Hideki Kamiya Expresses Desire to Create Sequels for Okami and Viewtiful Joe
Gamer hearts everywhere skipped a beat with the recent revelation that Hideki Kamiya, the visionary director behind action classics like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, yearns to revisit two beloved franchises – Okami and Viewtiful Joe. This news, sparked during an interview with fellow industry veteran Ikumi Nakamura, reignited a passionate fire within fan communities eager for continuations of these critically acclaimed titles.
A Legacy of Innovation: Kamiya’s Imprint on Gaming
Kamiya’s career trajectory is a testament to his dedication to crafting unique and exhilarating gaming experiences. His early work at Capcom yielded iconic titles like Devil May Cry, which established the “stylish action” genre with its emphasis on fluid combat and player expression. He later co-founded PlatinumGames, where he unleashed his creative force on titles like Bayonetta, a game that redefined the boundaries of action gaming with its over-the-top theatricality and empowering protagonist. Throughout his journey, two distinct titles stand out for their artistic merit and innovative gameplay – Okami and Viewtiful Joe.
Okami: A Brush with Artistic Brilliance
Released in 2006, Okami captured hearts with its breathtaking watercolor aesthetic and captivating narrative inspired by Japanese folklore. Players assumed the role of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, tasked with restoring the vibrant world of Nippon using a celestial brush. The game seamlessly blended action-adventure elements with innovative cel-shaded visuals that mimicked traditional Japanese brush painting. Despite critical acclaim, Okami’s commercial performance fell short of expectations, leaving the story of Amaterasu seemingly incomplete.
In his interview with Nakamura, Kamiya expressed his fervent desire to revisit Okami: “The story ended in the middle, so I don’t want to leave it as is.” He believes creators hold a responsibility to deliver sequels fans crave, and his words resonate deeply with those yearning for a continuation of Amaterasu’s journey. His plea, “Capcom, please let’s do this together.” rings out as a clarion call to action for the publisher to potentially greenlight an Okami 2.
Viewtiful Joe: A Stylish Beat-Em-Up Craving More Action
Viewtiful Joe, released in 2003, offered a distinct brand of stylish action. Players took control of Joe Viewtiful, a washed-up filmmaker empowered by a magical Hollywood movie camera. By utilizing special effects “films” like Slow and Mach Speed, players engaged in exhilarating beat-em-up combat with a unique visual twist. While the game garnered a devoted fanbase, its commercial success was limited.
Kamiya acknowledges the smaller fanbase of Viewtiful Joe, yet his passion for the title remains undimmed. He acknowledges the uphill battle in his own words: “I want to finish it. … The survey that Capcom did last time didn’t have Viewtiful Joe as an option, so I sent a response saying ‘I am Hideki Kamiya, let me make Viewtiful Joe’s sequel.’.” This anecdote highlights Kamiya’s unwavering commitment to both the franchise and his respect for the fans’ desire for a conclusion.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Future of Okami and Viewtiful Joe
Whether Kamiya’s pleas resonate with Capcom and lead to the development of Okami 2 and Viewtiful Joe 3 remains to be seen. However, the mere notion of these potential continuations has sparked an undeniable excitement within the gaming community. The prospect of revisiting these beloved worlds with fresh narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics is a tantalizing one.
The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, but the enduring legacy of Okami and Viewtiful Joe continues to inspire players and developers alike. With Hideki Kamiya championing these titles, there’s a flicker of hope that these cherished franchises might one day receive the sequels they deserve.
