currently were looking at, whereas the new screen appears to be much more defined and loses the feeling of looking at an incomplete painting that you must fix.

Overall I feel I most likely will eventually re-buy Okami for the Wii (especially as I loaned my PS2 version to someone who never gave it back *cry*) but I don't think that the magic of the first version is still all there.

EternalStar

CRT TV's have better picture quality compared to LCD tv's they can deal with fine detail and fast movement better than LCD, just because they are newer doesn't mean they are better

JUFONUK

Also... having read about the removal of the nice paper texture for the Wii version, as well as the shitty non-option Wii gesture controls... this has turned out to be a very disappointing port. Shame.

kiigan

that is a horrible pun, you should be ashamed ;P

I hate that GT always fucks up the color on sony systems. I think its partially so that it's easier to see which screen is which game but still, they should put a disclaimer in that case or something.

I can't wait to get this game, though it sounds like maybe I should maybe wait a few weeks. I never got very far on the ps2 version then I had to sell it to be able to eat that week :/

also random question, they were showing this in widescreen format, did the ps2 version have an option for widescreen?

demonknightinuyasha

LordChris915

Puzzle

I unfortunately haven't got a working PS2, so the decision is made a lot easier.

syl1985

chiefpoopingpants

SO I WILL.

Ryumeka

The biggest issue I have about the Wii version is the the attack registration. No I'm not shaking it like a fucking maniac, but a lot of my attacks don't register when I move the wiimote, in fact I end up winning the battle spamming power slash since the damn thing doesn't hit.

Tenrow

Your either drawing it too big or too small.

Don't make it so small that it just surrounds the edge of the flower. Don't make it so big that it takes up half the screen.

Make sure it's closed

Hell I got away with making a generic circular heartshaped circle

Tenrow

The game deserves to be on another console since no one bought it for Ps2, I like how everyone praises the Ps2 version, yet it's among the worst selling games in capcom history. Do you really own it? or are you just flaming? You are putting down CAPCOM, not Nintendo, if this game does equally bad (I bet it's not) these guys will be done for good, or at least go into the Megaman branch of CAPCOM... grow up people...

VakeroRokero

Chris3000

I dunno. I have some huge issues with the Wii port. It really should have been flawless but it seems like they just screwed it up in some fundamental ways. I really find it depressing since I love Okami and am something of a Nintendo fanboy.


...and don't even get me started on how the waggle attacks in battles don't work unless you have PERFECT timing.

Monsieur Fap★Fap!

orangewarp

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Aurom

Buy it ASAP, the game really does deserve all the praise it gets. When originally released it was (and still it) a far better game than Twilight Princess. Okami is one of those games that is far more than the sum of its parts. The graphics, sound, and storyline all come together to create an experience that really needs to be experienced to be understood. Though some may complain about the "instanced" combat, I found that the fights and dungeons were far more interesting and organic that Twilight Princess' rather sterile and boring world. To sum it up, the graphics demonstrate fairly conclusivly that art direction>>graphics, the soundtrack is amazing and very thematically appropriate, the story is great, and the game is truly an experiance that should not be missed.

Powerlurker

RaepGoblin

z357x

At any rate, one day I'll pick this game up and give it ago, it looks like a brilliant gem.

jiSh

bobtheduck

bobtheduck

def PD

fourzerofour

Kotaku's Silent Assassin

AdamWest

ryanfrost

Sandldan

It looks great on my HD set. It's most likely your TV not getting along well with the game. I'm guessing your set is an LCD?

First, some big HD sets do 480P very nicely, some do not. Generally, LCDs can have problems at anything other than their native resolution.

Second, many, if not MOST LCDs have problems with rapid motion. My buddy has a gorgeous 52 in Samsung LCD and he gets irate because watching soccer you can see the blur of the ball moving. Okami has a lot of graphical motion that can make havoc on even the highest end LCD. This is a problem most other games wont have due to the way the graphics on Okami are all over the place in ways other games are not.

But anyway, let me assure you, it's not the game and it's not the Wii because it looks fantastic on my HD setup. So don't feel compelled to "warn" people.

That being said, obviously a 480P signal is going to be pushing its limits on any TVs larger than 32 inches, but if you've got a good upscaler and good native resolution band pass filter, it should still look damn good unless you've got the aforementioned LCD blurring going on.

subnet6

MURDERFACE

I was concerned about the mixed feelings that several reviewers had about the Wii controls but now having spent a couple hours with the game, I am happy to report that the controls work just fine and they are responsive. Plus, the game looks great on the Wii.

Motion control works well and more responsive. Although, I have only used the standard ramming attack so far.

The celestial brush mechanic also works well and is fast, intuitive and responsive. The only problem is that the game can be picky about accepting your drawings, but they don't have to be drawn perfectly. In fact, the game is pretty forgiving in that you can draw oval shapes instead of circles and chances are, the game will accept it. Drawing lines is easier to do and you can hold down the Z button to let the brush mechanic automatically draw a straight line for you. Basically, you do need to take your time when using the celestial brush and you need a steady hand.

Get Okami for the Wii.You won't have any regrets.

Killer7

eviltower01

I'm thinking that whoever ported the game just didn't want the paper-effect to be as prominent.

dowingba

choirovwolves

TheUsedVersion

KingBroly

Buy this game! Support Okami!
Have Faith =)

Beyene

Mii

Agies

Sure looks like it to me.

gravytoast

skitzogreg

Exactly. People, please know what you're whining about before you whine about it XD

I remember the PS2 version looking specifically like that, more washed out, water-colored, and desaturated. Some might like that look. Me? I prefer the vibrancy of the Wii's version. That and 16:9/480p.

gravytoast

Kado

aelfin

That's sad, I really liked the liquid inky effect.

xvkarbear

hmmmmmm......

LittleBigPlaneteer

Dunno about the controls though...

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

My case is as follows. I feel that Clover fine-tuned the visuals to what they were for a reason. I don't think that they weren't crisp because of hardware limitations - I think that they weren't crisp because they weren't meant to be. They were meant to be fluid and flowing.

The same goes for the brightness of the colors. The popping colors of the Wii version is very offsetting to me, pulling me right out of the ancient watercolor feel of the game...

phnord

Okami is so much better than twilight princess.

Mpalm.

Just make sure you close the loop when drawing a circle.

Silent Predator

Mpalm.

My version has worked perfectly and looks beautiful so I guess I lucked out.

Silent Predator

Lezard

youngmike99

Swift_

elislider

VixDiesel

TheHun

Jilkon

DaiMacculate

JokesJokes

David Sikes

skitzogreg

Eliwood

Are you saying Kingdom Hearts/2 looked washed out?

gravytoast

xanxus

And yet, GameTrailers isn't using an LCD. They're using a capture card, most likely the BlackMagic.

Also, if you paid more than $500 for your LCD TV, chances are there's little to no color difference with a CRT. In fact, it's customizable. My Sony Bravia XBR4 is an amazing LCD. Absolutely love it.

gravytoast

I know the difference, trust me, I have 2 LCDs, 4 CRT monitors, 2 CRT TVs (one 13, one 21 in), and a Samsung DLP.

Its why I don't complain about Wii games on the DLP, I'm aware of why they look better on screens with a 480p native mode.

I also said the LCD was better because to test it, we put several DVDs in the Xbox and PS2. The DVDs looked better than the games in question. It also wasn't all the PS2 games, but it was more obvious when you compared games that were so comparable.

I owned all 3 systems, so I'm not hating on the PS2, but yeah it just seemed like a general weakness. Heck the DC had richer colors on many games IMO.

DaiMacculate

Explain to me how that makes sense?

I can plug in a game using composite cables, looks the same color wise. I can plug it in again with component, and yes it's sharper, but it's still the same color wise.

How does "LAWL HE HAS IT HOOKED UP BY COMPONENT AND COMPOSITE" mean anything? There isn't a drastic color difference from using the two outputs, and what if he's using composite or component on both?

I doubt GameTrailers capture card would screw up a color-signal that much. Besides, the PS2 version DID look like that. You're probably just colorblind :P lol

gravytoast

ceokhan

TOCATL

mfuriusultor

It looks about the same on both systems, and I hope to eventually own it on both, but I already have it on PS2.

The most important point to remember is this: It doesn't matter which system you have. This game is a must-have. Pick the system you want it on and get it.

Fierfaerie

mfuriusultor

Murmaider

Remember, the original Okami had a filter to make the whole thing look like it was on parchment, giving it a slightly washed out look on purpose -- it looked fantastic.

They were unable to do the same thing on the Wii giving it much brighter colors, but losing that cool effect.

They look different primarily because of the filter -- otherwise, it's the same.

jayntampa

Hell, I don't even remember why I stopped playing it.

armchairnixon sees you doing that thing there...

Clover intended this game to look a tad washed out, like a Japanese ukiyo-e print.

Wii version is missing the liquid ink effect as well.

mast3r_blast3r

But alas, the game is actually made to be that way. I do feel the blur takes away from the game a bit.. Not that easy on the eyes when you have a 40+ screen sitting a couple feet away from you. Than again, the game is pretty solid and the lore/story is just amazing.

mr_dimsum

Deviation59

Maybe.

Murmaider

KingBroly

Murmaider

Deviation59

The only possible thing I can see people disliking isn't so much the disc as it is the controls. Getting combos with the waggle is a bit difficult until you get used to the timing.

JChaos

Sanibel

M

JoRo1986

Zerozaki Ishiki

skitzogreg

kylo4

First of all, asking if my settings are correct on my Wii and TV is a good question. To answer that, yes they are. I do understand that the 480p signal is slightly distorted by HDTV's, but my other Wii games don't look this bad. I just really expected a little more, but I guess I can't be too picky.

skitzogreg

I haven't played this game on either PS2 or Wii yet, so I can't speak to either version in person, but I thought in some ways it looked sharper on the PS2 side, so I don't see how the Wii video is much better, the gamma is just different basically. Positives and negatives to both, probably.

Other than skitzogreg, who obviously didn't care for it, how do others feel about the Wii port? If its that bad I'll consider just getting this game for PS2 when I have a spare moment to play it ;)

DaiMacculate

Jaysunli

Um, yeah it does. It's more desaturated and so it looks more papery. Why the hell would GameTrailers fake this? "OH LOL LET'S MAKE AN OKAMI COMPARISON AND TOTALLY SCREW IT UP FOR SHITS AND GIGGLES". Where has the logic gone?

gravytoast

mr_dimsum

mr_dimsum

JoRo1986

Either way, getting the Wii version.

i_9

While I'm posting, I can't get past the bit where you have to draw five circles as the elder dances. Anyone have any tips on how to trick the crappy hit detection into recognizing circles more often? The circles I'm drawing look fine to me, and I can't figure out why it won't accept them.

Zerozaki Ishiki

on this video the Wii version looks a lot richer but both look good.

TT

JRONJR

Jeff Paine

RTW

skitzogreg

TOWER_JUNKIE

It's not to say there wasn't a couple other differences, but I declare shenanigans.

homerj

But then again, GT never tweaks anything for their TV or for the console, so it's never running at maximum performance.

Al2x

Oh yeah, I went there.

Mordraug

LittleBigPlaneteer

Jim Reilly

GwennBlackfeather