OKAMI HD

A CULT FAVOURITE GETS A MAKEOVER, BUT DOES IT DESERVE ITS CLASSIC STATUS? $49.95 | PC, PS4, XO, PS3, PS2, Wii www.okami-game.com

The languid storytelling of the intro is a patience test: if you can sit through it without fidgeting, then you’re perfectly qualified for the sweeping, serenely-paced saga that follows. Okami is an adventure to sink into and luxuriate in. It’s not a game you can play in bite-sized pieces, but rather one to clear long evenings and weekends for. It’s arguably indulgent to a fault: you’ll probably be ready for it to be over comfortably before it actually ends, but in a way, that’s in keeping with the game’s generosity of spirit. And goodness, it’s still beautiful. The HD treatment means it looks a little crisper, but it mostly serves as a reminder that gorgeous, distinctive art design will always outlast attempts at photorealism. This folkloric vision of Nippon is a world of thick, inky lines and great washes of colour. At first, however, they’re murky and muted: the land has been blighted by the return of an ancient malevolent demon, and, as a white wolf inspirited by the sun goddess, you’re asked to sort things out. The results of your efforts are so joyous you’ll want to clear up every last bit of malingering evil. With the help of a divine brush, you can physically paint over the bad stuff in the world: bold strokes and swirls of ink produce cascades of cherry blossoms and rushing waves of blooms that race across the ground like an unstoppable wave. Okami feels refreshed. It’s locked at 30fps, which suits the game but will no doubt disappoint some. Beyond that, it offers a range of resolutions, up to 4K, but not much else besides. If you’re more of an explorer than a fighter, don’t worry: combat is rarely a roadblock, and many encounters are optional. And away from the critical path, there’s plenty to find. There’s something in the way Okami directly involves you in the telling of its story that feels strangely magical. Classic? Yes.