Okami

There is quite a distinction to be regarding video game graphics between the technical and artistic sides of what makes up a games overall look. The technical detail of the graphics is composed of things like the depth of detail of the models, dynamic rendering, use of lighting effects etc. Games like Gran Turismo are almost entirely composed of this technical side of graphics, ie the photo realistic replications of cars and driving conditions.

Then there are games like Okami, where the graphics are mostly focused on the artistic side, the creation of original styles, environments and characters. Games like Ico, Warcraft, Zelda, Sly Racoon and others are really showcasing how the video game medium can be used to produce great examples of art and design, not just technology. Ultimately I believe it is the artistic side that is of more interest and importance. Graphics technologies will always be advancing, but the artistic side of the game is much more timeless and unique.

Okami takes place in an eastern style country, where the world is slowly losing its life. You play the sun god in the form of a white wolf, who tries to bring the life back by defeating monsters and completing tasks. This is mostly done by the use of the celestial brush, which can paint directly onto the world, whether to change time, control nature or materialize objects. The control scheme for this introduces an element of calligraphy into the game as the player directly draws the brush shapes to perform different effects.

The style of the game is that of sumi-e painting, a 3000 year old art form. Originating from China, it began in the form of 'wash painting', and was later introduced to Japan and developed into 'black ink painting'. Okami, utilizes the traditional form of sumi-e, giving each character the same strong, bold linework found in sumi-è calligraphy. Not only is each character outlined in such a manner, but also shimmers like a living drawing, giving Okami an uncommon, lifelike quality, that meshes perfectly with Amaterasu's hand-animated wolf-like idiosyncrasies.

Fortunately, the game isn't only visually stunning, but also great to play as well. I reccommend checking out a video of it, the style looks much more impressive in motion.

This entry was posted by Philip, on Monday, September 25. You can leave your response.