The first word that comes to mind when I think of Capcom's Okami for Playstation 2 consists mainly of three letters: Wow.
Not simply because of the games illustrious mock 3D graphics, streamlined gameplay, witty dialogue or likeable characters.  With all of these elements combined, Amaterasu, the game's lupine protagonist, could certainly give a certain green-clad ocarina wielding hero a run for his money with her elegant attacks and powerful array of Divine Instruments and the ingenious Celestial Brush.  The game's first quest alone operates as a fully functional RPG with a variety of challenging puzzle bosses and a dramatic conclusion that leaves you feeling accomplished, satisfied and at the same time hungry for more.

Amaterasu herself makes for an interesting character as a goddess in the form of a wolf.  Her only true traveling companion is a 'bug' by the name of Issun, who fancies himself a wandering artist and offers tips and hints to Ammy throughout the game.  While acting also as the main source of the game's comic relief, Issun thankfully leaves the level of obnoxious-ness to a dull roar (quite a contrast to some of the tip-giving 'mascot' sidekicks of similar adventure titles).
The celestial brush itself is quite a marvel of ingenuity.  There was much skepticism as to why developer Clover chose to create the game for the Playstation 2 platform, but the tactic of using the R1 trigger to temporarily pause the game to 'paint' on the world's canvas-like environments and battle system is a pure stroke of outright genious.  Using skills such as Power Slash, Bloom and Ink Bullet to down powerful enemies, and the oft-times frustrating but highly effective (and even sometimes amusing) vine technique to solve puzzles and defeat the games astounding boss battles.  Other techniques turn night to day and vice verse, mend broken structures and pathways or create a strong gale of wind to whisk away refuse blocking secret doors and hidden treasures.   The mechanics of the brush would feel clumsy and awkward on anything but a Dual-Shockâ2 controller, diminishing the game's overall appeal given the ease of control that the controller gives to this feature.
While the game is heavily based upon Japanese mythology and legend, the storyline is highly approachable to gamers of all interests and skill levels with its learn-as-you-play intuitive tutorial structure, a much welcome feature in this age of hours-long introduction play and learning dialogue found in many current RPGs.  Okami is simply one of those adventure titles that can be picked up by anyone and enjoyed with minimal bantering from some NPC or tutorial screen that most could care less for.  The puzzles are simple enough that an individual new to the world of adventure gaming would not be daunted by them, yet at the same time challenging enough that veteran puzzlers can still have a sense of accomplishment in completing them.
Okami's overwhelming grace is a welcome addition to the collection of any PS2 owner with a sense of adventure, mystery and even a mild appreciation for legend and aesthetic.

-->[if !supportEmptyParas]-->  -->[endif]-->

Platform: Playstationâ2

Developer: Clover

Publisher: Capcom